Choctaw Nation Outstanding Elders of 2014, Ronnie Scott and Rosa Gilmore pictured with Chief Gary Batton, their Councilmen, Anthony Dillard and Ted Dosh, and Assistant Chief Jack Austin Jr.
Outstanding Choctaw Elders Honored
By ZACH MAXWELL
Choctaw Nation
Ronnie Scott and Rosa Gilmore - the Choctaw Nation Outstanding Elders for 2014 - understand that passing on their wisdom is crucial for upcoming generations.
“Just think positive in your thoughts,” said Gilmore, who si from Durant. “Younger people should think about the handicapped and sick people. Think about how the world is.
“And they should stay in school.”
Gilmore and Scott were the top honorees at a banquet for Outstanding Choctaw Elders held in Durant on Oct. 14. This is the 15th year of the Outstanding Elders program organized by the Senior Nutrition Program.
“The main thing is to trust in yourself and reach for for goals no matter what obstacles get in your way,” Scott, who is from Atoka, said. “Have faith, be good to others and teach others what your parents and grandparents taught you.
One of the first honorees from 2000, Rev. Bertram Bobb, offered the opening and closing prayers as Tribal Chaplain.
Both Chief Gary Batton and Council Speaker Delton Cox praised the elders for setting a high example for new generations.
“The path you have set for us in the Choctaw Nation, we want to continue that,” Batton said. “I appreciate all the examples you have set for us.”
“You’re the ones who started what we have today,” Cox said.