The Kansas Historical Foundation is accepting entries for the annual essay contest Kansas! Say It Above a Whisper. Sponsored by the Native Sons and Daughters of Kansas, the contest focuses on pride in the state and is open to Kansas students in grades 8 through 12. Essays must be limited to 250 words (about one double-spaced typewritten page) and must be submitted electronically by email no later than November 22, 2013. The author’s name, school, grade, mailing address, and phone number must be included on the essay. Send entries to: Terry Marmet, Kansas Historical Foundation, membership@kshs.org. Include “Boyd Essay Contest” in the subject line of the email.

The contest title was coined by early-day Kansas newspaperwoman Mamie Boyd, whose family continues to provide the cash award for the first place winner. Past essays have described interesting and strong-hearted people of Kansas, the state’s vast grain crops and grasslands, diversities in population, and the emotions and pride called to mind by the state’s unique beauty.

A panel from the Kansas Historical Society and the Foundation will judge entries. The judges look for originality, creativity and sincerity in expressing pride in the state of Kansas. Winners will be announced and recognized at the annual meeting of the Native Sons and Daughters of Kansas Friday, January 24, 2014, in Topeka. For more information, contact Terry Marmet, Director of Operations for the Kansas Historical Foundation, at 785-272-8681, ext. 209 or membership@kshs.org.