Thousands of children and teachers across Rice and surrounding counties enjoyed the Santa Fe Trail Children’s Literature Festival from 2002-2010. Merrillyn Kloefkorn initiated the festival when she became a member of the education faculty at Sterling College, drawing from her many acquaintances in the world of children’s literature to plan the festival. Unfortunately, Kloefkorn had to discontinue the festival in 2010.

Recognizing the benefit of the event for public schools, the education faculty at Sterling College decided to reinstate the annual festival this fall. 

Cool fall weather is right around the corner, and finding the perfect place to spend time outdoors is now easier thanks to a Sterling College professor’s book about the best trails in Kansas. Sterling College’s Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Jonathan Conard has co-authored a book with his sister, Kristin Conard, a writing teacher and freelance travel writer. The book, “Kansas Trail Guide: The Best Hiking, Biking, and Riding in Kansas,” is published through University Press of Kansas and has been available for purchase since May 2015.

Sterling College will host Oklahoma’s current state Poet Laureate, Dr. Benjamin Myers, for a poetry reading on Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 4 p.m. in Cornerstone in the Student Union.

“We are honored to have Dr. Myers here on campus for this special event. Dr. Myers continues to influence others through his intricate narrative poems that explore life in Oklahoma. He is a gifted teacher whose award-winning work will inspire both our students and the larger community,” said Aaron Brown, assistant professor of writing and editing.

Welcoming two highly published authors, the Santa Fe Trail Children’s Literature Festival will take place Thursday, Sept. 17, at Sterling College. Author and illustrator Cheryl Harness and author David L. Harrison will speak to kindergarten through eighth grade students about writing and the creative process. There are currently over 1,400 students scheduled to attend the event.