7/9/2008 10:26:00 AM 'Teen Services wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you' ‘Teen Services wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you’
“Wind beneath my wings”: During the Teen Services award ceremony Olga Scott thanked her husband, former Premier Alex Scott, for his support over the years. She said: “He has been the wind beneath my wings and given me tremendous support. His parents have also supported me greatly and been so good to me over the years. I feel extremely blessed.” *Photos by Helen Jardine
Moved to tears: In front of her mother, husband and former Premier Alex Scott and Teen Services colleagues, Olga Scott was recognized for her work with young people through education, motivation and counselling.
Bermuda's former first lady Olga Scott wiped away the tears as she was honoured for 'making a difference' to the island's teenagers.
An emotional Mrs. Scott, wife of former premier Alex Scott, received a surprise award of appreciation yesterday to mark her 40 years of involvement with Teen Services, which provides support and counselling to teens and young mothers.
Chairperson of Teen Services Vivlyn Cooper told her friend of 40 years how much her difference her efforts have made in Bermuda.
"If it wasn't for you Olga, we wouldn't be sitting here and Teen Services wouldn't be a reality," Ms Cooper said. "Olga, our vision for this small unique organization is very much alive and well. You dreamed of making a difference and indeed you did."
Pilot programme
Olga Scott first came to the island in 1967 as a health educator from the United States to run a new two-year pilot programme that would serve the health education and development of youth.
"She and Mrs. Penny Hill worked with young people through education, motivation and counselling.
"They provided interim education for pregnant teens with the intent that they would return to regular schooling post delivery," explained Acting Director of the Department of Child and Family Services, Ms Kennette Robinson.
Mrs. Scott graduated from South Dakota State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and holds a Masters in Educational counselling and guidance from Indiana University.
She was Teen Services executive director for 21 years before relinquishing that role in 1988 to become an active board member and advocate and represents Teen Services on the Caribbean Family Planning Board where she is the current Vice President.
Mrs. Scott, who was moved to tears by the award ceremony, thanked Teen Services profusely for the recognition.
"I am both honoured and grateful, and I want to thank you all," Mrs. Scott said. "I would also like to thank my husband. He has been the wind beneath my wings and given me tremendous support. His parents have also supported me greatly and been so good to me over the years. I feel extremely blessed."
A moment of silence was held in memory of co-founder of Teen Services, Stewart Mott, who died recently.
