Cheryl Adelhardt was surprised with a We Kan! award November 19 at the Fence Post in Harper.
The presentation was made by Marci Penner of the Kansas Sampler Foundation. The Inman-based non-profit has been choosing recipients every year since 1993 to show appreciation for dedicated work in helping preserve and sustain rural culture. KSF's We Kan! Network is made up of community leaders, doers, entrepreneurs, volunteers and rural advocates who desire to help rural communities be the best they can be at being themselves.
Adelhardt’s award had the words “You've Given your All” engraved on a round plate made by artist Stacy Barnes of Greensburg.
Penner said, “Cheryl excelled as the county clerk for Harper County, always making the extra effort. She's always been a community doer and last year was named a Rural Champion from the Office of Rural Prosperity to work on housing in the county. Whatever her role, she's always given her all and we've appreciated her so much over the years."
Dollie Mathes helped plan the surprise which took place at the Fence Post where Adelhardt meets friends weekly for coffee. Mathes, Virginia Downing, Bonnie Alldritt, and Kari O'Riley walked in to kick off the surprise. The twelve people at the coffee table and restaurant owner, Beth Coslett, knew what was about to happen.
Adelhardt is the seventh of ten to receive the We Kan! award in 2025. The first six were Caryl Hale, Norton; Shelly Hansel, Harper County; Sarah Kessinger, Marysville; Nick Levendofsky, Courtland; Susan McKenzie, White City; and Kylee Bergstrom, Seneca.
To see a list of all previous We Kan! award winners go to kansassampler.org.
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