- April 16, 2024
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The award keeps the memory of alive of the Four Chaplains
Dr. Michelle Carter-Scott was recognized Feb. 10 for “outstanding community service and philanthropy” by the Chapel of Four Chaplains, based in Philadelphia. She was presented with the Bronze Medallion of the Legion of Honor, which is given to six people, world-wide, each year.
Capt. Lou Cavaliere, USN retired, said he had given out the award many times all over the country, and very rarely is he brought to tears.
“But I was tonight,” he said.
He was referring to the concert presented by the Bethune-Cookman University Concert Chorale, which preceded the award presentation at St. James Episcopal Church and contained several moving hymns.
The Chapel of the Four Chaplains was started to honor the four chaplains of different faiths who gave up their life jackets to others on a sinking ship, the Dorchester, in World War II.
Cavaliere said the chaplains were ordinary people doing extraordinary things, and that is who the nonprofit group honors with their award.
He cited the many contributions of Carter-Scott, including her work with the Children’s Home Society, Anchor Home Ministries, Wings of Hope Foundation, Dream a Wish, Habitat for Humanity, Family Renew Community and scholarship programs. He noted that the Stewart Marchman Act Family Service building is named in her honor.
The mother of professional basketball player Vince Carter, she is also involved with the Vince Carter Athletic Center at Mainland High School.
“Dr. Carter Scott has given her life jacket to many people,” Cavaliere said.
Larry Babitts, of Ormond Beach, a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars, is a member of the chapel's board of directors and has served either as a director or a trustee since 1962, when he and his wife got married in the chapel in Philadelphia.
Babitts said there are several other chapel members who live in Volusia County and the organization is just getting started in the area.
The Chapel of Four Chaplains is a nonprofit organization that recognizes voluntary service, and promotes cooperation among people to honor the four chaplains.
Babitts said in addition to presenting awards, locally the organization has been involved with veterans groups and the Council on Aging, supported ROTC at a local high school and arranged to have volunteer chaplains in emergency situations.
