By Cathy Spaulding
Indian Capital Technology Center has honored a former Miss Tulsa winner who proved that “doors of opportunity can be kicked open with one leg.”
ICTC presented its Distinguished Service Award to the school’s long-time public information officer, Roberta Scott at its 2009 Business & Industry Fall Banquet, held Thursday night. It was one of 11 awards presented to individuals and industries who have helped Muskogee business in the past year.
Scott, who lost a leg in 1964 because of a disease, said she was caught totally by surprise by the award.
In fact, right before the banquet, she had written and handed out media information on an ICTC employee she had been told would “receive” the honor.
“I’m still numb,” Scott said as she studied the bronze eagle award, presented to her by ICTC Superintendent Tom Stiles.
In presenting the award, Stiles said, “In 1961, Roberta Scott was crowned Miss Tulsa; three years later, she was wheeled into a Tulsa hospital to have her leg amputated.”
Scott had developed a serious bone disease.
Stiles said Scott remained undaunted by her disability and went on to entertain troops with the USO.
“She decided, ‘I have won my fight to be alive,’ and she offered a challenge to herself,” Stiles said. “She wanted to show disabled veterans that doors of opportunity can be kicked open with one leg.” Scott became Indian Capital’s public information officer and dislocated worker coordinator in 1988.
“I don’t think you realize how many students Roberta has helped,” Stiles said. “She is a natural at drawing out the strengths of others.”
The Veterans Administration Regional Office received the award for Workforce Expansion. The office, which now takes up three buildings in Muskogee, has gone from 505 workers in 2005 to 1,265 in 2009.
In accepting the award, VA Regional Office Director Sam Jarvis said the growth is “all about people.”
“It’s about the people out looking for a job, highly motivated people not willing to move,” he said.
Officials with Muskogee Community Hospital, recipient of the Business Startup Award, also credited their people for a successful start up. The 45-bed acute-care hospital opened on March 23 after 18 months of construction.
Dr. Ron Stevens, an anesthesiologist who serves on the hospital board, said the honor is heartfelt “because what we’ve wanted to do was bring quality health care, modern equipment and caring employees together for Muskogee.”
St. Joseph Catholic School and Muskogee Fairgrounds received Century Awards for being part of Muskogee for at least 100 years.
Advantage Controls received an Employee Development Award for instituting a character program for its staff. Dan Morris of Advantage Controls said he was attracted to the character program after driving by Muskogee elementary schools and seeing the Character Word of the Month.
Acme Engineering received the Safety Award for making great strides in reducing work-related injuries and incidents. The company held monthly safety committee meetings, holding contests and tool box talks and had monthly training through ICTC.
BRB Metal Roofing and Manufacturing received a Partners in Progress award for its 20-year partnership with ICTC. The company also received a New Product Development award for its new line of pre-painted metal fences.
Reach Cathy Spaulding at 918-684-2928 or Click Here to Send Email
