The
Indiana and Kentucky Divisions of the United States Branch of
the House of Gordon, a Scottish Highland Clan, are proud to
announce that, Lt. Eugene Allen Shy, KCTJ, KM, OBE, OSD, of
Bowling Green, Kentucky has been chosen to receive the Allan M.
Adams Award.
The Adams Award is presented
annually to an individual, group, or organization for their
outstanding contributions in the field of public education with
regard to Scottish culture and heritage. Mr. Shy and his wife
Melanie, (Schmidt of Louisville, KY) are expecting the birth of
their first child in July of this year. Gene, who served as a
Lieutenant in the United States Navy until he received a Medical
Discharge, is a construction manager, design engineer, and
freelance writer. He is a Graduate of both the University of
California, Berkeley and of Vanderbilt University, with Degrees
in Political Science and International Diplomacy. He is the
Past-President of Clan McFarland of Varicar. Gene is on the
board of Directors of the Glasgow Highland Games and has been
active in them for over twelve years, where he serves as the
Director of Logistics and Operations. Gene is also the
President of the Kentucky International Scottish Society, and
serves on the Dream Factory Board of Directors. An Officer of
the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, A Knight
Commander with the Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of
Jerusalem, a Knight with the Sovereign Order of Malta, and
having been awarded the Order of the Sgian Dubh, he has also
been commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel. In addition, the 48th
Royal Highland Regiment of Canada has made him an Honorary
Member. Mr. Shy is well known for his willingness to do
lectures anytime or anywhere for schools, television, radio,
public events, and private groups about all things Scottish. He
especially loves to travel to other Scottish events all over the
United States to represent the Glasgow Highland Games.
Established in 1997, the Adams
award is named for the philanthropist Allan M. Adams, a
publisher, entrepreneur, and a decorated U.S. Naval Aviator with
service in the Pacific theater during W.W.II, who until his
death actively encouraged people to investigate their heritage
and culture. Mr. Adams was often heard telling young people
that the only way to truly succeed in the future was to have a
firm understanding of their past. Nominations for the Adams
Award are submitted by the members of the Indiana and Kentucky
Divisions of the House of Gordon and the previous winners of the
award. The active members and prior winners then submit ballots
with their vote to the State Convener for tabulation. The
winner is presented the award during the opening ceremonies of
the Glasgow Highland Games, which are held the first weekend
after Memorial Day at Barren River State Resort Park in Lucas,
KY.
Kevin M. Spencer, FSA Scot
State Convener, House of Gordon
220 S. Lakeview Drive
Petersburg, IN 47567-8856
812-568-7934
812-354-3700 fax
