Kelsey Marie Butler
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KELSEY BUTLER, 24
Founder of HomeBound Books, a nonprofit organization that provides bookshelves full of books placed in local grade schools for no-strings-attached access to bring reading home; UNFoundation Grant winner; News Channel 12 "Do The Right Thing" winner; VP of Education for North Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce; bartender at The Feed Co. Table and Tavern; bachelor's degree in early childhood education.
What is your anthem or theme song?
"Fearless," by Jasmine Murray.
If you were a musician, what would your stage or band name be?
School Revival.
If you were starting a band, who from your life would you pick to be in it and why?
Dad on bass, the steady voice of reason; mom on drums, the beat that holds it together; big sister on tambourine, the constant rhythm; twin sister on lead guitar, the creative inspiration; the rest of my friends and family as backup vocals and dancing, of course.
Which member of the band would you be?
Lead singer. I can already hear people who know me laughing, because I actually can't sing for anything. But I do feel like that role fits me best, so for this article, we'll pretend I have pipes like Whitney Houston.
If you achieved rock star status, what would you hope it would be for?
Creating a Common Core education plan that did not rely solely on standardized testing, but instead had a testing plan for each separate learning style to ensure ALL children equal opportunities to be, and more importantly, feel successful.
Random green room demand?
Cheese and wine. String cheese, to be exact.
Who are your top influencers (not necessarily musically)?
Memaw, aka, Mrs. Hanley. She is now retired after teaching for 43 years. Seeing the impact she was able to make in those 43 years is what led me to my passion today. The students I met during my time observing and working in the elementary schools while in college ensured me that I was on the right path. They taught me so much, and they gave me the confidence and drive to start HomeBound Books. Because of those kids, I know that my calling to do whatever I can for their development and success will continue to grow.
Which musical style best describes your personality?
Alternative.
Who would write the soundtrack to your life and why?
I think the only person that could write the soundtrack to my life would be myself. I do it every day. Each new experience is the next big hit, the "ehh, not your best ever," or the "toss that in the trash and try again" song.
First album you bought for yourself?
I'm going to be honest with you all and tell you that I did have a mild obsession with Ricky Martin in my younger years. There may or may not have been an entire calendar of him hanging above my bunk bed
If you could change one thing about Chattanooga, what would it be?
Increased equity in our schools.
To what cause would you donate the proceeds from your first benefit concert?
HomeBound Books: Bringing Reading Back Home!!