Sheryl Crow, and dad, Wendell Crow, shake hands before their tennis match. Sheryl and Wendell were the first to play on the new court after the official dedication. Staff photos by George Anderson [Click to enlarge]

Sheryl Crow was on hand as members of the Kennett community, along with the Kennett School Board and several guests, gathered at the new Kennett High School (KHS) tennis court for the dedication ceremony on Tuesday.

Superintendent Jerry Noble started the event by thanking everyone for their help, then introducing Board President Matthew Shetley.

Shetley welcomed everyone to the event. He went on to recognize Don Wheatley, a long time faculty member and tennis coach, who is honored by having a stone in the court that is dedicated to him.

Kennett School Board President Matthew Shetley presents a plaque of commendation to the Crow family, Bernice, Wendell, and Sheryl, for their support in getting the new tennis court. [Click to enlarge]

Shetley also recognized the Pu family, who contributed funds for the upkeep of the courts.

Shetley went on to say that the first thought about the new courts started about 18 months ago when Crow gave her dad, Wendell Crow, a trip to the U.S. Open.

Wendell then began training with KHS tennis coach Janet Hilburn at the old court.

Musician and Kennett native Sheryl Crow was on hand to show her support at the Kennett High School tennis court dedication ceremony. [Click to enlarge]

Wendell thought KHS could use a new court so he contacted Sheryl and she agreed to make a donation to get the court started.

KHS also applied for a U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) grant to finish the court. Since the court will be a publicly used facility, they were awarded the maximum amount of $50,000.

Shetley then introduced Scott Howes, USTA representative, who thanked everyone for coming out and showing their support for tennis.

"I hope to develop some good programs now that we have the court in the city," Howes said.

Howes also mentioned how he hopes to, "get the boys involved" with tennis.

Shetley then came back to recognize the Kennett Booster Club for their donation of $2,500. Shetley also thanked Hilburn, Assistant Superintendent Chris Wilson, member of the board, and then presented a plaque of commendation to the Crow family for their support.

"The real inspiration for this court was the day that I came out here to see my nephews, Bradley and Chase, come out here to Janet's tennis camp. I was so blown away by these kids and their enthusiasm and by how much she was guiding these kids into a sport they would be able to play forever and ever," Sheryl said.

"To not have a court where Janet can do what she does best and create these dreams for these kids seemed like a shame,

"[Tennis is] just a great sport and it has everything to do with all of us achieving the greatness that exists in all of us," Sheryl continued.

Hilburn then took to podium and thanked everyone for coming. She also presented Sheryl with an autographed team photo to show the team's appreciation.

Hilburn also thanked Noble, Wilson, the board, and the maintenance crew for helping with the ceremony.

"I just want to say thank you and I appreciate it," Hilburn said.

Check out our online albums for more pictures of the tennis court dedication.