Namesake

On May 3, 1992, Thunderbird Hills Elementary was renamed Lawrence Powell Elementary. This renaming was in honor of the 36 years that Lawrence Powell dedicated to educating children. Twenty-six of those years were spent in Northside School District.

Lawrence Powell is a native of Houston and was born on Nov. 7, 1927. He married Bobbie Erfurth in 1952 and had three children. In 1953, he earned his bachelor of science degree from Trinity University and his master of education degree in 1966 from Sul Ross State College in Alpine, Texas. Powell served as Principal of Thunderbird Hills from 1974-1989.

Former Superintendent Jack Jordan recommended changing the name of Thunderbird Hills to the Board of Trustees. In his recommendation, Jordan described Powell as a "quiet, thoughtful, unassuming individual who cares about everyone and who has touched many lives. Mr. Powell has dedicated his life to promoting a healthy learning environment for children, and it is fitting that the school to which he dedicated his life is named for him."

Powell passed away in May 2013.