Playground Dedicated To Late Student

CANTON, GA -- School and community members came together on Friday at the Ralph Bunche Center in Canton to dedicate the Playground for Smiles in memory of a young student who passed away last year.

Christian Egner attended the preschool center for two years before he succumbed to complications from asthma.

"Christian enjoyed life to the fullest," Principal Donna Adams said during the ceremony. "We were blessed to have Christian dance through these halls and leap on this playground."

Christian's parents, Keith and Trish Egner, participated in the dedication, and members of the Laurel Canyon Optimist Club and Canton First Baptist Church attended as well.

• RELATED: Race Honors Boy Who Died From Asthma-Related Complications

Teasley Middle School peer readers were on hand, and Ella Geist performed a song for the gathering. Ralph Bunche students closed out the ceremony with some favorite children's songs.

The news of the dedication, Mr. Egner said, "brought joy to my heart and to my family."

"His name will go on, and he'll be remembered for years to come," he added.

The Soleil community in Laurel Canyon was instrumental in raising funds for the new playground equipment.

The Egner family has established a foundation in Christian's name, and a 5K Smile Run is scheduled for Oct. 8 to benefit the Ralph Bunche Center. You can learn more about the Smile Run by clicking here.

---

Photo 1: Keith Egner and his wife Trish thank everyone for their support and the remembrance in honor of their son.
Photo 2: Preschool Centers Principal Donna Adams welcomes guests to the dedication.
Photo 3: Ralph Bunche teachers and students sang several songs for the audience.
Photo 4: Jeanne Coleman holds the microphone for Ayden Henderson to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, while Charlie Jacoby presents the flag and teacher Anne Marie Corley looks on.
Photo 5: Preschool students performed several songs at the end of the ceremony. Ralph Bunche staff members Annie Andrews, left, and Tiffany Kelly sing along with Easton Elrod, center, and Savannah Barnes, right.
Photo 6: School Board Vice Chair Patsy Jordan and Deputy Superintendent Trey Olson wait for the ceremony to begin.
Photo 7: Ella Geist performs a song for the event.
Photo 8: The audience listens to Ella perform.
Photo credits: Cherokee County School District