Ann Scott isnt content to sit back and let the next four years of her term as Floridas first lady pass her by. Full of ambition, she has a plan to make the rest of her time at the governors mansion count.
During her husbands first term in office, Scott carried the banner of promoting literacy and reading in Florida, urging students in the Sunshine State to keep their minds sharp and stay on the path to academic success.
Literacy is set to remain one of Scotts top priorities as she moves forward. Its an issue near and dear to her heart.
Reading was very important to me growing up, Scott told Sunshine State News. "It was something I wanted to share with both of my daughters as well, from an early age. I decided coming into this [position] that [reading] was one of the things I wanted to focus on ... sharing my passion for reading with Floridas students.
Her commitment to the issue takes the first lady all over the state. Earlier this year, she went on a statewide Literacy Tour, covering nearly 800 miles in five days. During the tour she spoke to more than 1,000 students to promote the importance of reading.
Its very taxing, especially if youre visiting that many [different] places in a day, she said.
Traveling to so many cities can often make spending time with family and friends difficult for Scott. But that doesnt mean the first lady wont make time for those closest to her.
Her solution?
Schedule it, she said. Its important to both Rick and me to spend time with family and friends.
The first lady said their family has planned several trips over the holiday to stay close, including a trip to Walt Disney World over Christmas to spend time with their grandchildren.
Its a lot of balancing, she explained. We focus on our jobs and focus on family, but you make time for your priorities.
One of the governor and the first ladys other top priorities when moving to Tallahassee was to place a special emphasis on the rich history of Florida.
It was very important to both Rick and me to really preserve the history and legacy of the governors mansion, she explained.
Part of preserving Floridas history included bringing artifacts and various pieces of art from around the state to the mansion.Large art museums like the Ringling Museum in Sarasota and the Cummer Museum in Jacksonville have donated pieces of art to be displayed there.
Having a diverse set of artwork isnt just beneficial in preserving history at the mansion -- it also ends up being a learning experience for student visitors as well.
The first lady [and the governor] welcome students from all over the state. Having artifacts with historical significance can create a lesson out of those tours [of the mansion], said Meghan Collins, who works in communications for the first lady.
For the Scotts, "Floridas first lady" isnt simply a title the governor's wife holds -- its a way for her to positively affect the lives of people living in the Sunshine State.
Its wonderful when I travel the state to meet so many wonderful Floridians. I find that I get my energy from people. And we have so many wonderful people. In the scheme of things ... four years, eight years are really a minimal part of your life and you really want to make the most of it.
Reach Allison Nielsen at allison@sunshinestatenews.com.
