Sheryl Crow in Kennett for tennis court dedication

KENNETT, Mo. — 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 tennis court for the dedication ceremony Tuesday.

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

Shetley said thoughts about the new courts started about 18 months ago when Crow gave her father, Wendell Crow, a trip to the U.S. Open.

Wendell Crow thought the school could use a new court so he contacted his daughter. She agreed to make a donation to get the court started.

"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 ... tennis camp. I was so blown away by these children and their enthusiasm and by how much she was guiding these children into a sport they would be able to play forever and ever," Sheryl Crow said.

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

The high school also recieved a $50,000 grant from the U.S. Tennis Association grant to finish the court.