Our attorney, Randy Kinnard, recognized six fifth-graders for their excellent entries defining the meaning of respect. The awards were given April 10, 2012 at the Historic Williamson County Courthouse and on April 11, 2012, at Montgomery County Courthouse.
The first place winner in Williamson County was Emma Rutherford from Edmondson Elementary. She receiver $1,000 for her school, $1,000 for Monroe Carell, Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt (a charity of her choosing), and a $500 U.S. Savings Bond for herself.
The first place winner in Montgomery County was Jermese Hathorn. He earned $1,000 for Minglewood Elementary, $1,000 for Breast Cancer Research Foundation (a charity of his choosing), and a $500 U.S. Savings Bond for himself.
The RESPECT contest is held to start discussions on what it means to be respectful. In the past years, Randy has asked his peers what respect means to them. The contest emerged as a way to get youth to discuss the important topic. He states that as individuals grow older, they might experience the loss of dignity in their professional and personal lives because of disrespectful behavior. This action has the potential to negatively influence an individual’s life for years to come. Through this contest, we hope to instill a sense of decency and integrity in today’s youth. We want them to know how powerful respect can be.
Many children submitted creative, insightful pieces that articulated what respect meant to them. We evaluated all out entries before choosing our winners. While it was difficult to narrow down the submissions, we believe our winners reflect all that we hope respect means for others.
The Williamson County winners were:
- First Place: Emma Rutherford, Edmondson Elementary
- Second Place: Anthony Culp, Nolensville Elementary
- Third Place: Kianne Gimenez, Westwood Elementary
The Montgomery County winners were:
- First Place: Jermese Hathorn, Minglewood Elementary
- Second Place: Chloe Fisher, Clarksville Christian School
- Third Place: Kierston Bowles, Montgomery Central Elementary School
In addition to a U.S. Savings bond of $200, the second place contestants were given $500 for charities of their choice and $500 for their schools. Third place winners were given $450 for the charities of their choice, $450 for their school, and $100 U.S. Savings Bond.