They are Women of Distinction

Amy R. Spurgeon

NEWPORT-MESA -- Orange Coast College President Margaret Gratton and

environmental activist Jean Watt were named this year’s Women of

Distinction by the Girl Scout Council of Orange County.

The women will be honored at a luncheon set for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

April 5 at the Irvine Marriott. The Girl Scouts of America national

president will be on hand to deliver the awards.

“The Women of Distinction award annually recognizes women whose

professional achievements and personal success exemplify the values of

the Girl Scouts,” said Christine Shingleton, the Orange County Council

president. “We’re pleased to honor Margaret and Jean for their community

leadership and their commitment to their ideals.”

Both women said they felt honored, indeed, and humbled.

Gratton received a letter a few weeks ago alerting her to the news; she

didn’t even know she was nominated.

“When I heard of my selection, a flood of memories came back,” said

Gratton, a former Girl Scout. “I learned about setting goals and taking

initiative. And I am still a pushover for at least 10 boxes of Girl Scout

cookies.”

Gratton, a Laguna Beach resident, is the first woman to serve as OCC’s

chief executive officer in its 50-year history.

“It is very gratifying to know how long the Girl Scouts have stayed in

existence,” Gratton said. “They are still viable in the 21st century.”

Watt, a Newport Beach resident and former city councilwoman, spent 20

years participating in the Girl Scouts, watching her three daughters go

from Brownies to Senior Scouts. Though never a scout herself, she learned

powerful leadership, community and group dynamic skills through the

process.

Over the years, she has been a troop leader, day camp director and board

of directors member. In addition, Watt has been active in many

environmental issues in Newport Beach, including helping to form Stop

Polluting Our Newport.

“I give [the Girl Scouts] complete credit for any success that I have

had,” Watt said. “My community activism would not have happened if I had

not gotten involved.”

In 1994, then-state Sen. Marian Bergeson, also a Newport Beach resident,

was honored as one of the first Women of Distinction.

Proceeds from the luncheon will benefit the Girl Scout program in Orange

County. The cost is $65 per person or $45 per Girl Scout member.

Girl Scouts of America was founded in 1912 in Savannah, Ga. It is the

world’s largest organization dedicated to helping girls build skills and

character for success in the world.

For more information or to make lunch reservations, call (714) 979-7900,

ext. 397.