Boys Town Youth Meet Florida’s First Lady Ann Scott

Ann Scott, Florida’s First Lady, is a true champion for children, and now, a true friend to Boys Town North Florida; particularly the youth in Family-Teachers Trinity and Misty Mackley’s home. 

Scott is a strong ally for literacy, adoption and healthy lifestyles for children; and knows that an early path to success is crucial. That’s why Scott hosted Boys Town youth, among others, for the “Just Read, Florida!” literacy program earlier this year. 

“Children seeking adoption were invited to the Governor’s Mansion, and they all received an enjoyable book to read,” said Dena Strickland, Boys Town North Florida Development Director. “She was very interested in learning more about Boys Town, so we invited her to visit our residential campus in August.” 

She accepted the invitation, and so began a friendly exchange of visits between the boys in the Mackley home and the First Lady.

“The boys were extremely excited to get to talk to her personally,” said Misty Mackley, who was equally excited and eager to show Mrs. Scott why Boys Town is such an important asset for Florida children. “Mrs. Scott was extremely warm and genuinely interested in our boys,” she added. 

The boys sent a thank you note to Scott for visiting their home, and soon after, they received an invitation for a dinner and tour of the mansion.

“The boys were so thrilled,” Misty said. “They even experienced a mini etiquette lesson from Ms. Dena to prepare for the visit.”  

Upon visiting the mansion, the family received a tour and dinner prepared by the Governor’s Chef. One youth who is interested in the culinary arts also had the extra special opportunity to question the chef about culinary schools and jobs. 

The Mackleys said the boys’ reactions about the visit varied from “astonishment and shock,” to “relaxing and exciting.” 

Most of all, they enjoyed their time with Mrs. Scott. “The boys loved that Mrs. Scott talked to them in a friendly way and that she cared to know about who they are,” explained Misty.

To reciprocate Mrs. Scott’s hospitality, the boys invited her for a BBQ at their home in October, and have since been corresponding with her periodically through letters. The First Lady even sent each youth signed pictures that were taken of her with each of them.

“Overall, this experience will be such a great memory for all of us in the Mackley home,” said Misty. “To meet the Governor’s wife is so amazing.”

And she’s not stopping there. Mrs. Scott is currently organizing a book drive and wants some of the books donated to go to Boys Town. 

“With her incredibly busy schedule, it is such a compliment that our First Lady took the time to get to know the children and families of Boys Town,” Strickland said. “I was taken by her genuine love for kids.”