Sharp Scholars gather with Nobel winner’s documentary
- maura169
- Aug 4
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 8
August 4, 2025 / By Carol Klaber
Read on falmouthoutlook.com
FALMOUTH — More than 200 invited guests gathered July 25 in the Pendleton High School Auditorium to view the documentary “Cracking the Code: Phil Sharp and the Biotech Revolution.”
The event was hosted by the Pendleton County School System.
The film tells the story of Pendleton County native and Class of 1962 alumni Dr. Phillip A. Sharp, a farm boy turned Nobel-Prize winning scientist, and his central role in the birth and growth of the biotechnology industry.
Sharp’s discovery of RNA splicing set the stage for a revolution in molecular biology, enabling research in a variety of medicines that allowed for the development of synthetic insulin, and triumphs in the research for cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis and various vaccines.
Sharp, who co-founded Biogen and Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, won the Nobel Prize in Medicine or Physiology in 1993. Sharp is an institute professor emeritus at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston and is a member of the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research. Pendleton County’s Sharp Middle School bears his name.
In attendance that evening were Sharp and his wife, Ann, their daughters Christine, Sarah and Lena, four of their grandchildren, his sister Sandra Milburn, his brother-in-law, Paul Layton, a host of extended Sharp/Colvin family members, the Sharp Scholarship recipients and their families, high school classmates, Pendleton County Education Foundation and Rotary members, school administrators and staff, board members, film participants, and other community members.
Prior to the documentary showing, the annual dinner for the Sharp Scholars was held in the high school library. Twenty of the 29 recipients were able to attend and share their current career status.
Other guests included immediate Sharp family members, school administrators and staff, and documentary committee members. A delicious buffet dinner was hosted by Dr. and Mrs. Sharp and catered by Cross Creek Catering, Martha Kelly Lynn and Sandy Lyle.
The high school auditorium was a comfortable setting for the 108-minute documentary, with Superintendent Joe Buerkley presiding over the evening.
Following the film, Dr. Sharp thanked the school system for the comfortable accommodations, recognized the twenty scholars present, and gave a special recognition to his fourth and fifth grade teacher at Butler Elementary, Mrs. Carlena Caldwell, who was in attendance. Dr. Sharp stated that Mrs. Caldwell was very influential in the early years of his education.
Following Dr. Sharp’s remarks, a reception was held in the auditorium lobby. Assisting with the reception were Pendleton’s culinary students from the Family and Consumer Science Department. Dr. and Mrs. Sharp held a meet-and-greet session during which guests had their companion books signed and photos taken.
The planning and coordination of the event was conducted by a committee consisting of Buerkley; Barbara Brown, assistant to the superintendent; T. Craig Smith, chief information officer; Chris Beckett, LAN technician; and Karen Delaney, Teri Strong and Carol Klaber, Sharp Scholarship contacts.
Special thanks are also extended to Chad Simms, principal, Pendleton High School; Marsha Yelton, assistant principal; Julie Wood, guidance counselor; Angela White, family and consumer science; School Resource Officers, Mark Grisik and Wayne Hall; Stacy Tackett and Steve Beane, parking attendants; registration and programs, Kay Mudd, Jan Johnston, Adam Hall, Jerry Heringer, Betty McKinney, Patrick Clore, PCEF directors/Falmouth Rotary members; and Becky’s Flowers, Holly Trimble and Bobby Fogle.
The evening was quite successful and after viewing the film, many individuals commented positively with words like “brilliant,” “amazing,” “humbling,” “genius,” “imaginative,” and “persistent.” Three Sharp Scholarship recipients shared their reflections on the evening and on Sharp:
“Watching the documentary gave me a deeper respect for the risks he has taken and the obstacles he has overcome throughout his life."
“Now, working at Thermo Fisher Scientific Clinical Research, I see firsthand hand how his groundbreaking discoveries have transformed our understanding of genetic diseases and helped pave the way for new treatments — bringing hope to countless patients and families around the world."
“I appreciate his generosity and continued support.” — Savannah Schlueter Monroe (2012)
“The Sharp Scholarship provided substantial aid for my undergraduate degree. I am very thankful for his generosity. It was an honor and a privilege to be a spectator of the documentary displaying his life and works.” — Bryan Woods (2012)
“Dr. Sharp’s story has had a significant influence on how I perceive circumstances versus achievements."
“While one may be limited in opportunity — rural school, low-income household, undiagnosed dyslexia — with the right drive and work ethic, you can achieve your full potential. I apply this concept to my life and career every day."
“It was an honor to see the background of his Pendleton County roots and his journey through college. The coverage of his research and career in biotech were truly inspiring.” — Colton Pugh (2014)
Sharp’s journey from his rural home in Pendleton County took him to heights of life-changing innovation.
Filmmaker Bill Haney stated, “Phil Sharp is a life science pioneer.”
With all those accolades, Dr. Sharp has never forgotten his humble roots, and he was very excited to bring the documentary premiere back to his home, Pendleton County.
High school classmate, Shirley Merrill, stated, “The Lord gave Phillip Sharp to Pendleton County, and we gave him to the world to share his medical discoveries.”
The documentary “Cracking the Code” is scheduled to be shown on PBS stations on Oct. 6. More details will be shared at a later date.
