On behalf of the SEEDS board of directors, I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the success of our seventh annual Classic Rock 5K and Fun Run held on March 5. All told, more than 1,500 students, parents, teachers and running enthusiasts signed on to support this year’s important spring fundraiser for Daphne’s education foundation. 

Congratulations to top male and female 5K finishers Alex Guillory (19:29) and Elizabeth Akers (23:03), both of Daphne. Josh Ducote of Daphne High and Kaleigh Akers from Daphne Middle School won the 2011 Classic Rock 1-mile Fun Run.

We especially want to express appreciation to our major event sponsors — Citrin Law Firm; Lad Drago, State Farm Insurance; Morgan-Stanley, D’Oliveira-Frick Group; and Terry Thompson Chevrolet –– for their continuing, generous support of SEEDS.

Hats off to the many companies and organizations that provided in-kind and volunteer support including the City of Daphne public works, fire and police departments; Riviera Utilities; Publix; Target; Fortis College; Eskamoe’s; Buffalo Rock-Pepsi; Kohl’s; Signs Now; Hot Wheels Skate Center; Pizza Hut; Rave Theater; The Hangout; the Daphne High Athletic Department; Daphne parent-teacher associations and numerous student service clubs. 

Special thanks, also, to State Rep. Randy Davis, Aldo Edwards, Coach Glenn Vickery, Peggy Olive, Will Wright, Megan Edwards and the Daphne principals for their contributions.

Congratulations is extended to the winners of the 2011 Classic Rock Class Competition: Betty Mullek, 1st grade, Christ the King Catholic School; Viki McGinty, kindergarten, Daphne Elementary; Michelle Henderson, fifth grade, W.J. Carroll Intermediate School; Michelle Boulton, fifth grade, and Leah Garl, third grade, Daphne East Elementary; Amanda Blake, seventh grade, Daphne Middle School, and Susanne Mahone and Kim Baer, Daphne High. Each class earned a homeroom celebration for registering the most participants.

Finally, our sincere appreciation goes to the 2011 Classic Rock Race Committee for their dedication and hard work in making this year’s event our most profitable to date.

We look forward to hosting the running community and area families once again at the eighth annual Classic Rock 5K & Fun Run on Saturday, March 3, 2012.