[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 14 (Wednesday, February 8, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E118]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF DR. LAWRENCE W. SCOTT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DIANE E. WATSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 8, 2006

  Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to memorialize the life of a 
distinguished American, Dr. Lawrence ``Bill'' W. Scott, who passed away 
on December 20, 2005.
  Throughout his illustrious life, Dr. Scott could claim many 
``firsts.'' In 1944, he was the first black student body president of 
Foshay Middle School. In 1947, he graduated with honors from 
Polytechnic High School, where he participated in track and field and 
also served as the first black student body president. In 1948, he 
attended the University of California at Berkeley and later became the 
student body ``representative at large.'' After receiving his degree 
from Berkeley, in 1951, Dr. Scott was drafted into the U.S. Army and 
stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington, where he served for two years 
during the Korean War. He eventually attained the rank of Captain.
  After his discharge from the Army, Dr. Scott enrolled in the pre-med 
program at the University of California at Los Angeles. In 1957, the 
then new UCLA School of Medicine accepted Dr. Scott as its first 
African American medical student. Upon graduation, Dr. Scott interned 
at Harbor General Hospital, ultimately specializing in obstetrics and 
gynecology. He subsequently opened two women's clinics in Los Angeles.
  At the age of 52 and after 14 years of medical practice, Dr. Scott 
returned to law school and received his J.D. from Southwestern 
University School of Law in 1980. After passing the bar, he initially 
thought he would pursue missionary work; however, he worked as a 
forensic attorney and represented victims in malpractice suits.
  Dr. Scott's achievements, honors, and awards are numerous. He was the 
first African American resident at Queen of Angeles Hospital in Los 
Angeles. At one time, he held the record for the most infants delivered 
at Cedars-Sinai Medical center. He also served on the Board of 
Governors of the UCLA Foundation in the mid-1980s.
  His interest in people and his special affection for children was 
evident. He enjoyed sports and was an avid tennis player. He also loved 
music, from jazz to the classics. He will be remembered by many for his 
wonderful humor and his black book of jokes.
  Dr. Scott is survived by his devoted wife of 8 years, Maria; his 
three children, Rebecca, Brian, and Onjale Scott; his sister, Darling 
Scott Herod; his brother, Paul Richard Scott; mother-in-law, Loretta 
Domer-Wilson; and other beloved family and friends.
  Dr. Scott truly enjoyed this journey called life and lived it to its 
fullest.

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