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. 

“The festival was just too important for students to let it disappear. We knew we had to revive it,” said Dr. Terri Gaeddert, director of the Sterling Teacher Education Program.

Under the direction of Gaeddert and Nancy Hicks, administrative assistant for education, the Santa Fe Trail Children’s Literature Festival was revived this year. Over 1,500 local students and teachers from Rice, Reno, McPherson, and Barton counties attended six different sessions to hear from author David L. Harrison and author/illustrator Cheryl Harness. During a special luncheon for the authors and local school librarians, Sterling College honored Kloefkorn for her work and dedication to the literature festival and more importantly, the children who benefit from this experience.

“We wanted to recognize Merrillyn for her contributions to the college, particularly for initiating the Santa Fe Trail Children’s Literature Festival. We decided the best way to do that, what Merrillyn would want most, is to put books in the hands of children. Every year we will donate $250 worth of books in Kloefkorn’s name to school libraries and children who attend the literature festival,” said Gaeddert.

Kloefkorn continues to work with the Sterling Teacher Education Program as a mentor and adjunct lecturer for online classes.

Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college located in Sterling, Kansas, with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. For more information, visit www.sterling.edu.