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Thomas and Elizabeth Scott, of the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection, have been named the 2019 Northern Region Educators of the Year.

Thomas (“Tom”) and Elizabeth (“Betty”) Scott began their journey as safe boating instructors in 2002 so that they could help their Boy Scout troop obtain a powerboating merit badge. For the last 17 years, they have worked as a team conducting Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) safe boating courses and public outreach. Together, they have provided over 300 hours of knowledgeable safe boating instruction to Connecticut boaters as well as countless volunteer hours at various events..

Tom retired from the U.S. Navy/U.S. Navy Reserve Submarine Service in 1996. He served as a weapons officer in Diesel and Polaris submarines, as well as in the Office of Naval Intelligence in the submarine programs. Upon release from active duty, while still affiliated with the Naval Reserve, Tom commanded two submarine maintenance units and served in several staff units. At the completion of his military service, Tom continued his involvement with the boating community by working as an Electrical Engineer and Human Factors Specialist at the Electric Boat Corporation.

Betty worked as an educator in various capacities for 32 years. Some of her education certifications include physical education, biology, health and elementary education. Betty was able to work in a variety of locations over the years, eventually retiring from service at her local Board of Education in 2015.

After providing the necessary training to their Boy Scout troop in 2002, the Scott’s wanted to expand their skills with the Boating Division. They were able to continue working as safe boating instructors for the town of Ledyard's Parks and Recreation Department. Through their dedication to education and instruction, Tom and Betty have given back much to their community. Armed with Tom’s boating knowledge and Betty’s experience in education, boating and attention to detail, the Scotts have served their community well as a dynamic and valued team of volunteer instructors. Congratulations Tom and Elizabeth Scott!

Generously sponsored by Fresh Air Educators, and Kalkomey Enterprises, Inc., the Boating Educator of the Year Award was launched by NASBLA in 2011 to recognize those who go above to engage students and boaters, raise awareness, and make boating education initiatives relevant, thorough and exciting.

The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators is a national nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization that works to develop public policy for recreational boating safety. NASBLA represents the recreational boating authorities of all 50 states and the U.S. territories. We offer a variety of resources, including training, model acts, education standards, publications and more. Through a national network of thousands of professional educators, law enforcement officers and volunteers, we affect the lives of over 76 million American boaters.