Ten people from around the state have been recognized by the Kansas Sampler Foundation in 2025 for their efforts to preserve and sustain rural culture.
The Kansas Sampler Foundation, an Inman-based non-profit, has been presenting We Kan! award plates since 1993. Recipients are chosen from the We Kan! network which is made up of community leaders, doers, entrepreneurs, volunteers and rural advocates, including those involved in state government, who desire to help rural communities be the best they can be at being themselves.
The ten to receive awards in 2025 are Cheryl Adelhardt, Harper (You've Given Your All); Kylee Bergstrom, Seneca (Yo, VIP, You're Kicking It); Steve and Jane Fry, Elk Falls (For Lifting All); Caryl Hale, Norton (Your Open Heart); Shelly Hansel, Harper County (Loud and Proud); Sarah Kessinger, Marysville (Front and Center); Nick Levendofsky, Courtland (Secretary of Swagriculture); Susan McKenzie, White City (Whatever is Needed); Trisha Purdon, Independence (You're Our Rural Champion); and Laura and Kaydee Riggs-Johnson, Winfield (Making Kansas Cool as Heck).
Director Marci Penner said, "These are people who are making intentional and extra efforts to help improve their communities or lives of their constituents. Because they don't seek credit for their contributions, the manner in which we bring family and friends together to surprise them with the award, in their home environment, makes it a special event."
The artist of the individual award plates if Stacy Barnes of Greensburg.
To see a list of all previous We Kan! award winners go to kansassampler.org.
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