Karen Walk was surprised with a We Kan! Award on Tuesday, October 27 at the Museum of the Great Plains in Leoti.
The presentation was made by Simone Elder of the Kansas Sampler Foundation with help from Gwen Wells, Jeanene French, Sam Giesick, and Darcey Mai who helped plan the surprise. Walk asked if she was to expect a trick or a treat as her family walked into the regularly scheduled Wichita County Historical Society meeting. Karen, who is typically quite chatty, was shocked into near speechlessness at the recognition. The short presentation included a colorful round plate with the words “Preserving History with Gusto” engraved on it. The artist was Stacy Barnes of Greensburg.
Elder said, “Karen Walk has volunteered tirelessly as she’s led projects for the preservation of Wichita County history. From the renovations at the Washington Ames House to the creativity and enthusiasm for Wichita County’s history and projects that also shape its future, her commitment has made a difference to the community.”
The Kansas Sampler Foundation, an 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.
Karen Walk is the fifth Kansan who will receive the We Kan! award in 2026.
To see a list of all previous We Kan! award winners go to kansassampler.org.