Caryl Hale of the Norton Regional Health Foundation and Norton Arts Council was surprised with a We Kan! award August 29 in the Gloria Nelson Cultural Arts Center in the Heaton Building in Norton.
The presentation was made by Marci Penner and WenDee Rowe 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. Hale’s award had the words “Your open heart” engraved on a round plate made by artist Stacy Barnes of Greensburg.
Penner said, “Caryl sees possibilities and opportunities because of her open heart. She takes action and makes many special projects become realities. Norton is lucky to have her."
With planning help from Jen Hauser of the Norton County Community Foundation and Caryl's husband Aaron Hale, twenty friends and family gathered to surprise Hale.
Caryl is the second of ten to receive the We Kan! award in 2025. In July, Shelly Hansel of Harper County was presented with an award. To see a list of all previous We Kan! award winners go to kansassampler.org.
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