Cannonsburg Elementary Dedicates New Playground

Cannonsburg Elementary

Dedicates New Playground

Pamela Hall

The Ashland Beacon

“It’s a great day to be a Cannonsburg Tiger!”

Although the statement was made by Rocky Adkins last Friday at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new playground at Cannonsburg Elementary, it was most certainly felt by everyone in attendance.

The ceremony began with a short welcome by Principal Christy Reliford, who then introduced gubernatorial candidate Rocky Adkins. Adkins praised the dedication of Joann McGranahan, a former bus monitor for about 25 years in the Boyd County School system, for whom the playground was named. He continued to speak about her impact on the community and its most precious resource, the children.

“This is a wonderful day for the children at Cannonsburg Elementary,” Adkins said. “It is wonderful to see the community give a lasting legacy to Joann McGranahan and honor her in this special way.”

Boyd County Schools Superintendent William Boblett also praised McGranahan and the community.

“What a great day for Cannonsburg,” Boblett reiterated. “To see the community come together for this playground project is just amazing.”

The playground was built from donated funds from community members and organizations such as Arby’s, Camp Landing, Tom and Sherry Wolfe, and others.

Sherry Wolfe, Joann McGranahan’s daughter, spoke about how her mother loved the children and cared for them. Her mother cared so much that she would buy Pop-Tarts and carry them in her purse in case any of the children would be hungry. She also related a few funny stories her mother had told her about her experiences with the children.

“This is the absolute best thing that we could ever do for her,” Sherry expressed. “I can’t think of a better way to honor her than with a playground.”

Principal Reliford spoke about how the playground came about and the fundraising efforts it entailed. She related how much she appreciated the efforts of the committee that assisted her in bringing the playground to fruition. She also shared how Ms. McGranahan had collected special rocks on family trips to remember those precious family times together. Those rocks now surround the new playground.

“I am so thankful for our dream that has turned into a reality, so our children have a nice place and a safe place to play,” Reliford said. “It’s better than what we envisioned. I am just in awe!”

The children who attend Cannonsburg Elementary were included in the ceremony, of course. They cheered several times during the ceremony, waving small sticks with red ribbons attached.

Sherry Wolfe was given the honor of cutting the ribbon for the playground named for her mother. She was assisted by Principal Reliford and School Board members Cindy VanHorn and Lisa Wallin. Members of Joann McGranahan’s family released biodegradable helium balloons as the ribbon was cut with a giant pair of gold scissors.

After the ceremony, Rocky Adkins just could not resist shooting a basketball on the new basketball court. As you may know, Rocky played basketball for Morehead State University when he attended there.

Rocky said it best. It was indeed a great day to be a Cannonsburg Tiger!