A DeKalb County man was among the volunteers from 61 counties that were honored at the 11th Annual Governor’s Volunteer Stars Awards ceremony at the Franklin Marriott Cool Springs in Franklin Feb. 10.

The local honoree, Blake Cantrell, was cited for his active role in improving his community and helping others. The awards celebrated the efforts of 108 volunteers statewide who have strived to improve their communities through service.  Miss Tennessee 2018, Christine Williamson, presented the awards, and NewsChannel5 weekend anchor, Jennifer Kraus, served as emcee for the event.           

One youth and one adult volunteer were selected from participating counties to receive this prestigious award.  Nominees were judged based on the community’s need of the volunteer service performed, initiative taken to perform the service, creativity used to solve a community problem and impact of the volunteer service on the community.  The individual awards are sponsored by Tennessee 4-H.

Blake Cantrell – Dekalb County Adult Honoree – who cited for his work in his home DeKalb County. Cantrell was earlier recognized as the Community Leader of the Year and received the 2017 Git-R-Done award for the DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department. He was DeKalb County High School Quarterback club Vice President for 9 years. He attended the Citizen Fire Academy in the fall of 2014, became a volunteer firefighter in 2015, and served as the DeKalb County volunteer fire department communications officer. Blake is President of DeKalb Emergency Services Association and President of 2017-18 DeKalb County High School Project Graduation. He also volunteers IT services to Haven of Hope, Lighthouse Christian Camp, and various churches and civic groups.