The Kansas Business Hall of Fame awarded the winners of its first-annual student essay contest recently.
Seven total cash prizes, donated by the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, were awarded to Emporia High School students.
The top three essay winners were (1) Mary Stanley, sophomore, who wrote about Olive Ann Beech; (2) Karla Flores, freshman, who also wrote about Olive Ann Beech; and (3) Eric Poersch, junior, who wrote about Arthur Capper. Each won $100. From the remaining essays, there was one winner awarded from each grade, 9 through 12; these students each won $50. These winners were (1) Hannah Cooper, freshman, who wrote about Joseph McCoy; (2) Connor Cheek, sophomore, who wrote about Walter Anderson and Edgar Waldo; (3) Jessica Rodriguez, junior, who wrote about Dan and Frank Carney; and (4) Tiarah Holt, senior, who wrote about Emporia’s own William Allen White.
The contest was open to students in Grades 9–12 in Lyon County. Home school entries were also accepted. Essays were based on a Kansas Business Hall of Fame inductee either in the Historical or Contemporary category. Students were asked if there was a present or historical member of the Kansas Business Hall of Fame that inspired them. Students were encouraged to use their own personal thoughts and views that best pertained to the theme and themselves. Entries were judged by a panel of business professionals and business faculty. The goal for next year is to offer the essay contest statewide.
About the Kansas Business Hall of Fame: The Kansas Business Hall of Fame, Inc. was formally chartered as a not-for-profit organization on May 8, 1987. Following the guidelines of the American National Business Hall of Fame, the organization became a fully accredited member in September, 1987. It is the only such business recognition program in Kansas. 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. Go to www.emporia.edu/business/community/kbhf/ for more information.