Native Sons and Daughters of Kansas is an organization for all Kansans formed to preserve Kansas history, show loyalty to Kansas traditions, encourage the ideals of patriotism in youth, and honor outstanding citizens of Kansas. Their Annual Dinner and Awards will be presented on January 27th, where the organization, led by Presidents Stephen R. Morris and Ruth Teichman, will be continuing their tradition of recognizing Beech and Boyd story, and art, contest winners. These competitions are judged by representatives of the Kansas State Historical Society. Winners will be selected by judges looking for originality, creativity and sincerity in expressing pride in the state of Kansas.

The evening will also celebrate, and allow attendees personal insight into the character and journeys of, the 2017 honorees:

KANSAN OF THE YEAR, Gale Sayers, “The Kansas Comet,” Athlete and Author: Considered by many to have been the greatest open field runner in college football history, his KU successes led to a record breaking NFL career. That career led to a life-changing friendship with Brian Piccolo, featured in his published works and the movie, Brian’s Song. Gale and his wife are now noted philanthropists, supporting KU, the Cradle Foundation, and founding the Gale Sayers Center, an after-school program for children ages 8–12 from Chicago's west side and focuses on leadership development, tutoring, and mentoring.

KANSAN OF THE YEAR, Brigadier General James D. Latham, USAF, Retired; Lockheed Martin, Retired: His notable staff assignments include serving as Commandant of the US Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corp and as the Assistant Deputy Undersecretary of the Air Force for International Affairs.  He is a recipient of the Distinguished Service Medal; two awards of the Silver Star; five awards of the Distinguished Flying Cross; two awards of the Bronze Star; 18 awards of the Air Medal; and two awards of the Purple Heart.  This was all before his incredible success at Lockheed Martin as Director for International Business Development where he expanded the European Market.

CITATION FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE, The University of Kansas: There have been many changes to the University of Kansas over its 150 history. However, the constant, steadfast Jayhawk Spirit has made sure that the leadership, faculty and staff have always accomplished their mission of educating leaders, building healthy communities, and making discoveries that change the world.

Friends, family, and the general public are invited to attend the KANSAS NATIVE SONS AND DAUGHTERS ANNUAL DINNER on Friday, January 27, 2017 in the Sunflower Ballroom of the Maner Conference Center in Topeka. Doors open at 5:30 p. m. with the Awards Ceremony and Dinner commencing at 6:30pm. For more information, or to buy tickets, visit www.ksnativesonsanddaughters.org.