The Howard E. "Rocky" Stone Humanitarian Award was presented to Bea Lyons of Chattanooga, during the recent annual 2012 Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) banquet in Providence, R.I.
As the recipient of this prestigious award, Mrs. Lyons was selected by members of the HLAA Board of Trustees to honor an outgoing or past trustee for his or her extraordinary contributions toward the furtherance of the objectives and personal exemplification of the philosophy envisioned by Howard E. Stone, founder of the organization.
Mrs. Lyons has a long history of 16 distinguished awards beginning in 1979 that were presented to her at local, state, and national levels. A life-long educator specializing in Deaf education, Mrs. Lyons retired from Chattanooga State Community College following 37 years of service with a wealth of honors and accolades bestowed upon her that included co-authoring Interpreting for Post-secondary Deaf Students.
Four of her most prestigious honors prior to the Rocky Stone Award include a Tennessee House of Representatives House Joint Resolution No. 592 for meritorious service to the citizens of Tennessee, 2005; Tennessee Higher Education Commission Harold Love Community Service Award, 2002; Delta Kappa Gamma Society International Xi State Order of the Rose Award, 2000; and Chattanooga Woman of Distinction, 2000.
Mrs. Lyons is no stranger to service. Her volunteer activities, both past and present, include service to many organizations. A few of these include being a founding member and vice chair for the Chattanooga Mayor’s Council on Disability, a 38-year member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, United Way, Nancy Ward Chapter-NSDAR, and a life-long third generation member of First Christian Church in Chattanooga.
Active in HLAA since the 1980s when it was first known as Self Help for Hard of Hearing People (SHHH), Mrs. Lyons was instrumental in the formation of the Chattanooga Chapter, chartered in 1985. She has continued her advocacy efforts at all levels and most recently has been active in statewide meetings regarding issues affecting people with hearing loss. She also currently serves as chapter treasurer, as the coordinator for the Walk4Hearing Kickoff and facilities, and is one of three team leaders for the chapter she helped form more than 25 years ago.
The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), founded in 1979 by Rocky Stone, opens the world communication to people with hearing loss through information, education, advocacy, and support. HLAA publishes the bimonthly Hearing Loss Magazine, holds annual conventions (HLAA Convention 2013 is in Portland, Or., June 27-30), produces Walk4Hearing events, hosts online learning, and more. HLAA has an extensive network of chapters and state organizations. Further information can be found at www.hearingloss.org. The national headquarters is located at 7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 1200, Bethesda, MD 20814. Phone: 301 657-2248.