June Rodgers receives foundation award

Dr. June Scobee Rodgers accepted the 2009 American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Foundation Award for Excellence for the Challenger Center for Space Science Education in Alexandria, Va.

The Challenger Center Network was recognized for "two decades of inspiration and fostering interest in careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics."

Dr. Rodgers, widow of Challenger Commander Dick Scobee, is the founding director and founding chairman for the center.

Challenger Center engages youth in science and technology. Each year more than 300,000 students fly a simulated space mission at one of the Challenger Learning Centers. Over 35,000 teachers attend professional development workshops.

The AIAA Foundation Award of Excellence recognizes unique contributions and accomplishments by organizations or individuals. Past recipients are National Reconnaissance Office, Sen. John Glen, Norman R, Augustine, Daniel Goldin, Gen. Tommy Franks, John Travolta, Gen. John M. Shalikashvili, Alan Mulally, L.S. "Skip" Fletcher, Gordon Bethune and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Lund joins Parkridge staff

Dr. Peter J. Lund, an orthopaedic surgeon associated with Chattanooga Bone and Joint Surgeons, has joined the medical staff of Parkridge Medical Center.

Dr. Lund is a graduate of Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans. He completed his internship at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, and his residency in orthopaedic surgery at Tulane University School of Medicine.

He completed his fellowship in hand surgery at University Medical Center in Jackson, Miss.

He is board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and is a member of the American Association of Hand Surgery and Tennessee Hand Society.

For more information, call TriStar MedLine at 800-242-5662.

Pesce earns bioethics degree

Dr. Richard Pesce, FCCP, FACP, Critical Care Intensivist with Memorial Hospital, has received a master's degree in bioethics from Alden March Bioethics Institute of Albany Medical College in Albany, N.Y.

Dr. Pesce is a graduate of Manhattan College in Riverdale, N.Y. He earned his medical degree from Albany Medical College of Union University in Albany. He served at the Naval Regional Center in San Diego, where he completed his internship in internal medicine and earned a fellowship in internal medicine and pulmonary disease.

Dr. Pesce is board-certified in internal medicine, pulmonary disease and critical care medicine. He is a Fellow in the American College of Physicians and the American College of Chest Physicians.

Cumberland earns high ranking

Cumberland Health and Rehab, a short-term rehab and long-term care skilled-nursing facility in Bridgeport, Ala., has earned an Excellence in Action Customer Service Award from My InnerView.

Only 13 of 230 long-term care facilities in Alabama received the award.

My InnerView provides more than 8,000 long-term care leaders nationwide with evidence-based information needed to improve organizational performance.

Pageant queens crowned

As part of the Heritage Day festivities in Copperhill, Tenn., Kayla Marie Verner was crowned Miss Heritage and Peyton Williamson was crowned Little Miss Heritage. Kayla is the daughter of Scott Verner, and a graduate of Copper Basin High School. She is attending Cleveland State Community College.

Peyton is the daughter of Cynthia Davis Williamson.