Kindest Kansas Citian Essay Contest
Calling all students–we need your help to find the kindest in KC!
The Kindest Kansas Citian Essay Contest is back for its 37th year, and we cannot wait to celebrate the kindest individuals in our community.
Students in grades K-12 are invited to submit an essay or piece of artwork answering one simple prompt:
“Who is your Kindest Kansas Citian and why?”
The essay contest will open on August 1st and all submissions are due by December 31st.
Frequently Asked Questions
Students, grades K-12, are welcome to participate and submit an essay or piece of artwork that shares about the Kindest Kansas Citian in their life!
Individuals, couples, or groups may be nominated for the Kindest Kansas Citian Contest. We encourage students to think outside the box and nominate someone they know who is over 18 years old, not related to them, and lives in Kansas City. Famous individuals will NOT qualify in the top honorees unless that have personal relationships with the nominating students.
The top essay winner in each grade level will be contacted after our Read-a-Thon on Friday, February 5th!
One of the many reasons this essay contest is so special is its ability to be integrated into a classroom or lesson in a variety of ways! See below for some ways other schools have done so:
- Introduce the contest at the beginning of the school year as expectations and classroom culture are being established
- Utilize “World Kindness Day” on Friday, November 13th to focus in on a building-wide initiative of spreading kindness, or better yet, extend it to a full week of activities that culminate on World Kindness Day, like Chinn Elementary did here.
- Close out the 1st semester asking students to reflect on who has made an impact in their life or even their experience since the beginning of the school year, before they all head out to Winter Break.
To help our volunteer readers and committee members, all essays should:
- Be no longer than a single, one-sided page (typed or handwritten using this template)
- Be uploaded as a PDF file
- Include the student’s first and last name, grade level and school name at the top
If the essay or drawing is handwritten and then scanned, please make sure the handwriting is legible.
Rita Blitt Kindest School
Awarded annually, the recipient of the Rita Blitt Kindest School Award creates a culture of acceptance and kindness within their school community.
Teachers, counselors and admin, don’t miss your chance to nominate your school! Nominations are due December 31st.
Rita Blitt Kindest School
Each year, we recognize a school whose students and staff fully embrace the spirit of kindness through their participation in the program.
Our 2026 Rita Blitt Kindest School was Oakhill Day School, selected for its strong culture of kindness, service, and belonging. Through schoolwide initiatives, student-led service opportunities, and a commitment to ensuring every student feels known and supported, Oakhill fosters a community where kindness is intentionally practiced every day.
Our next Rita Blitt Kindest School will be announced in early 2027!
Kindest Kansas Citian Committee
The Kindest Kansas Citian Essay Contest would not be possible without the help of our Committee!
1st Row (Left to Right): Bonnie Smith, Teri Laverty, Jamie Crawford, Jim Caniglia
2nd Row (Left to Right): Michelle Personelli, Tiffany Massey, JeNaya Robbs, Enza Brancato, Laura Jones, Cassidey Collins
Not Pictured: Mary Barnes, Jessica DiBernardo, Suzanne Licata, Mary Stewart, Barbara and Robert Unell.
A Special Thank You To Our 2026 Sponsors
Meet Our 2026 Honorary Star
The honorary star award is presented each year to a business or individual who exemplifies kindness in our community. This year, we are proud to present QuikTrip with the Honorary Star award at our 36th Annual Kindest Kansas Citian Awards.
From their commitment to helping teens find safety as a Safe Place partner, to their dedication to early childhood education and contributions to United Way, their impact can be seen and felt throughout our community.
tickets & sponsorship opportunities
Check back this winter for 2027 Awards Ceremony ticket and sponsorship information!
Questions about sponsorships? Please email [email protected].
Trailblazer - $15,000
- Three premiere tables for eight (24 guests)
- Logo in the printed program and event slideshow
- Logo with link to company website on event webpage
- Logo included on one social media post pre-event
- Full-page ad in the event program
- Verbal on-stage recognition during the program
- Exclusive access to the Science City Maker's Space
Changemaker - $10,000
- Two premiere tables for eight (16 guests)
- Logo in the printed program and event slideshow
- Logo with link to company website on event webpage
- Logo included on one social media post pre-event
- Half-page ad in the event program
- Verbal on-stage recognition during the program
Guardian - $5,000
- One premiere table for eight guests
- Logo in the printed program and event slideshow
- Logo included on event webpage
- Logo included on one social media post pre-event
Champion - $3,000
- One table for eight guests
- Name in the printed program and event slideshow
- Name included on event webpage
- Name included on one social media post pre-event
Friend - $650
- Seating for two