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. 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, 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 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 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.
