DISCOVERY PARK AWARDS .....Discovery Park of America presents four Robert E. and Jenny D. Kirkland Discovery Awards at 2025 Gala and Fundraiser

 On  March 8, 2025, Discovery Park of America honored four individuals who, like the museum and heritage park, inspire others to see beyond. Proceeds from the event benefit the Kirkland Scholarship Fund that provides free admission for student groups to Discovery Park.

The event was attended by a sold-out crowd from around the country who joined Discovery Park in celebrating the honorees:

·      Lt. Col. Bernard House, director of ROTC battalions at Murray State University and the University of Tennessee at Martin

·      Dr. Nassar Nassar, founder and CEO of Savant Learning Systems and Virtual Academy

·      Betty Ann Tanner, community organizer and non-profit advocate

·      Darryl Worley, platinum-selling, award-winning country music singer-songwriter

The honorees’ names, photos and bios have been added to a kiosk in Discovery Park’s lobby alongside those of honorees from previous years.

The cocktail party in advance of the dinner and program featured a one-of-a-kind silent auction of artifacts and memorabilia including a working Buster Brown merry-go-round from Burnett’s Shoes in Dyersburg, vintage pedal cars that have been fully restored, Reelfoot Lake memorabilia, a Stromberg-Voisinet banjo, a taxidermy white squirrel, vintage Coca-Cola artifacts, a collection of campaign buttons and more. Artifacts and memorabilia were also on display as centerpieces at each table. 

The program began with opening remarks from Discovery Park’s CEO, Scott Williams, and an invocation by former Discovery Award honoree Lt. Gen. Glad Castellaw. The gala and program was emceed by Sonya Gavankar-McKay, a television host, public speaker and director at Axiom Space. During her remarks, Sonya said, “Tonight’s four honorees are making a big impact on the lives of children and adults in this region. That’s so important because their contributions to making the world a better place inspire all of us to do the same.”

Musicians from the Jackson Symphony performed during the cocktail hour while dinner entertainment was provided by Nashville entertainer and season 14 American Idol runner-up, Clark Beckham. Dinner was prepared by Artisan Kitchen of Paducah, Kentucky.

In her acceptance speech, Betty Ann Tanner remarked, "Discovery Park stands as a testament to the power of vision and community. Robert Kirkland’s dream became a reality here in Obion County, thanks to the dedication of local volunteers who embody the spirit of the 'Volunteer State.'”

As attendees departed the event, they were presented with a 2024 Impact Report. The annual report notes that Discovery Park welcomed more than 250,000 visitors including 50,000 students in 2024. It also included details from a recent economic impact study that reported visitors to Discovery Park were responsible for $40 million in regional spending. A copy of the book can be picked up for free at the museum’s ticket counter or downloaded in digital format on their website.