For the past seven years, the Kegan Johns Memorial 5K/10K has served as an outlet for the community to turn a tragedy into a lesson for students across the region. With this being the 8th and final year for the race, his mother Cindy Walsh is reflecting on her son’s short life and its big impact.
Kegan Johns is a familiar name for many in Johnston City and southern Illinois. He graduated from Johnston City High School as a four-sport athlete and decided to serve his country in the U.S. Marine Corps. However, Johns never got the chance to attend boot camp or embark on his military career.
In 2004, just three months after graduating, he passed away. The 18-year-old was a passenger in a single-vehicle crash in which the driver had been drinking. Walsh found herself determined to bring some purpose behind her son’s death and give back to the community.
“His favorite sport was socializing,” Walsh laughs as she remembers. “He played football, baseball, basketball, and did track. He always enjoyed running like cross country and long distances.”
This prompted the Kegan Johns Memorial 5K/10K Run Walk, which started as a way to benefit Williamson County Traffic Safety Days. The event allowed law enforcement to teach high school students about being cautious drivers and the dangers of driving under the influence. When COVID-19 came about and students went from in-person to e-learning, Walsh decided to have the profits go to student scholarships including for Johnston City High School Seniors.
“It’s not a lot, but it’s something,” Walsh says. “Maybe gas money, some new clothes. Whatever they need in that moment to get them started and into their next chapter of life.”
Walsh is also ready to enter the next chapter of her life lacing up her sneakers one last time for this memorial race. Walsh plans to retire and spend more time with her family, especially as she patiently awaits the arrival of her first great-grandchild.
She hopes to have a high turnout for this farewell and give as many students a scholarship as possible. Several members of the Johnston City School District support this mission and are signed up for the run.
One of those is Tim Kee, a second-grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary, who participates in the 5K/10K every year.
“Kegan was a student of mine,” Kee recalls. “In my first 13 years at the district, I taught high school. Kegan was one of my senior English students shortly before he passed away.”
Kee also crocheted an afghan to donate as a raffle prize but feels he’s gained more than he’s given.
“Kegan’s mom and I have become close friends as she’s worked over the years to keep Kegan’s legacy alive,” he explains. “I’ll miss it, but I know Cindy will continue working in Kegan’s name, just in other ways.”
Another race participant is Unit Secretary Kim Grant, whose youngest brother graduated with Kegan.
Initially, Kim’s aunt invited her to participate in the race. Since then, she’s been hooked only missing one year due to surgery. Like Kee, Grant will also miss the camaraderie.
“It’s the 5K that I looked forward to every year,” she adds. “I am a little sad, but I also think about the people that I have met throughout the years, and have made some new friends and reconnected with some old friends.”
Support from district staff doesn’t go unnoticed, and neither do community members and local businesses who volunteer their time and resources.
“It just means the world to know that he’s not forgotten,” Walsh points out. “The people he touched will take him forever in their lives.”
Kegan Johns Memorial 5K/10K is happening on Sunday, March 2nd. You can register for the race here. The last day to be guaranteed a t-shirt and customized race bib is February 17th.
In honor of Kegan’s birthday on March 4th, Texas Roadhouse in Marion will donate 10% of your dine-in purchase to these student scholarships. You must have a Kegan Johns Memorial flyer.
