habitat enhancement program that has become one of the Conservancy’s major
projects. She is currently a key contributor to Naturally Kiawah, the Conservancy’s
magazine, for which she serves as associate editor, esteemed writer, and stellar
photographer. Indeed, the cover of this annual report showcases one of Tina’s
beautiful landscapes, and her inspiring, well-researched, and thought-provoking
articles are featured frequently in the pages of the magazine. For lots more of her
beautiful work, visit her website (www.tinaschell.photoshelter.com and her blog
(www.travelsandtrifles.wordpress.com)
Perhaps the most significant dimensions of Tina’s personality link to the breadth
and depth of her interests and talents. She is an avid mah-jongg player. She takes
jazz piano lessons in Charleston (a Christmas gift from Bailey). She also plays a great
game of golf. She and Bailey are avid travelers (and she appreciates his tolerance for
her frequent stops as she works to capture the world through the lens of her beloved
cameras).
It turns out (no surprise!) that Tina is often in the winner’s circle when she plays
Texas Hold’em once a month with a group of women friends. Those fortunate
enough to call her a friend sum Tina up best; as a few of her admirers put it: “She’s
120 percent driven by her passions; sees life through her heart as much as her eyes;
sees the humorous side; [she’s] artistic and talented, likes to share and teach; strong;
unconventional; not afraid to step outside the box; a marvelous listener; perceptive
and smart; grounded—lives her life with a strong sense of purpose and perspective.”
For all of those reasons and so many more, the Kiawah Conservancy is delighted
to name Tina Schell our Volunteer of the Year. Catching up with her is an impossible
task but attempting to do so provides a really entertaining ride!
“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” —Helen Keller
T
he first time I ever heard her speak, I sensed it was a voice
from on high. I was walking out of my driveway on Otter
Island Road, when I noticed a backhoe parked in the empty lot
across the street. The bucket was raised to treetop height, and in it
stood a young woman, shouting to a man down below.
“Wow, the view is gorgeous!” It was Tina Schell, admiring the
vista across the marsh. She and her husband, Bailey, had bought that
property and were orienting their house-to-be.
That was more than 15 years ago, and, happily, Tina has never
stopped enjoying the view. Her panoramic eye continues to take in
the wonders of Kiawah from just about every possible angle, and
her camera lens lets us all bask in her very special vision. Truly
amazing, Tina!
—Bill Palmer
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