Cannon County Runs for Children Kicked Off Child Abuse Prevention Month

“Saturday was a beautiful morning for the 4th annual Cannon Runs for Children 5K,” announced Cannon County Coordinator Amanda Hammond. “The Cannon County Child Advocacy Center wants to thank all of our runners and sponsors that came out despite the chilly morning.”

The event was held at the Arts Center of Cannon County. Keith Ready, News and Sports Content Creator with the Cannon Courier, was the master of ceremonies.

Retired District Attorney General William C. Whitesell presented a Hometown Heroes Award to Retired Assistant District Attorney David L. Puckett for his exceptional service to the Cannon County community. Puckett aggressively prosecuted child abuse and child sexual abuse offenders.

The Honorable Judge Susan Melton presented a Hometown Heroes Award to Catherine Player for her outstanding dedication to Cannon County children and Youth. Player is retired from Cannon County Youth Services. Player was instrumental in helping establish the Cannon County Child Advocacy Center.

Keith Ready expressed sincere gratitude to the event sponsors. Platinum sponsors included the Arts Center of Cannon County, Experience Community Church Cannon County and S2L Recovery. Silver and Bronze sponsors were Brad Davenport and Ed Motlow; Katina George, Circuit Court Clerk; DTC Communications; First Bank; Homeland Community Bank; Bob Parks Auction Company; Preston Brother’s Construction; Tri Star Title Company; and Woodbury Drug Center. Friends of the CAC included James and Ramona Adkins, Donald and Betty Conn, Douglas and Jane Jennings, Charles and Tammy Jones, Gary and Tammy Nichols, and Joel and Catherine Player.

Ready thanked Kamille Smith, Executive Director of CASA and Administrative Assistant for Cannon County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition, and her volunteers for providing granola bars, bananas, and bottled water for the runners and event volunteers. He expressed appreciation to the Arts Center of Cannon County for graciously donating the venue and providing a place for the runners to warm up!

David Puckett led a prayer for the runner’s safety and Cannon County High School Cross Country Coach Brian Elrod announced the instructions and the run route.

At the conclusion of the race, Keith Ready announced the winners:

• Overall winners were: Antonio Jones (first place), Nick Foster (second place), Boone Elrod (third place)
• Female 12 and Under: Fiona Smith (first place), Lola Ferrell (second place), Pepper Jennings (third place)
• Males 12 and Under: Kullon Patrick (first place), Carson Byrom (second place), Hunter Tuck (third place)
• Female 13 to 17: Marlee McNutt (first place), Kiley Jo Byrom (second place), Amelia Mason (third place)
• Males 13 to 17: Jason Barrett (first place), Kevin England (second place), Matthew Phillips (third place)
• Females 18 to 64: Madellyne Lokey (first place), Melissa Laduc (second place), Shirley Barrett (third place)
• Males 18 to 64: Wesley Alexander (first place), Cory Steffes (second place), Jeff Tanner (third place)
• Senior Citizen (65+) James Adkins (first place)

Child Advocacy Center Development Coordinator Katie Enzor thanked the 2022 Cannon Runs for Children 5K committee members who made this a successful event: The Honorable Judge Susan Melton, Brian Elrod, Christine O’Day, Keith Ready, and Kamille Smith.

The 2023 Cannon Runs for Children 5K Planning Committee is looking for committee members. If you would like to serve on it contact Amanda Hammond or Katie Enzor at (615) 563-9915 or [email protected] or [email protected].