Dynamic teen Winslow Scott served
as the vice president of the Cottonwood Youth Advisory Commission
during its inaugural year. The CYAC acts in an advisory capacity to
the city council for programs relating to children and youth.
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- A 2006 Mingus Union High School
graduate, Scott is an accomplished athlete who excels in track,
swimming and soccer. The Verde Independent recently chose her
as the Mingus Union High School Female Athlete of the Year.
MUHS head track
coach Rick Walsworth recommended Scott for the Youth Advisory
Commission. He stated she is well grounded, outgoing, mature and
responsible.
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- During high school, Scott was active
in Key Club, Students Against Destructive Decisions (S.A.D.D.), and a
church group called Peter’s Net. She was captain of the track team.
Accepted and on the waiting list at Thomas Aquinas College in
California, Scott will seek a liberal arts degree. A brother has
graduated, and sister Blaze attends now.
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- A recent graduate of a Certified
Nurse’s Assistant program sponsored by the Verde Valley Medical
Center, Scott plans to work as a resource aide with teacher Ruben
Sandoval. She will provide one-on-one assistance with a student who is
blind and developmentally disabled. She also plans to take night
classes at Yavapai College.
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- Scott is grounded in the realities of
responsibility as one of the older siblings in a family with 15 kids.
She expresses admiration for parents Dan and Blaze, who adopted nine
kids besides their own brood of six. “My mom and dad are great role
models and provide all of us with love and a stable home,” Scott says.
“There is a lot of responsibility and I spend a lot of time
babysitting.” She emphasizes that she loves being from a large family.
Managing her time and being organized, Scott always finds time to
babysit, participate in sports and community activities and do her
homework. She learned to cook—although she’s not fond of it—to help
her mom out. “I wouldn’t say my life is too busy, I find time for
everything,” Scott says. The Bridgeport family enjoys horseback riding
and spending time together.
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- During their discussions and planning,
the CYAC’s number one priority was the need for a teen center. Many
area youth claim there is nothing to do in Cottonwood. Some get in
trouble. Scott and other members of CYAC felt that the proposed
Intergenerational Recreation Center would be a great place for teens
to gather.
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- “Coming from a good, strong family, I
didn’t realize how many bad things can happen to kids until we adopted
ours and heard their stories. My family can’t adopt every kid that
needs a home and love—but places like a Rec Center could be a positive
influence for kids. Kids could meet good friends, participate in
activities and have role models help them learn to make good
decisions.”
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- Besides her parents Dan and Blaze, the
person Scott most admires is her sister Blaze. “We are really
competitive with each other, but we’re best friends,” Scott says. Her
sister inspired her to take challenging classes and get good grades,
and they competed in sports, too.
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- Asked what she hopes for Cottonwood in
10 years, Scott says, “I know Cottonwood is growing, and I suppose it
is kind of selfish, but I really love living in a small town. I hope
it doesn’t grow too big.”
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- Scott says she enjoyed serving on the
CYAC. “We were a bunch of kids who really wanted to make a difference.
We had fun, and participating was really refreshing. We discussed the
issue of troubled teens, and we focused on the fact that they are not
bad kids, there is just not enough to do, so they get in trouble.” To
alleviate some of the tedium, the CYAC organized a rock ‘n block dance
for teens. They also helped the Stewards of Public Lands, took the
Boys and Girls Club to Out of Africa, and wrapped Christmas gifts for
seniors at the Lightheart Foundation. “I didn’t realize how much work
goes into all of it,” Scott smiles.
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- “They told us, ‘you can do anything
you want to--dream big’ and we even put that on our t-shirts,” Scott
said.
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- Cottonwood Recreation Coordinator
Jason Little says, “In the Cottonwood Youth Advisory Commission’s
inaugural year, Winslow was selected as the commission’s first
vice-president. She clearly demonstrated her ability to lead by
helping the commission chart their short and long term goals.
Winslow’s work ethic and dedication to the commission will be missed
greatly. Winslow will undoubtedly succeed in life and whatever
endeavors she decides to undertake.” Matias Sandoval is the adult
community representative for CYAC.
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- No doubt, Scott will do just great in
her transition from high school into adulthood. She’s had the best
family support, teachers and coaches, and has maximized all her
opportunities. Good luck, Winslow!
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- Published
June 30, 2006
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_____________________________________________________________________
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- Spotlight on
Volunteers
is written by Diane Joens on behalf of the Cottonwood City Council.
Council members recognize the invaluable contributions volunteers make
to the betterment of city government and the community. There are many
opportunities to volunteer and make a positive difference. Council
members encourage everyone to get involved. Volunteer today!
