“Yeah. I think it's still a deep-rooted tradition here, and there is more social pressure to stay together than in the East or West. I think the church community has a lot to do with it.”

— James Mildren, alumni services representative, Lawrence

“I don't think it really matters what state you're in. It's about what your values are and what you make out of life.”

— Tracy Oakes, banker, Independence, Kan.

“Sure, because of the way people are raised in the Midwest. It seems to be a more family-oriented area that stresses family values.”

— Kirk Bernart, software sales, Olathe

“I would say that's probably a myth. I don't think that is something a region can determine.”

— Jen Nickels-Schaad, social worker, Lawrence