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. Annual Dinner and Awards will be presented on Friday, Jan. 26 and will celebrate the 2018 honorees.
Friends, family, and the public are invited to join the board and honorees at the Kansas Native Sons And Daughters annual dinner on Friday, Jan. 26, 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 6:30 p.m. For more information, or to buy tickets, visit www.ksnativesonsanddaughters.com.
Honorees include:
• Kansan Of The Year, Philip F. Anschutz: Born in Russell and a graduate of KU, the famous wildcatter, land baron, entertainment mogul, and soccer magnate has never forgotten his Kansas roots, donating to the University of Kansas and other Sunflower State charities frequently. This past year saw Anschutz named one of Forbes’ 100 greatest living business minds.
• Distinguished Kansan Of The Year, The Band KANSAS: During their 40-year career this “garage band” from Topeka has become legendary. They released their debut album in 1974, produced some of the most iconic radio hits of the century, and have sold more than 30 million albums worldwide, including “Leftoverture Live & Beyond” this past November.
• Citation Of Distinguished Statesmanship, Senator Pat Roberts: A fourth generation Kansan, born in Topeka, a graduate of Kansas State University, and a Captain in the US Marine Corps, Charles “Pat” Roberts is the Dean of the Kansas Congressional Delegation. He is the longest serving member of congress in the history of Kansas providing steady and dependable representation in Washington. He is currently the chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee and is the only person ever to serve as the chairman of both the House Agriculture Committee and Senate Agriculture Committee. He is an advocate for agriculture producers, better access to quality health care, and a strong defense.
Also, recognized during the event will be the Beech and Boyd story and art contest winners. Selected by representatives of the Kansas State Historical Society, winners are judged on originality, creativity, and sincerity in expressing pride in the state of Kansas. The Kansas “As Talented As You Think” high school art contest winners will also be announced. Completing the festivities will be the new awards honoring The Most Outstanding Kansans of the Past 100 Years. And they are: Olive Ann Beech and Walter H. Beech; Senator Bob Dole; Dwight David Eisenhower; Gordon Parks; William Allen White.