“I was honored to sing the Star-Spangled Banner,” Autumn Drake said. She admitted total shock when she was notified she is the VFW Auxiliary Department of Kansas second-place winner of the 2021-2022 “Get Excited for the Red, White and Blue!” national anthem singing contest.

From Hardtner, Autumn will be a sophomore at South Barber High School in Kiowa this fall. Her vocal teacher Cathy Cox encouraged her to enter the contest. She is the daughter of Nathan and Robin Drake.

Performing the “Star-Spangled Banner” is familiar to Drake as she's sung it at basketball games and swim meets. She most re...