“Mrs. Ivadelle Cotton, in Scott City, Kan. She was my first grade teacher. I was a new immigrant to the U.S., and she took extra time to help me learn how to read.”

— Humbelina Harper, home with four kids, Lawrence

“My eighth-grade history teacher. He was very relatable, super funny and he had about 70 Beanie Babies in his classroom that he'd involve in his lectures.”

— Julian Umana, student, Lawrence

“Brian Staihr, a KU economics professor, because he made economics understandable when my jerk of a high school econ. teacher said I'd never succeed in college. ”

— Danon Taylor, student and barista at Alchemy, Lawrence

“My college econ. professor. I loved him because he expanded my views on different issues ranging from political to economic and social.”

— Denton Coltrane, inspector, Wichita

“Read more: Sunset Hill special education teacher named Lawrence Elementary Teacher of the Year”

— Related story, March 21, 2016, LJWorld.com