2010 Science Hall of
Fame Keynote Speaker
Former NASA Astronaut Winston E. Scott - who overcame segregation and poverty
to become a decorated U.S. Navy pilot and the second African-American to walk
in space - will give the keynote presentation at the Da Vinci Science Center's
2010 Science Hall of Fame Awards on Saturday, April 24.
Scott's distinguished 27-year Navy career culminated with his NASA tenure
from 1992-1999. Scott flew aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavor in 1996 and aboard
the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1997. Scott walked in space three times during
those missions, including a daring 1997 adventure during which Scott helped
capture a wayward car-sized satellite by hand.
After retiring from NASA and the Navy in 1999, Scott became Vice President
for Student Affairs at his alma mater, Florida State University. Scott also
served as Executive Director of the Florida Space Authority and as a Vice
President and Deputy General Manager for Jacobs Engineering in Houston, Texas.
Scott is currently the Dean of the Florida Institute of Technology's College
of Aeronautics in Melbourne, Fla.
Winston Scott's inspiring journey began in Miami's poor Coconut Grove neighborhood, where he received a segregated education until he began tenth grade. His family preached togetherness, punctuality, hard-work, and accountability.
Young Winston developed a fascination from watching the "Sky King" television show. Winston dreamt of flying himself, but his dream almost remained just that without access to the same resources enjoyed by other children.
Winston Scott also enjoyed music, and had a talent for it. When nearby Coral Gables High School integrated, he became the only African-American member of the school's elite competition band. As he chronicled in his 2005 book, "Reflections from Earth Orbit," Winston began to feel isolated and angry and began missing practices. Instead of kicking Winston out of the band, its director - a white man the students called "Uncle Willie" - allowed him to remain during his senior year.
Winston matured to become a decorated band section leader and solid student, but he was denied admission into Florida State University. When Winston finally had the courage to tell his band director that he was not accepted into Florida State, "Uncle Willie" made a phone call and sent Winston back to class without elaboration. Winston was admitted to Florida State a few weeks later.
Winston Scott earned a bachelor's degree in music from Florida State, but his desire to fly continued to flourish. With an aptitude for mathematics that first became apparent in segregated Miami schools, Scott earned admission into the Naval Aviation Officer Candidate School.
With access to resources once barred from him, Scott's talents, perseverance, and determination helped him fly as a U.S. Navy captain and become one of the chosen few who have soared beyond the Earth's limits.
