Algernon Sydney Sullivan Awards Announced
Ellis and Madden Recognized for Service, Leadership
Kristen Buckles, Assoc. Editor and Cara Hawkins
Issue date: 4/24/09 Section: News
"We are very fortunate to have a student like Olivia to come our way in the Music Department and set such a high bar of excellence for her peers," said Professor Ann Jones.
Ellis is currently waiting for a letter to see what graduate school she will be attending to work on her Masters of Music in Piano Performance.
Stellar grades did not earn this award. It was a strong work ethic, passion, and the ability to lead. It was his servant's heart.
David Beecher Madden, a senior religion major, was at the soundboard during Honors Convocation when the Provost, Dr. Kina Mallard, began to describe the male winner of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan award, one of the most prestigious awards the college offers.
She spoke of someone who served with Appalachian Outreach for four years. He thought that could be anyone. Then she said that the winner served as the worship leader at First United Methodist Church in Jefferson City. He knew that had to be him, but he could not believe it.
While Mallard continued to list his activities - marching band, symphonic band, wind ensemble and jazz band - he debated what he should do.
Should he start walking forward? Did she really mean him? He turned around to find Jim Wilson and Chad Morris grinning at him.
"It's you," he understood their grins to say.
"He has an incredible passion to serve others," Mallard continued. "He leads by example and is a gifted musician with a strong work ethic."
Jonathan Madden, a sophomore who David Madden describes as his brother, roommate and friend, agreed.
"I believe that David has had a tremendous impact on Carson-Newman College, as well as Jefferson City. During the three summers he spent as an Appalachian Outreach summer missionary, he not only worked on people's homes but impacted many people by simply loving them and spending time with them," he said.
"I have always admired David's work ethic and positive attitude. While working four part-time jobs - running sound for chapel on Tuesday and Thursday, working at the drop-off building at Appalachian Outreach on the weekends, working in the campus ministries building, and leading worship for two different churches - as well as taking classes and making good grades, and planning a wedding with his fiancée Jamie this June, he always keeps a very positive, upbeat attitude about life."
Ellis is currently waiting for a letter to see what graduate school she will be attending to work on her Masters of Music in Piano Performance.
Stellar grades did not earn this award. It was a strong work ethic, passion, and the ability to lead. It was his servant's heart.
David Beecher Madden, a senior religion major, was at the soundboard during Honors Convocation when the Provost, Dr. Kina Mallard, began to describe the male winner of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan award, one of the most prestigious awards the college offers.
She spoke of someone who served with Appalachian Outreach for four years. He thought that could be anyone. Then she said that the winner served as the worship leader at First United Methodist Church in Jefferson City. He knew that had to be him, but he could not believe it.
While Mallard continued to list his activities - marching band, symphonic band, wind ensemble and jazz band - he debated what he should do.
Should he start walking forward? Did she really mean him? He turned around to find Jim Wilson and Chad Morris grinning at him.
"It's you," he understood their grins to say.
"He has an incredible passion to serve others," Mallard continued. "He leads by example and is a gifted musician with a strong work ethic."
Jonathan Madden, a sophomore who David Madden describes as his brother, roommate and friend, agreed.
"I believe that David has had a tremendous impact on Carson-Newman College, as well as Jefferson City. During the three summers he spent as an Appalachian Outreach summer missionary, he not only worked on people's homes but impacted many people by simply loving them and spending time with them," he said.
"I have always admired David's work ethic and positive attitude. While working four part-time jobs - running sound for chapel on Tuesday and Thursday, working at the drop-off building at Appalachian Outreach on the weekends, working in the campus ministries building, and leading worship for two different churches - as well as taking classes and making good grades, and planning a wedding with his fiancée Jamie this June, he always keeps a very positive, upbeat attitude about life."
Be the first to comment on this story