Discovery Park of America Announces Honorees for the 2025 Robert E. and Jenny D. Kirkland Discovery Awards and Gala

Discovery Park of America has announced the honorees for the 2025 Discovery Awards and Gala that will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2025. 

The honorees are:

• Lt. Col. Bernard House is a distinguished military graduate of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. A decorated U.S. Armyofficer, his career includes service in Germany, Korea, Iraq, Kosovo and Afghanistan. His awards include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal and others. House currently serves as professor of military science and director of the ROTC battalions at Murray State University and the University of Tennessee at Martin.
• Dr. Nassar Nassar, founder and CEO of Savant Learning Systems & Virtual Academy, member of the Foundation for the City of Martin Public Library, chair-elect for the Tennessee Business Roundtable, member of the IPAC Partner Advisory Committee and member of the Steering Committee for the Center of Excellence.
• Betty Ann Tanner is a former trustee of the University of Tennessee System, where she served six years on the board and eight years with the UT Foundation. She is also a former trustee with Ford’s Theatre Society, retiring in June after 23 years of service. Currently, she serves on the boards of the Congressional Cluband the International Neighbors Club One, both in Washington, D.C., as well as the board of First Christian Church in Union City.
• Darryl Worley is a platinum-selling, award-winning singer-songwriter with an impressive career spanning more than 20 years in country music. He has earned nearly 20 hit singles and three chart-toppers, including the self-penned “Awful, Beautiful Life,” the patriotic anthem “Have You Forgotten?” and “I Miss My Friend.” Beyond his music, Worley is dedicated to giving back through his work with the Darryl Worley Foundation, annual charity events and strong support of the United States military and our nation’s veterans.

The gala will bring together thought leaders, policymakers, philanthropists and others to celebrate the honorees, all of whom have deep roots in West Tennessee. The names and bios of the 2025 honorees will be added to a kiosk located in Discovery Park’s lobby with previous honorees. 

This year's awards dinner and gala will be emceed by Sonya Gavankar-McKay, an award-winning director of strategic communications, who currently serves as Senior Director of Digital Strategy for Axiom Space, Earth’s first commercial space station company. Prior to her current role, she was brought to the U.S. Space Force from the private sector, to deliver much-needed vibrancy to the Department of Defense’s digital media practices. She is also the host of the nationally syndicated “The Tech Show” and can be seen hosting programs and giving commentary on everything from hard news to cooking shows on affiliates, PBS, QVC and even the Puppy Bowl. Gavankar-McKay represented Washington, DC, in the 1997 Miss America Pageant and was the first Indian American contestant in the history of the competition.

"Receiving the Robert E. and Jenny D. Kirkland Discovery Award is a true reflection of the remarkable contributions these individuals have made in both their personal and professional journeys," said Discovery Park CEO Scott Williams. "This year's honorees exemplify the spirit of discovery, inspiring others to explore new possibilities, seize opportunities and push the boundaries of innovation—values we proudly champion at Discovery Park."

Dinner for the gala will be provided by Artisan Kitchen of Paducah, Kentucky, while entertainment will feature live music by Nashville musician Clark Beckham and an ensemble from The Jackson Symphony Orchestra.

For the second year in a row, the event will include a one-of-a-kind silent auction of artifacts and memorabilia from Discovery Park’s extensive archives. Items for the exhibit and silent auction were selected by a committee led by the senior director of exhibits and collections, Jennifer Wildes.

“By rehoming these items, the museum is keeping with best practices to periodically evaluate and retain a manageable collection to ensure it can properly care for, store and display the artifacts within it as new items continue to come into its possession,” said Wildes.

The funds generated from the auction will be used to grow and care for the artifacts in Discovery Park’s permanent collection. All other proceeds raised will be utilized to provide funds for the Kirkland Scholarship. Students from all K-12 schools with 50% of the students qualifying for free or reduced lunches are eligible for scholarships covering 100% of the ticket price to visit Discovery Park of America. In 2024, more than 10,000 students received complimentary admission to Discovery Park thanks to the fund.

The Robert E. and Jenny D. Kirkland Discovery Awards Gala will be held at Discovery Park of America, 830 Everett Blvd., Union City, Tennessee, on Saturday, March 8, 2025, with cocktails at 5:30 p.m., dinner and recognition of honorees at 7:15 p.m.

Tickets and tables can be purchased at discoveryparkofamerica.com/gala2025. Sponsorship packages can be found on that page or by contacting Bethany Brock at bbrock@discoveryparkofamerica.com or calling 731-414-9855.