2025 Robert E. and Jenny D. Kirkland Discovery Awards Gala
Mar 8th @ 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
The Robert E. and Jenny D. Kirkland Discovery Awards Gala and Fundraiser will bring together thought leaders, policymakers, philanthropists and others to celebrate the winners, all of whom have deep roots in West Tennessee. The 2025 Robert E. and Jenny D. Kirkland Discovery Award honorees are:
- Lt. Col. Bernard House
- Dr. Nassar Nassar
- Betty Ann Tanner
- Darryl Worley
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. 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. 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.
The 2025 Robert E. and Jenny D. Kirkland Discovery Award honorees:
Lt. Col. Bernard House
Lt. Col. Bernard House is a distinguished military graduate of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. A decorated U.S. Army officer, 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
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
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 Club and the International Neighbors Club One, both in Washington, D.C., as well as the board of First Christian Church in Union City.
Darryl Worley
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.
Evening Highlights:
An ensemble from
the Jackson Symphony
Dinner provided by
Artisan Kitchen
Emceed by
Sonya Gavankar-McKay
Entertainment
Clark Beckham
Diamond Tables
$3,700
Includes:
- Business sponsorship
- 2 bottles of wine
- 4 VIP Discovery Park tickets per guest
- Prime table location
- Special desert
- Premium take-home centerpiece
Ruby
Tables
$2,700
Includes:
- 1 bottle of wine
- 2 VIP Discovery Park passes per guest
- Premium take-home centerpiece
Individual Tickets
$150
Interested in being a sponsor of the 2025 Robert E. and Jenny D. Kirkland Discovery Awards Gala?
This year, a $ 2,000 sponsorship includes:
- Logo or business name recognized on signage at the entrance
- Verbal mention from the master of ceremonies
For more about the awards and gala, contact Bethany Brock at bbrock@discoveryparkofamerica.com or 731-414-9855.
Book a Hotel
Mainstay Suites
1111 Blue Heron Lane, Building B, Union City, TN, 38261
731-599-7272
For more photos from the 2024 Robert E. and Jenny D. Kirkland Awards Gala, click here.
