The Kansas Business Hall of Fame (KBHF) recently announced the four winners of its annual statewide essay contest focused on state business leaders. Ninety-six high school students submitted write ups on KBHF honorees of their choosing.
“The Kansas Business Hall of Fame is proud to honor these students and their instructors, who, through these essays, help us better understand the rich tradition of entrepreneurship and innovation that our state has fostered,” KBHF Board Chair Dr. James Leiker said.
A panel of business professionals and business faculty judged essays from 24 Kansas high schools as well as from home educated 9th-12th-grade Kansans. The student contestants wrote about honorees in both Historical and Contemporary categories. They included research along with personal insights and opinions about their subjects.
The winning authors and inductees they researched and wrote about were:
- Molly Brown, Hayden Catholic High School | Inductee: Olive Ann Beech
- Alexandrea Howell, Leavenworth High School | Inductee: Fred Harvey
- Braden Polifka, Quinter High School | Inductee: Junius George Groves
- Quinten Schafer, Blue Valley North High School | Inductee: William H. Graves
The students received $500 each for their winning essays. The Kansas Chamber annually donates the prize money.
“This important contest motivates students to learn about the achievements and legacies of successful entrepreneurs and innovators in Kansas,” said Kansas Chamber Vice President of Communications and KBHF Board Member Sherriene Jones-Sontag. “By researching and writing about the state’s business community, students gain valuable insights into challenges and opportunities to prepare them as Kansas’ future leaders.”
Judges for the 2022 contest included Emporia State University Dean of School of Business Ed Bashaw, Johnson County Community College Lead Registration Specialist Susan Elliott, Johnson County Community College History Professor James Leiker, Kansas Future Business Leaders of America State Adviser Connie Lindell, Dodge City Assistant City Manager Melissa McCoy, KBHF Executive Director John Rich, Emporia State University Erica Self and 2S Inc. President Jim Shepherd.
The KSBHF annually inducts business leaders from the past (Historical) and present (Contemporary). Students and teachers can learn more about the Hall at www.KSBHF.org.
