MADISON – Coming from a family of “doers and leaders,” Donna Scott learned a work ethic to live by every day. Scott is 2019 “Staff Member of the Year” at Horizon Elementary School.

Her uncle, Richard N. Dixon, was the first African-American to serve as Treasurer of Maryland. For community service to the airport and central Maryland, her father has a park named in his honor, the Thomas A. Dixon Jr. Aircraft Observation Area, at the Baltimore-Washington Thurgood Marshall Airport.

“One of my father’s many accomplishments was Tax and Assessment Appeals Judge in the 1970s and 1980s,” Scott said. She credits her parents for instilling the drive as “a hard worker and to take the helm, even if no one else will. But, do it with respect and kindness for others, even if the aforementioned is not returned.”

“They taught me to lean on faith in my Creator for guidance in life,” she said.

For three years, Scott has worked as technology assistant at Horizon. She previously supported network needs at Rainbow Elementary School, Central Office and Transportation Department. 

When her children were young, she worked part time for Madison County Schools. Scott also has worked as a contractor with Department of Defense in software and NASA as system administrator.

Working full time while attending night classes, Scott earned a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems from the University of Maryland.

Her husband Renan’s job as an engineering manager prompted their move from Maryland to their home in Harvest.

Her volunteer resume includes Anderson Hills Homeowners Association, Making Connections Autism Networking Group and Harvest Elementary PTA.

“I’ll never forget a high school student I mentored who had a challenging home life. My advice to him was, ‘Do not let your tough upbringing define who you really are … you are on Earth with a purpose.’ He gave me an appreciation for being raised in a home where my parents cared about me,” she said.

“My parents had six boys and five girls,” Scott said. “I’m the youngest girl and had Daddy’s heart strings.”

Renan works at Lockheed Martin. Their sons are Austin, 21, a football player at the University of South Alabama, and Justin, 19, a Sparkman High School student.

In free time, Donna likes traveling, swimming, biking, walking in parks, crafting, gardening and sewing.