Good for you: Gooden receives Terri Farmer Service Award

Friday, May 2, 2014

Gooden receives Terri Farmer Service Award

The Craniofacial Foundation of America presented Lynda M. Gooden its Terri Farmer Service Award for her dedication and service to children born with craniofacial abnormalities.

The award was presented during the foundation's annual fundraiser, Palate 2 Palette, and displayed at the Foundation Gallery in the Cobblestone Rue studio.

The service award was established in 2009 in honor of Terri Farmer, who served as coordinator for the Tennessee Craniofacial Center for 18 years and as executive director of the foundation for 15 years. It is presented to an individual dedicated to improving life for patients with facial birth defects, tumors and trauma related to injuries. Recipients of the award display compassion for families who visit the center and a strong commitment to the mission of the foundation.

Gooden works with Dr. Sydney T. Cox in treating children with craniofacial needs, primarily those with cleft palates. She guides patients and their families through the dental processes related to a craniofacial condition.

"Lynda goes above and beyond to ensure that these children get what they need, and that their families understand each part of the process," said Terry Smyth, executive director of the Craniofacial Foundation. "She has become a valuable part of the team over the years, and we feel very fortunate to have her by our side for each milestone."


Witt honored by Tennessee Wesleyan

Burkett Witt will be awarded an honorary doctorate of public service by Tennessee Wesleyan College during commencement exercises at the college on Saturday.

A celebration dinner honoring Witt was held on the Athens, Tenn., campus on April 29. Additionally, the administration plans to name a room in Witt's honor in the new TWC Campus Center, which begins construction in 2016.

"This honorary doctorate is all about recognizing Burkett's impact in the lives of hundreds of Tennessee Wesleyan alumni, as well as the citizens of Athens, McMinn County and the state of Tennessee," said Randy Nelson, TWC vice president for advancement.

Witt started his relationship with Tennessee Wesleyan students in 1949 when he ran Bo and Pete's Southern Soda Shop, a favorite college hangout. In 1956, he began his 16-year career on TWC's campus, serving students. Following his career at the college, Witt became mayor of Athens.


Four join Phi Kappa Phi

Four area collegians have been inducted into Phi Kappa Phi honor society, the nation's oldest honor society for all academic disciplines.

William Harr was initiated into Jacksonville University's chapter and Chucky Okoh was tapped for Tennessee State University's chapter. Amanda Steele of Hixson and Aneta Eichler of Dunlap, Tenn., were inducted into the University of Tennessee at Knoxville's chapter.

Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors, having at least 72 semester hours, are eligible for membership.


Ryckeghem wins UTC piano contest

Faith van Ryckeghem of Franklin, Tenn., won the high-school division of the 18th annual Piano Arts Competition held at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Seventeen students participated, performing two contrasting pieces.

To win the first-place award, Ryckeghem played "Rondo: Poco allegretto e grazioso" from Beethoven's "Sonata in E-flat Major, Op. 7," and Alberto Ginastera's "Danzas Argentinas."

Other winners in the high-school division were Melissa Wu of Knoxville, second; and Seung Yup Lee of Dalton, Ga., third. Honorable mentions were awarded Katrina Biancofiore of Signal Mountain and Nicholas Lobo of Hixson.

Sophia Guan won the middle school category. Jack Wu of Ooltewah placed second. Honorable mentions were given to Edward Cho of Ringgold, Ga., and Timothy Hawn of Pikeville, Tenn.