Second grader Morgan Nabus of Junction City was so inspired by farming he watched in his community, he captured a photograph of a farmer working on an implement. Morgan’s photo received first place in its category last year in the Happy Birthday, Kansas! photo contest. He won an iPad for his work. Morgan’s was one of approximately 250 contest entries and he was one of 24 students to receive awards.

For the third year, students will have the opportunity to photograph activities that inspire them and enter that work in the Happy Birthday, Kansas! photo contest. This year’s theme is Making a Difference in Your Kansas Community.

L. W. Halbe was an early 20th century student who made a similar impact in his community. With a small box camera, the 15-year-old captured photos of Dorrance and left a remarkable pictorial history, which is preserved at the Kansas Historical Society. Today’s young photographers are encouraged to make similar contributions to provide a permanent record of the activities they find important.

The contest, for first through 12th grade students, will be held August 1 through November 1, 2016. Winners will be announced as part of the state’s 156th birthday commemoration at the Kansas State Capitol on January 27, 2017. Twelve first place and 12 second place prizes will be awarded. First place prizes are iPads; second place prizes are Kindles. For more information and a complete list of contest rules, visit happybirthdayks.org.

The contest is sponsored by the Kansas legislative spouses in conjunction with the Kansas Historical Society.