Hillcrest Healthcare has awarded Farragut High School graduate Elizabeth “Ella” Ann Pinchok with The Gifted Guitarist Legacy Award in honor of Richard L. David, who played for residents and staff and passed away last year.
Pinchok, who will study music education in the fall as a University of Tennessee freshman and will march with the Pride of the Southland Band, received David’s acoustic Harmony guitar as the honoree.
“Richard was a cherished resident who lived in the Beverly Park Place community,” said Barry Davis, CEO of Hillcrest Healthcare. “He spent a lifetime around guitars and entertained the team and his fellow residents by playing his Harmony guitar. He lifted everyone’s spirits through his music and we’re so glad to keep his memory and love of music alive through this award. Ella is such an outstanding and well-rounded student, musician and person, and we congratulate her as she continues to share her music.”
Before David passed away late last year, he had gifted the Beverly Park Place community his guitar. To honor him, the community decided to give his guitar to a Knox County Schools performing arts student who exemplifies the same passion for music and the desire to impact others.
Born and raised in Syracuse, New York, David enjoyed Boy Scouts, row boating and spending summers at the family home on Lake Ontario. He began taking guitar lessons at the age of 10 and after serving four years in the U.S. Coast Guard, he completed his degree and went to work in the family guitar store business before opening his own shop.
Pinchok received the guitar May 24 at a special ceremony. She was chosen based on an extensive list of credentials, which includes local performances, high school band, theatre, original songwriting, multiple music accolades and advanced music classes.
Pinchok teaches private flute classes and has her own art business. She is a member of National Honors Society and National Art Honors Society and currently performs with the Concord United Methodist youth/student band and worship team.
Victoria Johnson is a writer for Hillcrest Healthcare through Moxley Carmichael PR.