High school students across the state have received their awards from the third annual statewide Kansas Business Hall of Fame essay contest. The contest was open to students in Grades 9–12 in Kansas. Home school entries were accepted.
Original essays were based on research of a Kansas Business Hall of Fame honoree inducted into one of two categories, Historical or Contemporary. Inductees can be found at www.ksbhf.org. Students could read about the inductees and choose one that inspired them. They were encouraged to use their own personal thoughts and views that best pertained to the theme and themselves.
Ninety-eight entries from 12 Kansas high schools (Basehor-Linwood, Emporia, Hillsboro, Lansing, McPherson, Nemaha Central, Quinter, Sedgwick, South Gray High, Spring Hill, Trego Community, & Wellington) were judged by a panel of business professionals and business faculty.
The prize money totaling $1,000 was graciously donated by the Kansas Chamber of Commerce. Seven total prizes were awarded to the top three essays overall ($200 each) and for the top essay in each grade, 9–12 (from the remaining essays; $100 each). Winning authors were mailed their certificates and checks.
Dr. Jeff Muldoon, KBHF executive director, is thankful to those that made this essay contest possible, “We would like to thank the students, their teachers, and the Kansas Chamber of Commerce for this excellent competition. Without their support, our competition would not be possible.”
Dr. James Leiker, KBHF board chair, adds to Dr. Muldoon’s comments, “We are pleased to honor these students whose writings on the best and brightest in Kansas entrepreneurship help to fulfill the mission of the Kansas Business Hall of Fame. Congratulations to all the winning entries and thank you to all who participated.”
Below are the winning authors and the KBHF inductee they wrote about:
Top three $200 winners:
- Shea Inlow, sophomore from Sedgwick High School, inductee Fred Harvey
- Emma Elder, senior from Nemaha High School, inductees Dan and Frank Carney
- Taylon Ellis, freshman from Wellington High School, inductee William Coleman
Top $100 winners from each grade:
- Madison Paradise, freshman from Sedgwick High School, inductee Phillip Anshutz
- Faith Finley, sophomore from Emporia High School, inductees Dan and Frank Carney
- Sydnee Hammond, junior from Emporia High School, inductee Bill Kurtis
- Jill Carlson, senior from Lansing High School, inductee Walter Anderson
About the Kansas Business Hall of Fame: Housed in Emporia State University’s School of Business Cremer Hall, the Kansas Business Hall of Fame recognizes business leaders, who through their high standards of ethics, have added to the prestige and growth of Kansas. By identifying outstanding examples of business leadership, the Hall of Fame shares with high school and college students and adults these stories of success and innovation through representative displays. The Hall of Fame creates an awareness and appreciation of Kansas' rich heritage of business leadership. The Board is made up of individuals from all over the state of Kansas with representatives from universities, community colleges, and private and public businesses. For more information, please go to www.ksbhf.org.