“Franklin Roosevelt. He came in at a difficult time and led us out of the Depression and a world war. He certainly did well with what he had to work with.”

— Kirk Steinle, salesman, Independence, Kan.

“Kennedy is who first comes to mind. I think it's more because of the things he said and the causes he was active in. His speeches were all so full of inspiration, and I think he had a lot of integrity, even though he had his moments.”

— Davi Kramer, teacher, Rossville

“I'd probably go with Wilson. He tried to do an international peace conference that kind of led to the formation of the U.N. I think it was a vision that the world was getting smaller and more interactive and that something had to be done.”

— Jason Gladfelter, conflict resolution consultant, Lawrence

“I think Hillary would deserve it if she wins. I think the election of a woman president would mark an important turning point in our history.”

— Denise Wendt, special education coordinator, Salina