Presidency Published Essays 2017

“Who do you believe was/ is the most influential U.S. President, and why?”

PUBLISHED ESSAYS A Publication of The Daily Star ~ Monday, Oct. 30, 2017

“Who do you believe was/ is the most influential U.S. President, and why?”

We would like to thank all of the students, teachers, parents and members of the community who participated in our 2017 Presidency Essay Contest.

We are delighted to present these winning essay submissions to our readers in this special section.

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SEVENTH GRADE ESSAYS

WINNER

Jordan Forbes Age 12 Oneonta Middle School

George Washington: Man and Mentor Not only was George Washington our first president, but, I believe, he was also the most influential.

Washington had a rough start in life; bearing the losses of his half-brother and father at an early age.

As a young man he was unsuccessful in his early military career, too. Yet, he never gave up. Washington was clearly a role model for his fellow patriots, future presidents, and pretty much everyone around him.

Our country’s capital is even named after him. Why? First and foremost, Washington most certainly did not abuse his power as general, or president. He always fought alongside his soldiers, and suffered with them, too. Despite the fact that Washington had very little successful military experience, he took

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over Virginia’s entire military after his half-brother, Lawrence, died. Washington was only twenty-two years of age. During this situation, he showed that he not only had the courage to take on the whole military, but the honor and respect to do it in his brother’s place, too.

When Washington became president, he didn’t even want to run for two terms. He would have rather just run for one. But, he realized he still had duties to fulfill to his country, and the people living there. In addition, Washington felt he was needed in office to keep the states’ newfound democracy alive, and prevent the government from becoming a monarchy (which is the kind of government they fought to break free from in the first place). For the aforementioned reasons, George decided to run for two consecutive terms. These actions demonstrate that George had the qualities of a great leader, as well as compassion for his country, respect for his countrymen, and honor for his half-brother.

For these reasons, I believe that George Washington was the most influential president. He had enough courage and respect to take on the military at such an early age, and with so little experience.

He had compassion for his country, too, when he ran for an eight-year presidency, instead of the four years he would have preferred. Being an influential president doesn’t just mean that he had immense military strength, or a big ego. It means he was able to use his power to be a good leader, and to set examples for the young people who admired him, and also the presidents to come. Washington is a mentor

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GEORGE WASHINGTON 1st president (1789-1797) to me, too. I believe that he handled the amount of power he was given extremely well, and he worked with exceptional professionalism among the other representatives.

As Washington himself once said, “It is of infinite moment that you should properly estimate the immense value of your national union to your collective and individual happiness.” In other words, the value of your national union is important to your collective and individual happiness.

SEVENTH GRADE ESSAYS

WINNER

Andreana Forhan Age 12 Stamford Central School

The most influential U.S. President in my opinion was Thomas Jefferson. Thomas Jefferson in his early life had an excellent education and went to the College of William and Mary in Virginia it was founded in 1693. After college he wanted to be involved with law. Thomas Jefferson became the ambassador of France in 1776 which probably made him have really good connections with France since they did give us land which was called the Louisiana Purchase which happened after he became President. In 1776 was chosen to write the draft of the Declaration of Independence.

While Thomas Jefferson was in France he met Marquis de Lafayette who was in the American Revolution and helped win Yorktown by having the French bring weapons and boats to trap the British at Chesapeake Bay. However, with Thomas Jefferson being so “obsessed with France” people during the election of 1800 did see him as a Francophile.

When we won the American Revolution George Washington became the first U.S. President he wanted Thomas Jefferson as his secretary of state but little did Jefferson know that he would have lots of arguments with George Washington’s Treasury of State. His Treasury would be the Orphan from

Charlestown the capital of Nevis in the British West Indies, Alexander Hamilton. When France wanted assistance in their Revolution against England Thomas Jefferson wanted to send troops because they did help us win Yorktown they sent us troops, weapons, and ships and not to mention Lafayette.

However, Hamilton didn’t want to help because wouldn’t that just create more problems for us when we’re still forming our nation? Hamilton knew Lafayette personally and knew Lafayette was a smart man. Jefferson lost that debate that day. Thomas Jefferson was aid to have invented macaroni and cheese and was said to be his favorite dish. It’s also said he invented chairs that spin.

In 1782 Thomas Jefferson’s wife Martha died and Jefferson went into a state of depression for weeks and locked himself in his room. Eventually he got over it and learned to move on with his duties.

Alexander Hamilton wanted to create a National Bank but Thomas Jefferson didn’t agree with the National Bank however he had a plan. Thomas Jefferson invited James Madison and Alexander Hamilton to a little dinner party with just them.

Thomas Jefferson wanted the capital to be moved closer to Virginia in order for the Hamilton to get his national bank. Most people were beyond upset.

Skip to a few years and Thomas Jefferson resigned to become President because John Adams wasn’t such a good President. This leads to the Election of 1800 the people running for President is the new senate Aaron Burr, John Adams, and obviously Thomas Jefferson. Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr tied multiple times. The federalist party broke the tie and that one vote was Hamilton. Thomas Jefferson won the vote. In 1803 Thomas Jefferson purchased land from the French and that was called the Louisiana Purchase. Jefferson sent out the explorers Louis and Clark to see what kind of land, weather, animals, plants, and recourses that the west had. They did run into some difficulties with

THOMAS JEFFERSON 3rd president (1801-1809)

the snow but they also had the native Americans to worry about. In 1804 Thomas Jefferson heard about the duel between Hamilton and Burr. Jefferson wanted the man who shot Hamilton found dead or alive.

In 1809 Thomas Jefferson resigned after doing two terms and finally got to go home. Nothing really interesting happened until his death day July 4th 1826 the same day as John Adams. Due to Jefferson being ill he couldn’t visit Adams. Adams was upset that Jefferson didn’t show up but he didn’t know Jefferson was ill himself. Jefferson died first that day all that Jefferson seemed to say that day is “is it the fourth yet?” Thomas refused to have some medicine that the doctor wanted to give him but said “no, no more doctor”. Therefore Thomas Jefferson is the most influential U.S. President.

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SEVENTH GRADE ESSAYS

WINNER

Briegha Truesdell Age 12 Oneonta Middle School

Who was the most Influential President?

Although Abraham Lincoln was president over half a century ago he still remains one of the most influential presidents and his legacy still lives on today. I believe that Abraham Lincoln was one of the most influential presidents of all time. Lincoln was a strong leader and helped America get through one of the worst crisis in American history. His impact on America helped abolish slavery and brought the Union back together. His contributions to American society will never be forgotten.

Abraham Lincoln was born in Kentucky, but his family moved to Indiana and Illinois before he was an adult. Sadly Abraham’s mother died when he was only nine years old. His father and older sister mainly cared for him when he was a child. When Lincoln was an

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adult he joined the military to fight against the Native Americans In the Black Hawk War, and afterward he studied law and office. After he studied law he became an Illinois state legislature for four terms. Soon after that he won a seat in the United States House of Representatives. Lincoln ran for president in 1860 and he won. He believed that every man was equal, and that all slaves should be let free.

Lincoln was the sixteenth president of the United States. I believe that Lincoln was the most influential presidents because he was president during one of the toughest time in American history, the Civil War. He believed that slavery should no longer exist and it should be abolished. President Lincoln encountered extraordinary pressures during the Civil War. He carried on even though there were assassination threats, fighting among his Cabinet members, and huge losses on the battlefields. Lincoln still remained brave and strong. He didn’t give into any pressures or end the war early. He kept fighting until the Confederacy was defeated, so every man could be equal. Some people wanted Lincoln to stop the war and just give up. But Lincoln did not do this and stood up for what he believed in.

begin the process of ending slavery. Lincoln definitely made his part in influencing the country and making the United States a better place for people to live in.

One of Abraham Lincoln’s most important actions was deciding to fight to keep the Union together.

In the end this decision to fight the Civil War kept the United States from breaking into two different countries. Lincoln decided to fight this war because he believed that slavery should no longer exist. We honor Abraham Lincoln for keeping the Union together and

Abraham Lincoln helped abolish slavery and he kept the Union from spitting up during the war. He is considered to be one of the greatest presidents, and will be remembered for his actions in making the country a better place. He will forever be spoken of highly for generations to come for his important role in American history.

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ABRAHAM LINCOLN 16th president (1861-1865)

SEVENTH GRADE ESSAYS HONORABLE MENTION Sierra Snell

Age 12 Edmeston Central School

Herbert Hoover is the most influential U.S. president because he showed us we can do anything if we put our minds to it. Hoover represented, working hard can pay off in the future, because he started out with nothing, but a heart full of hope.

Through determination and hard work, he became the most important man in the U.S. Nation.

Herbert Clark Hoover was our 31st president.

His presidential reign in office was from 1929 to 1933. Hoover was born in West Branch, Iowa on August 10th, 1874. He died at age 90, in 1964.

When Hoover was 9 years old he became an orphan, then over the years he became our president.

The educational portion of Hoover’s life is also inspirational because of the difference in education he had from us. In 1891, Stanford University opened its doors and Hoover was part of the founding class. He graduated in 1895 with a degree in geology. My opinion on Herbert’s education is that Herbert had an advantage in education, this is because he had an early start in more advanced learning.

The job portion is inspirational because of what type jobs he started with before he became president. His first job was in California, hoover was pushing mine carts. The next job, he landed as a typist with Louis Janin, a mining consultant in San Francisco. At this job Hoover was quickly promoted and recommended him to the Bewick Moreing Company to manage their gold mines in Western Australia. Although only 23, Hoover was given the job. Later in life (age 40) he started with self-made

jobs that made him a millionaire, with interests, on six of seven continents. His work ethics are important to me because it shows that he started with a not so good job. Then he went on advancing his career and became the president to lead the U.S. During World War I, Hoover and his family were living in London. Lou and his-self assisted an estimated number of 120,000 stranded Americans with aid and travel back to the states. Hoover also set up commission for relief in Belgium to feed more than 7 million non-combatants in German-occupied territory (Belgium and Northern France). When the U.S. entered the war in 1917, Hoover was asked by President Wilson to lead the Food Administration.

Hoover persuaded Americans to voluntary reduce their consumptions of meat, wheat, and sugar to assist in feeding soldiers and civilians abroad. The reduction of consumption of food is important because, this way the soldiers and injured have food to survive and regain health to fight or return to their territory. After the war, Hoover provided food and medical assistance to millions in Europe.

At this point President Harding appointed Hoover as Secretary af Commerce, a post he continued to serve under President Coolidge.

Hoover was defined in the office of President by his meticulous planning, energy, and vision. He set an ambitious presidential agenda to provide improved and efficient government services to the American people. This is inspirational to me because he was a very determined and a hard working president. His hard work was that he worked poor jobs then advanced to greater ones till he reached president, is an example of inspirational threw his job portion. He had an advanced education as a young child that improved his understanding of the world, which is another way he is inspirational threw his education. He was a major help during the wars and depression even as a helper to the presidents before him and himself as president, which again lead myself to decide he was the most inspirational president.

Herbert Hoover was president during the Great Depression, this man tried his hardest to help people during the depression and was inspirational to many people for doing this. Herbert helped during the depression by using the presidential spot as an advantage of putting criminals in jail or punished for their crimes. The Great Depression began in 1929, this depression consumed most of Hoover’s

HERBERT HOOVER 31st president (1929-1933) attention. Since Hoover wasn’t able to overcome the economic crisis, Hoover did initiate economic policies, such as the Reconstrution Finance Corporation that laid the foundation for later recovery. The recovery that Herbert meant was for later growth in the economical world and growth in each individual person threw out the United States. Some of the important successes that are usually overshadowed by the Depression. Hoover used the power of federal government to put gangster Al Capone in jail.

Herbert Hoover was a great U.S. president and the proof is, during the depression they built the Hoover dam in memory of Hoover. There was many ways Herbert was inspirational to me, the reasons are: that Herbert showed America that hard work pays off in the end, he had a rough childhood that lead him to have a greater education, Herbert started with poor jobs which lead to a greater job, he helped during the World war and the Depression, and he was defined greatly as a citizen and as a President. These are the reasons why Herbert C. Hoover was such an inspirational President to me.

I wish to all whom read this relies Herbert Hoover was one of the most inspirational U.S. leaders there was.

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SEVENTH GRADE ESSAYS Theodore fought to give working people protection against big businesses creating monopolies. He also fought to save the American wilderness which he had spent a great deal of time in as a young man.

Some ways you can sees this today is by paying attention to the many government regulations on big business.

HONORABLE MENTION Nick Kahl

Age 12 Oneonta Middle School

Theodore Roosevelt There are a lot of influential Presidents throughout America’s history but some stand out from the rest. One in particular was Theodore Roosevelt.

Theodore was came to office September 14, 1901 after serving as vice President under President William McKinley. He stayed in office for 8 years until March 4, 1909.

President Theodore Roosevelt was the most influential president in U.S history because he loved the American people and the American wilderness too.

Roosevelt said he wanted to give sellers and consumers a “square deal”. He used the Sherman Anti-Trust Act to sue a railroad monopoly (or trust) and later the Supreme Court agreed with him and ruled against the N orthem Securities Company.

This shows that he was willing to work with everybody, rich and poor alike. He fought to protect the American wilderness that he loved so much. He made safe havens for the wilderness to thrive. He established 150 national forests, 51 federal bird reserves, 4 national game preserves, 5 national parks, and 18 national monuments.

President Theodore Roosevelt’s dedication to the working people and the wilderness makes him one of the most influential presidents in US history.

During the height of the Industrial Revolution, he helped keep big business from walking all over the American worker. Evidence of Theodore Roosevelt’s conservation work can still be seen by visiting any of over 230 million acres of national forests and

THEODORE ROOSEVELT 26th president (1901-1909)

parks where visitors can experience the wilderness as Theodore Roosevelt once did.

To be influential as president you must impact the future of America. Theodore Roosevelt did this and this is why I think he is the most influential of our Presidents.

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EIGHTH GRADE ESSAYS made so much of his life in only about the first fifteen years of it, and that is amazing.

WINNER

Ronnie Hickling Age 13 Edmeston Central School

The American president who I strongly believe is the most influential president is John Quincy Adams. What I think is so influential about the sixth president of the United States of America is not so much what he accomplished during his time in office, but rather what he accomplished during his time out of office.

John Quincy Adams was born in Braintree Massachusetts on July 11, 1767. He was the first son of the brilliant Abigail Adams and John Adams, who was, at the time, a little-known country lawyer.

Adams began his career in politics when he was his father’s own secretary at just eleven years old during a diplomatic mission to France. This was the beginning of John Quincy Adams’ seventy years of public service. After this, Adams went again to Europe in 1780 as an official secretary, and in 1781, served as secretary and interpreter to the minister of Russia, Francis Diana. He then returned to Europe in 1 783, where he lived in The Hague, London, and Paris. These events play a huge part in what makes me think John Quincy Adams is so influential. He

When Adams retumed home from Europe in 1785, he entered into Harvard College at 18 years old, already knowing six other languages as well as Latin and Greek. He went to Harvard for two years and then, after he finished his legal apprenticeship, began to practice law in Boston in 1790. Adams now entered his adult life, which was just as much of an adventure as his childhood. In 1801, he served briefly in the Massachusetts Senate and served in the United States Senate from 1803 to 1808. He was then appointed minister of Russia and lived there for four years before signing the Treaty of Ghent as an American Commissioner. Adams was appointed as the first post-war minister to Britain and then eventually became Secretary of State under President James Monroe. This is where Adams earned his standing as one of the most successful secretaries of state in American history.

These many things that John Quincy Adams was able to do in his life before even becoming President of the United States made him so influential to me because he was so brilliant and successful before his inauguration in 1824. Even though Adams was so successful in these parts of his life, he was not necessarily the most successful president this country has ever had. However, he still accomplished quite a few things while he was president.

Adams was elected president in the one-party election of 1824 because of the House of Representatives and the Electoral College but came nowhere close to winning the popular vote. However, he was a very brilliant and determined president and still did accomplish many things in office. Some of his accomplishments include: a national tariff to protect domestic industries; the construction of

JOHN QUINCY ADAMS 6th president (1825-1829) many highways, canals, and railways; the national direction in the field of education, science development, and geographical discoveries; the national protection of lndian tribes and lands against encroachments by the states; and he accomplished much more.

John Quincy Adams was a brilliant and successful man and, in my opinion, the most influential president this country has had so far. However, my opinion is not only caused by what he accomplished as president, such as federal expenditures on canals and roadways to link the United States, government support for scientific research and programs to promote science, the building of astronomical observatories, and more. But my opinion is also caused by what he accomplished on his journey to becoming president.

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EIGHTH GRADE ESSAYS

WINNER

Ethan Dugan Age 13 Oneonta City School District

Why Franklin Delano Roosevelt is the most influential president of our legacy, America.

“The only thing to fear is fear itself.” This was said by an amazing president, no, an amazing man who cared so much about the world around him that even when crippled by Polio he went on to do incredible things. This man had created a foundation for curing Polio, led us through crisis after crisis from the Great Depression all the way to World War II. The man that I am talking about is Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the best, awe-inspiring, and most influential president of our 45 presidents and history in a whole.

Franklin D. Roosevelt had Polio which had disabled him from the waist down, and during these hard times for him. He had started a foundation for Polio, opened a resort to help the disabled swim, and pushed his

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own limits by dragging himself for one mile without any use of his legs. Even when disabled he still lead us through some of America’s harshest times such as the Great Depression, where many families’ lives have been consumed by poverty after the stock market collapsed.

As well as most of World War II, where we had been attacked by the Japanese at Pearl Harbor and been declared at War with the Japanese, Germans, Italians and other fascist groups. This president had lead us through the real demonic nightmare and showed no signs of slowing down, his determination is what truly makes him “The Most Influential President of the United States”.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt was a man who was a people’s man, his decision changed the face of the planet by helping our economy grow bigger and stronger than before to being a major leader in the fight against Hitler, Mussolini, Hirohito, and the fascists destructive and nightmarish thoughts. This man did not stand down a symbol of America, Freedom, liberty, and of course power. Power can drive a man insane unless used properly. Sharing this power with the nation and others around him, made America strong, even when brought down by economic depression he kept the dim sparks of America’s future lit. “When you come to the end of the rope tie a knot and hang on.” This quote symbolizes exactly what our country did when we were on the brink of economic collapse he held onto the county and brought it back up. This is why President Franklin D. Roosevelt is the most influential president to this day due to his will and power over the people as a strong way to keep us from harm.

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FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT 32nd president (1933-1945) Franklin D. Roosevelt was a man who inspired many with his will, determination, and power over the people and to keep himself going. This is what makes this president, no this man the best, most influential greatest men to live in this country we should be honored to have him as a leader. This man did many great things that changed the people, country, and world around him. This is why Franklin Delano Roosevelt is one of the most influential, no the most influential president of the United States. As he said and put hope in the people around him is “The only thing to fear is fear itself.”

EIGHTH GRADE ESSAYS

WINNER

Michael Troiano Age 13 Edmeston Central School

Theodore Roosevelt The most influential president out of all 45 United States Presidents is Theodore Roosevelt. Theodore Roosevelt attained this title because he was a very humble, loyal, and wise man. Theodore Roosevelt had strong leadership skills and he had a very strong personality.

Theodore Roosevelt was born on October 27, 1858 and died on January 6, 1919. He was born into an old prosperous Dutch family. When He was a young boy, he was a very ill child. He suffered from asthma and defective vision. He would be so ill at times his parents would fear for his life. As Roosevelt grew up he became stronger and was able to strengthen his frail asthmatic body with the help of his father and he lifted weights, rode horses, and participated in shooting events. He was able to work hard and push himself to the limits in order to make himself healthier and stronger.

As Theodore Roosevelt grew up he started going on hunting trips and traveled all around the world. He was accepted into Harvard College in 1876. At a young age he developed an interest in natural history and military affairs. Soon after he graduated, Roosevelt served three one-year terms in the New York Assembly (1882-1884).

At the Assembly he became known as an independent Republican. He supported the civil-service reform, legislation to benefit working people, and the bills designed to improve the government of New York City.

After He lived in the Dakota Territory as a

rancher for two years, he returned to New York City in 1886 to run for mayor. When he ran for mayor he finished last in a three way race.

In 1889 Roosevelt was named a civil-service commissioner by President Benjamin Harrison. In the office, he battled successfully to increase the number of positions based on merit. He also improved the commission’s administrative procedures.

In 1895, Roosevelt resigned, so he could become president of New York City’s Board of Police Commissioners in the reform administration of William L. Strong. At the end of the two years he was in Washington where he was an assistant secretary of the navy, under President William McKinley.

As a Nationalist and an expansionist, Roosevelt used his office in every way possible to prepare the nation for war with Spain. He resigned from the administration, during the time of the Spanish-American War, so he could help organize a volunteer cavalry unit known as the Rough Riders.

He was in a ton of action with the unit in Cuba, (the Rough Riders). Since he fought in this war it made him a stronger leader. He returned to the United States as a colonel with fond remembrances of his regiment’s bravery. When Roosevelt was suddenly famous and had a reputation as an independent, it made Thomas Collier Platt, (boss of New York’s Republican party), nominate Roosevelt for governor in 1898.

In the summer of 1898 Roosevelt returned to his home environment of New York, so he could run for governor. When Roosevelt ran for governor he won by fewer than 20,000 votes. He was the best governor of New York City because he was armed with his own righteous enthusiasm and was supported by the public opinion that he both formed and reflected. Many officials were inspired with a new sense of public trust by Roosevelt. He also installed in others the fear of dismissal.

When Roosevelt was governor (18991900) it prepared him well for the high office in Washington. In Roosevelt’s life he championed civil service, backed a measure to tax corporation franchises, and approved several bills supportive of labor and social reform. The whole idea is that by the time “boss” Platt decided to “kick him upstairs”, Roosevelt had developed the concept of a

positive, active state governor. He had to work with “boss” Platt, who engineered Roosevelt’s nomination as President McKinley’s vice-presidential running mate in 1900.

The Republican ticket was easily elected in November. Roosevelt often said, “speak softly and carry a big stick” while he was running for governor. This phrase is forever associated with him.

The business’s committee’s resentment of Roosevelt’s tax, regulatory, and other programs prompted “boss” Platt to try to ease him out of the state. In 1901 Platt encouraged Roosevelt to seek the office of vice president for President McKinley. Roosevelt wasn’t enthusiastic about running for vice president because he enjoyed being governor. He enjoyed being governor because he saw it as non-challenging. A close friend, Sen. Henry Cabot Lodge encouraged him to take the office of vice president as a possible stepping-stone to the presidency. Sen. Marcus A. Hanna saw Roosevelt’s identity as a “damned cowboy” and opposed his nomination. Though, Roosevelt was easily nominated because he was popular throughout the nation. Roosevelt campaigned strenuously and was swept into the vice presidency by the “McKinley landslide.”

Theodore Roosevelt became the 26 president on September 14, 1901. He was the youngest man to hold that office at the age of 42. Theodore Roosevelt became president of the United States when William McKinley was assassinated six months into his second term. Theodore Roosevelt’s party was Republican. He was elected to the office in his own right in 1904. As the president and political leader, Roosevelt was an articulate spokesperson for the aspiration and values of progressives. This is the reform movement that flourished in the U.S. from 1900 to World War I. This era was dominated by Roosevelt. Roosevelt became a dynamic leader and a fervent nationalist.

Roosevelt was one of the most popular, controversial, and important presidents. He greatly expanded presidential power. He made the United States the virtual guardian of the Western Hemisphere. He also made the U.S. a major force in the European and the far Eastern affairs. Roosevelt was the first president-reformer of the modem era; the first who both understood and reacted constructively to the technological revolution.

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THEODORE ROOSEVELT 26th president (1901-1909) Roosevelt also understood the rise of a nationwide system of commerce and industry.

Roosevelt increased regulation of business, and encouraged the growth oflabor unions.

He stimulated the rise of the welfare state.

He dramatized the need conserve the environment. He was actually the first person who created all the national parks. Last, his policies advanced the cause of conservation.

He had many new ideas as a president.

In summary, Theodore Roosevelt is the most influential president because he was the only president to be shot in the chest and declined medical attention to give a 90 minute speech. This action shows how strong he was and how big of a leader he was. He was a wise man from all the good morals his parents taught him. Theodore Roosevelt was humble because he never needed to brag or make a big deal of anything. He also never intended on being president in the first place. Theodore Roosevelt was very loyal to his community as he grew up. He always wanted to protect his friends, family and country. He was willing to sacrifice everything for his country and he came back from the Spanish-American War as a hero.

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EIGHTH GRADE ESSAYS HONORABLE MENTION Brieanne Babcock Age 13 Walton Central School

Who do you think was the most influential president of the U.S? Well if you don’t know, I might be able to give you an idea of who it might be!

The most influential president was Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt. Roosevelt became president after William Mckinley was assasinated in 1901, becoming the 26th and youngest president of the U.S at that point in time. Teddy was an influential man. President Roosevelt was able to do a lot of great things because he was so persuasive and the people agreed with him.

It made our country better back then ,and today because it all took affect and made a difference.

One strategy Teddy used to be great was his abilities to deal with foreign problems. For example he established the Panama Canal. This was a big accomplishment for Teddy because the canal stretched through 50 miles of the Panama Isthmus and he had to convince the Panamanians to build it. The canal was important

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because it linked the Atlantic and Pacific ocean which shortened the distance ships had to travel to transport goods, weapons, etc… The building of the canal was the most expensive construction project in U.S history at the time.

Teddy was the first naturalist/conservationist president. He established the U.S Forest service , opened 5 national parks, and made the Wildlife Refuge System.

Teddy also established the first Federal Bird Reserve.

A cool thing Teddy did was influence Congress to pass the Park Protection Act. This protected Yellowstone National Park from commercial development. This was a good thing because our national parks would be highways, hotels, and restaurants.

Roosevelt is considered the father of the American Navy. He was called this because he motivated Congress to provide funding for modern steel-hulled battleships and to send out the Great White Fleet.

This was a journey that completed around the globe, it started on December !6,1907 and ended on February 22,1909. There were 16 battleships that were divided into 2 groups. Teddy hoped to enforce treaties and protect overseas holdings.

Here are some other random cool things he did.

Teddy used the media as a “bully pulpit”to influence the American people. This is meant to advocate an agenda. The word bully in this phrase means wonderful which was more common back then. He was the first president to win the Nobel Peace prize. Teddy also settled the Coal Miners Strike of 1902, he did this by talking to the miners and coalfield operators from the Anthracite coalfield in Pennsylvania. He also got

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THEODORE ROOSEVELT 26th president (1901-1909)

Mount Rushmore to be built.

Teddy was very good at being persuasive because he had a lot of role models that were influential too! For example he had, Uncle Rob(conservationist), John Burrows(naturalist),and Frank Chapman(ornithologist).

Roosevelt used his personality to persuade people and get what he wanted. That is why I think Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt was the most influential U.S president! So who do you think was or is the most influential president?

EIGHTH GRADE ESSAYS HONORABLE MENTION Marilyn Woodcock Age 13 Oneonta Middle School

The Most Influential President of the United States Abraham Lincoln was the United States 16th president during the Civil War. Lincoln was the most influential in U.S. history because he “lead” the Union during the Civil War. He had issued the Emancipation Proclamation which had declared that slaves in rebellious states would be freed. This supports the claim by showing how he had defended the office in 1861-1865 (during the Civil War too).

The Gettysburg Address is one of the most famous speeches given by Abraham Lincoln on No-

vember 19th, 1863. He helped dedicate a memory to the fallen soldiers that had died during the Battle of Gettysburg. For the country, he had paid them a tribute by honoring principles of liberty and equality, which was worth dying for. The most famous line in this speech is “Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.”

Another famous speech given by Abraham Lincoln was during his second inauguration as president of the United States. On March 4th, 1865, he delivered his second inauguration address. At a time when winning over secessionists in the United States was within days and all of the slavery in the Union was coming to an end, Lincoln did not speak of sadness but instead of happiness. He had used his address to touch on the question of Divine Providence(God’s intervention on the world). Both of the sides, Confederate and Union, believed in the same God. This was his way of telling the country that they had won.

Throughout history, Abraham Lincoln resolved some of the country’s biggest issues. The two paragraphs that explain Lincoln’s famous speeches, the Gettysburg Address and his second inauguration address, shows an importance in history. He had written the Emancipation Proclamation which had

ABRAHAM LINCOLN 16th president (1861-1865)

freed all the slaves in rebellious states and had won the war against the confederates. Bringing a torn nation into one, Abraham Lincoln was the most influential president of the United States of America.

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NINTH GRADE ESSAYS many Republicans. I think that all of these things are also important qualities in a president because he had experience with many law and governmental positions.

WINNER

Kandra McGraw Age 14 Walton Central School

I believe that President Abraham Lincoln was the most influential U.S. president. Lincoln was the sixteenth president of the United States of America.

His term was from 1861 to 1865. During his term he did many remarkable deeds. Lincoln was born in Kentucky, but moved to Indiana and Illinois before he was an adult. Lincoln had a lot of experience working with the people. He worked on a ferryboat and in a general store. I think that this is an important quality in a president because then they know about the life of citizens.

Lincoln also had experience in the military. He was in the military during the Black Hawk War in 1832. Lincoln studied law after the war. He was an Illinois state legislator for four terms. Lincoln won a seat in the United States House of Representatives.

Lincoln ran for a seat in the U.S. Senate in 1858 against Stephen Douglas. Although he didn’t win, they engaged in a series of debates which gained them national renown. Lincoln also campaigned for

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I believe that one of the most astounding things about Abraham Lincoln was that he was against slavery and worked against it during his presidency.

Lincoln said that “all men are created equal” which was part of the Declaration of Independence. He thought that everyone should be free. Lincoln’s role as president was to preserve the Union. This meant that he was preserving the U.S. and the national government. But a month after Lincoln took office, fighting broke out between the northern states and the southern states. The Civil War was the defining event of Abraham Lincoln’s presidency.

The Civil War lasted from 1861 to 1865, Lincoln’s entire presidency. Lincoln’s goal was to preserve the Union rather than just abolish slavery. The Emancipation Proclamation, issued on September 22, 1862, declared that as of January 1, 1863, all of the slaves in the rebellious states “shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free.” When it took effect, the Emancipation Proclamation freed 3.1 million of the 4 million slaves in the U.S. This changed the fight to preserve the nation into a battle for human freedom.

In November of 1863, President Lincoln made the speech the Gettysburg Address at the National Cemetery of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania.

This speech talked about the principles of human equality that are in the Declaration of Independence.

It also connected with the sacrifices of the Civil War and the desire for “a new birth of freedom.” It also

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ABRAHAM LINCOLN 16th president (1861-1865)

talked about preserving the Union and the idea of self-government.

In 1865, slavery was abolished and that was also the end of President Abraham Lincoln’s term. I believe that Abraham Lincoln was the most influential president of the U.S. because he came from so little, then became the sixteenth president of the United States of America with a lot of hard work. Also while Lincoln was president, slavery was abolished.

Because slavery was abolished, the U.S. is what it is today. This is why I believe Abraham Lincoln was the most influential president of the U.S.

NINTH GRADE ESSAYS

WINNER

Emma Harby Age 14 Walton Central School

Franklin D. Roosevelt One of the Most Influential U.S. Presidents A president is someone who leads a country. They are there to help a country during times of triumph, but also lead a country out of times of struggles and hardships. They influence our laws and our citizens.

One president who demonstrated leadership and influential ability was Franklin D. Roosevelt. Roosevelt served for eight terms, and during this time he lead the United States out of the Great Depression by creating jobs, social security, minimum wage and stabilizing banks.

In 1932, a quarter of all Americans were unemployed. Roosevelt took office in 1933 and early on he created the New Deal, which focused on creating

jobs, recovering economically, and uplifting the public. Roosevelt created 10.3 million jobs during his eight terms.

One of the first things Franklin D. Roosevelt did as president of the United States of America was stabilize the banks. He closed the banks for four days, sorting out the ones that could be reopened and then closing the ones that could not pay back their debts.

This was called the Emergency Banking Act. At the end of his first month, almost three-quarters of the banks were up and running again, and trust in banks was gradually being restored. Roosevelt also created the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in 1933 which protected the people putting money in the banks.

Roosevelt created social security in 1935 through the Social Security Act to provide economic comfort to young people, the unemployed, and the elderly, retired people. Franklin D. Roosevelt also created minimum wage, which at the time of its creation was 25 cents per hour. The purpose of minimum wage was to give unemployed people money to purchase necessary life supplies and make it so people could buy farmer’s and other merchant’s goods. Basically it was another thing to stabilize the economy.

Franklin D. Roosevelt also contributed to America’s victory in WWII. He helped make some tough decisions and was meeting about the world after war a couple weeks before he died.

During his time as president during the war, he

FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT 32nd president (1933-1945) pumped up the American people and gained support.

During his presidency, Roosevelt pulled our country out of the Great Depression and led us to victory in World War II. He created the New Deal, which generated jobs, social security, minimum wage and stabilized the banks. He came up with fireside chats, which were a series of radio talks which were meant to uplift the people in times of struggle. These are all reasons why I believe Franklin D. Roosevelt was one of the greatest and most influential presidents.

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NINTH GRADE ESSAYS

WINNER

Maddy Smith Age 14 Edmeston Central School

The most influential president was Thomas Jefferson because he did a lot to make our country the way it is today. Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence; hired Lewis and Clark to go explore the unknown part of America received in the Louisiana Purchase and was the 3rd President of the United States. Besides law, he had many interests in math, science, and he was an avid book collector.

Thomas Jefferson was born in Virginia to a very wealthy and privileged family. Jefferson owned over 40 books as a child and collected more as time went on. This is amazing considering books were not cheap in Jefferson’s time. Jefferson attended the College of William and Mary in 1760 and graduated in 1762. After College, Jefferson went and studied law under a respected Virginian attorney. He started working as a lawyer in 1762 and became a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses. Jefferson was a member of the Continental Congress as well. Jefferson also had strong

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writing skills, so in 1776 Jefferson was asked to write the Declaration of Independence. He completed the Declaration of Independence over the course of 17 days with 4 others and it was adopted on July 4, 1776. This is important because our country still follows the constitution to this day and this document is one of the things America is known for.

After he wrote the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson resigned from the Continental Congress.

Jefferson became governor of Virginia unti11781.

After Jefferson succeeded Benjamin Franklin as the US Minister from France in 1785. Jefferson also created the Democratic-Republican Party in the 1790s. When Washington’s second term ended in 1796, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson ran to be the next new President. In the end Adams won and Jefferson became the new Vice President (according to the law at the time). Jefferson ran again in the election of 1800 and he ran against Adams and Aaron Burr. Jefferson defeated Adams but tied with Aaron Burr. The winning vote from The House of Representatives made Jefferson President. Jefferson was sworn into office on March 4, 1801, in Washington D.C. One of Jefferson’s biggest successes was the Louisiana Purchase. I think this purchase was made to get more land and prove to Britain that they could be more than thirteen colonies. Jefferson wanted a map of this new land in case people would want to move and live there, so Jefferson hired Lewis and Clark to go explore the land. They left in 1804 and came back in 1806. Jefferson ran for reelection in 1804 and won with more than 70% of the popular vote. In his second term Jefferson tried his hardest to

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THOMAS JEFFERSON 3rd president (1801-1809)

avoid war so the Embargo of 1807 was made.

Jefferson decided to not run for a third term and was succeeded by James Madison.

Thomas Jefferson died at the age of 83 at his residence called Monticello. After he died Jefferson was (and still is) respected because he has his face on Mount Rushmore and his head is on the obverse of the nickel. Jefferson is one of the most influential Presidents because he created the Declaration of Independence (and it is still known and followed today) and Jefferson helped expand America so people in the future could live there as past generations had.

NINTH GRADE ESSAYS

HONORABLE MENTION Ray Hovis

Cooperstown Central School

The United States has long flourished and been a strong and powerful nation overflowing with prosperity, but at one time America was weak and unbalanced. When our nation was first founded, we needed a strong leader to guide us into the bright future. George Washington, the first president of the United States, was that leader. In a mere eight years, he put our country on a good path and set many examples to help guide future presidents.

Every step he took set precedents for the future, and without his strong leadership America may have never gotten anywhere at all. Clearly, George Washington was the most influential president in U.S. history.

After the American Revolution, the United States had a loose idea of how their government would be run. Delegates to the Constitutional Convention developed the Constitution, but were not sure how everything would work. A reliable president would be needed. Many people saw Washington as

the man for the job, for he had been an important figure in the Revolutionary War. When the country was finally ready to appoint such a leader, the electoral college unanimously elected George Washington. He was the first president with a Cabinet, and established the idea of having his Cabinet members be advisors. Washington’s experience as a great military general helped him put an end to the Whiskey Rebellion (a rebellion of farmers protesting a tax on distilled spirits). The federal army was weak, but by calling upon militias from a few different states, Washington successfully countered the rebellion and solidified the federal government’s ability to tax the populus to fund the government.

Though Washington’s whole presidential career was significant, his resignation and farewell address were perhaps the most crucial to America’s future. After serving two terms as president, George Washington stepped down from office. He believed that if any one person was president for too long, they would seem like a monarch. This resignation created a precedent of presidents only serving two terms, which future presidents (except Franklin D. Roosevelt) would follow. The two-term rule was put into law in 1951.

During Washington’s farewell address, he advised America to stay out of European affairs. The country was still weak and could be harmed if it engaged in wars with strong European countries. Many successive presidents took this advice, and America managed to stay somewhat isolated for many of its early years. This decision was crucial, considering the young United States could have been destroyed in an intense European War.

GEORGE WASHINGTON 1st president (1789-1797)

George Washington was the first president of the United States, and began our history with a highly successful eight years. In our divided society, we often focus on how we differ, but prominent people like George Washington remind us of our common ideal of democracy. Washington’s legacy as the most influential president in American history is still remembered and honored today, notably in the name of our capital, Washington D.C.

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TENTH GRADE ESSAYS

WINNER

Ariah Mitchell Age 15 Edmeston Central School

Throughout American history, there have been a multitude of very powerful presidents that have shaped our great nation, as well as the world, to be what it is today. However, the most influential president in history was our 26th president, Theodore Roosevelt. During his 8 year term, the youngest president transformed America for the better. Though his life was filled with tragedy, Roosevelt remained a lively character, and ran the country with wisdom and passion. We can thank him for many elements of our world today, including national parks and forests, the name the “White House,” and even teddy bears.

Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt was born in New York City on October 27th, 1858. He attended Harvard, but during his second year, his father died.

This spurred him to work harder, as he graduated with high honors. After, he took many New

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York public service positions, however everything halted when his wife and mother died on the same day. Later, he remarried, returned to politics, and occupied many government positions. Roosevelt was recognized as a war hero in the Spanish-American war when he led a charge up San Juan Hill.

He was nominated for a Medal of Honor (which he received 82 years after his death) and was voted Governor of New York.

In 1901, Theodore Roosevelt was elected Vice President. Tragically, right after his reelection, President William McKinley was assassinated, and Roosevelt became president at the age of 42. He set right to work, completely reforming the American workplace with his “Square Deal,” which aimed to help all classes of people. He built the Navy into one of the largest in the world, and accelerated the completion of the Panama Canal. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1906 for negotiating the end of the Russo-Japanese War. Teddy Roosevelt strongly defended civil rights.

He supported a women’s right to vote in 1912, and was the first president to have an African American guest at the White House. One of Roosevelt’s most important actions was when he signed the National Monuments Act in 1906, preserving countless wildlife sanctuaries and national forests. He deemed his place of residence the “White House,” and added the east and west wings. Roosevelt made the White House into a very energetic place. In fact, he and his children were known for giving the pony an elevator ride! Though he was a cheerful man, he was very serious when it came to leading our country.

He stepped in to settle a coal strike in Pennsylvania,

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THEODORE ROOSEVELT 26th president (1901-1909)

instigated irrigation projects, and passed the Meat Inspection Acts, making the food industries safer.

One of his most notable quotes was on foreign policy, when he said “Speak softly and carry a big stick.”

Theodore Roosevelt was an excellent U.S. president, military leader, governor, and environmental activist. His legacy will continue on for generations, as we owe almost 200 million acres of national forests to his actions - some of which can be observed from Mount Rushmore, where Roosevelt is engraved in memorial.

TENTH GRADE ESSAYS

WINNER

Brandi Swisher Age 15 Charlotte Valley Central School

In the history of the United States, our country has experienced vast amounts of change. It is hard to say where we would be without the help of powerful leaders along the way. Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th president of the United States, can be described as one of these very powerful leaders. In his term as president, Johnson focused much energy towards the oppressed and those in need of help. That focus changed the history of poor school districts, those in poverty, and helped lessen discrimination and segregation based on race, color, religion, and sex, once and for all.

During the 1960s, segregation was at its peak.

People were hated for the way they were born and the life in which they grew up. Having a country that is full of hate and negativity is divisive. There are two sides and they continually butt heads. In 1964, not long after Johnson was sworn into office after President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, thus commencing the prohibition of discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

While doing this, segregation was banned in public

schools and integration initiatives began. Integrated public facilities were also being provided. Through Congress passing this law, history and the future were forever changed. The power of the 1964 Civil Rights Act still helps us today, and helps the people who do not deserve the unwanted hate.

Along with the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was also passed at the encouragement of Lyndon B. Johnson. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was directed to overcome the political limitations imposed upon African Americans during the time of Jim Crow. As said, Johnson was very supportive to those oppressed and strived to help African Americans overcome obstacles in the voting booth. With the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, all people were able to vote, as the limitations that existed under Jim Crow were declared illegal. Racist and hate groups, such as the Ku Klux Klan, were no longer able to oppress minority voices. Voting is a huge part of our democracy, and those with no voice can never enact change.

Through the passage of this act, Johnson was demonstrating that everyone’s voice was important to our democratic process.

Even with both the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965 accomplished for the country, these were not the only achievements Johnson did for the United States. In 1964, Johnson declared, what he called, “A War On Poverty”.

In Johnson’s words, he announced, “Our aim is not only to relieve the symptoms of poverty, but to cure it and, above all, to prevent it.” In doing so, Johnson was part of helping legislation create Medicaid and Medicare programs, making the food stamp program permanent, spreading Social Security, creating the Job Corps and the Head Start program.

These are all of which the country still uses today.

LYNDON JOHNSON 36th president (1963-1969)

Johnson’s War On Poverty is yet still being fought today, hypothetically, but the work he did during his term reduced numerous economic deprivations in the United States, and still do today.

Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th president of the United States, is widely known for his focus towards the oppressed and poor school districts. Over his term started in 1963, Johnson, with the power he constructed, was able to help end discrimination towards the African Americans, and begin the prevention of poverty. Lyndon B. Johnson is the most influential president in the history of the United States, and without his helpful change, the country would be a much more hateful, miserable place.

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TENTH GRADE ESSAYS in most citizen’s favor.

Rutherford B Hayes was the most influential president. Hayes was the 19th President of the United States of America and lead from 1877 to 1881. During his term, Hayes did not oversee or implement any long term American Policies. However, he remained scandal-free and represented the nation as a kind, and honest man.

December of 1865 after winning the election for Congress, Rutherford Hayes took his seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Hayes was re-elected to his Congressional Seat in 1866, but resigned in 1867 to run for governor of Ohio. Hayes spent three terms as governor of Ohio trying to get voting rights for African Americans. Rutherford Hayes ran for the presidency in 1876. The Presidential election between Hayes and Samuel Tilden, was rough. Tilden ended up winning the popular vote by 250,000 votes. However, the Democratic and the Republican parties in Florida, Louisiana and South Carolina each sent their own conflicting ballot results to Washington. Hayes tallied 185 electoral votes to Tilden’s 184 and won the election. Compared to Tilden, Hayes and the rest of the Republican Party were less corrupt and more progressive when it comes to ideas of equality and injustice. The Democrats attempted to sabotage Hayes’s win when they learned about his ideas to provide education to the minorities, but thankfully failed.

Rutherford was born in Delaware, Ohio, on October 4, 1822, to Sophia Hayes and Rutherford Hayes Sr. He graduated from Kenyon College in 1842 as the top of his class and then three years later earned a law degree from Harvard, which is really inspirational. Hayes worked as a lawyer in Fremont, California and Cincinnati to help fight for Ohio’s 23rd Volunteer infantry, and served as a representative. Then later he served as a governor of the state.

Hayes was very progressive. He supported a policy of education for Native Americans and opposed the expansion of slavery along with the rest of the Republican Party, which gave him a firm standing

The Republicans who had opposed Hayes’s candidacy were frustrated by the president’s plans for the reconstruction of the administration, which focused on ending patronage in favor of appointing based on honesty and hard work. Hayes experienced policy difficulties that arose outside Washington. Because of the economic downturn following the Civil War, Western and Southern states sought to strengthen the dollar. They wanted to do this through the Bland-Allison Act that allowed the federal government to resume minting silver coins.

Hayes stood against the measure, however, it passed over his veto. Hayes retired from politics after

WINNER

Marlena Volpe Age 15 Edmeston Central School

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RUTHERFORD B. HAYES 19th president (1877-1881)

his term ended in 1881. After leaving the White House, Hayes worked on education issues for southern blacks. And then traveled the country spreading ideas on reform.

Throughout Hayes’s life he always thought of equality as a priority and because of him, Native Americans, African Americans and people from other cultures have the vast opportunities to have wonderful lives and contribute great things to society. Without people like him, that make courteous decisions for the good of the people before the preferences of themselves, we wouldn’t be the great nation we are today.

TENTH GRADE ESSAYS HONORABLE MENTION George Machala Age15 Franklin Central School

45 men have taken the highest office of the land, and all of those men have done something influential for this great country, but one man in particular has been the most influential for this country. And that man is Ronald Reagan. The 40th President of the United States has done many great things, and that is why I believe he is the most influential president.

Ronald Reagan was born in the state of Illinois and was an accomplished actor as well, and was featured in over 50 films in the span of

HONORABLE MENTION Lizzy Williams

Age 15 Edmeston Central School

George Washington was the most influential president because he created governmental departments that would form the president’s cabinet. He also signed into law an act establishing the Supreme Court, along with the first 10 Amendments to the Constitution: The Bill of Rights. George Washington was

30 years. After taking a break from the movie scene, Reagan decided to run for Governor of the state of California, and won by only a mere million votes, in a very densely populated state.

And through his first four years as governor, the entire state, “loved” his policies he put in place for the state, and he was easily re-elected in 1970. After his second term ended in 1975, Reagan decided to run for office again. But this time, it wasn’t for Governor, it was for President.

And in 1980, after two previously unsuccessful runs, finally became president, in a very clear win against 1st term Jimmy Carter and Walter Mondale. In Reagan’s first term, he already was helping this country, and putting a severely positive influence on the country. And starting his term off with a mighty jolt, he was almost murdered, he had suffered a gunshot wound to his chest, and he soon made a recovery, and resumed with a strong legislation to increase employment and long-term economic growth, as well as strengthening the defense of the nation.

As the end of his first term was nearing, Reagan was preparing for a re-election bid. In his re-election campaign, Reagan and running mate, George H. W. Bush ran against Walter Mondale and Geraldine Ferraro. and in this quick November 8th election night, Reagan

won. But this wasn’t a close win, or even a semi-close win, Reagan won Forty-nine of fifty states, with a grand total of 525 electoral votes, and Mondale with only 13, as he only won the votes of his home state, Minnesota. With his second term in full swing, Reagan looked for, “peace through strength.” And he also looked to ease tensions against the Soviet Union, and in a highly emotional speech given in front of the Berlin Wall, Reagan declared, “If you seek Liberalization: come here to this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!”, which left an impact on many people, not just in America, but around the world. Also, Reagan officially declared war- but not on a country, Reagan declared war on terrorism, after an attack on American soldiers in the country of Libya, and that declaration has influenced the decisions of America forever. And as most presidencies have had, Reagan had to deal with the Iran-Contra Deal. And in this deal, Reagan sold weapons to the Contra, to free hostage American citizens. But, as his term was not quite over yet, Reagan still had things to do. Regan “maintained the free flow of oil during the Iran-Iraq war”.

And as Reagan had first opposed when he was first becoming involved into politics, he worked to end Communism, which greatly influenced this country to keep working to eradicate it

completely.

Reagan gave support to anti-communist regions like Africa, Asia, and Central America.

And after two largely successful terms and an overall approval rating of 40th president (1981-1989) 51%, Reagan left office to former Vice President, George H. W. Bush, who succeeded him.

Ronald Reagan’s eight years as president have ultimately led to him becoming the most influential president, because of his policies, legislation, and precedents he has left, like the war on terror, as an example. In conclusion, Out of the Forty-Five men that have taken the highest office in the land, I believe that Ronald Reagan is the most influential President.

the first elected president of the United States.

He changed many ways Americans lived and the government of everyone.

and do simple figuring and write clear letters.

Writing is an important aspect because writing is a use of communication and it shows leadership.

90 miles. He lastly set his strict rules of conduct.

But enjoyed having a good time.

Washington had a rough life. He grew up in Virginia and was raised mostly by his mother and his older step-brother. He didn’t really have a father. His father died when he was only 11 years old. He had early military experiences, although they weren’t successful they helped him to prepare for his leadership during the American Revolution.

Washington was a very strong man. When his brother Lawrence passed away in his early 20s Washington took over the militia. He then suffered defeats in the early stages of the Indian War. As he helped fight in the French and Indian War he was nearly killed several times, but he fought through and kept fighting.

He was a very intelligent man. He did not have more than seven or eight years of schooling. He ended his school education around 15 or 16. He could keep business accounts

In 1732-1799, Washington won a lasting place in American History as the “father of the country.” He guided our country for nearly 20 years. He helped to shape the beginning of the United States in three ways. First he commanded the Continental Army that won the American Independence from Britain in the American Revolution. Second, he served as president of the convention that wrote the Constitution of the US. Finally, he was the first President of the United States. He lived a completely different life than we Americans do today. The nation was small and weak. It only went to the Mississippi River and had less than 4,000,000 people. Most people made a living by farming. Few children went to school. Many men or women could not read or write. Transportation and communication was slow. It took about 3 days to travel

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RONALD REAGAN

George Washington was the most influential president 1st president (1789-1797) because he was sober, quiet, attentive and dignified. He respects his country and his elders. He experienced the hardships and colonial life on the edge, of the wilderness. He understood life was difficult so he because strong and patient.

GEORGE WASHINGTON

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ELEVENTH GRADE ESSAYS

WINNER

Natalie Pistor

Age 16 Gilbertsville-Mt. Upton Central School

Influential United States President I believe the most influential United States President was Barack Obama. The reason is simple, he gave a voice to American people and youth by assuring them that no matter their skin color or heritage they could be the next President or Nobel Peace Prize receiver. Especially since 60 years prior this was only a dream that nobody would have believed in an era of “whites only” and “no blacks allowed.” He inspires me every day to push past social constraints that personally affect me and to never be afraid to stand for what is right and just.

To fully understand the enormity of this, it took 220 years and until 2009, for an African American man to be elected as President. This statement alone is shocking since prejudice and racism had supposedly died many years prior. The truth is, it is still very much alive in our country and can be especial-

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ly detected in the Charlottesville white supremacists protest. The idea that, in 2017, people still attack humans based on their skin color or beliefs is a crime and injustice that should be ended once and for all. But, this fear did not hold Barack Obama back, because he believed in following his dreams and making the United States the “melting pot” of the world because no matter your religion, race, or preferences, you were welcomed here.

I also believe that Barack Obama is influential due to his small town roots. He did not grow up privileged, things were not handed to him, and he worked for it as we all do either in our jobs or school. This makes him relatable and shows students and civilians everywhere that hard work gets you into Harvard, and a high profile profession like a lawyer and senator. As a high school student, this is what I categorize as influential president. Barack Obama didn’t have a role model in the typical sense since his father left when he was very young. Being raised by a single mother was a challenge, but he never saw it as a negative. He used all his failures in order to grow and attain the things he wanted to achieve most in his life, including, being a father figure to his own girls Malia and Sasha.

Lastly, he understood and cared for the People of the United States. With hundreds of thousands of people without healthcare suffering from malnutrition, homelessness, and poverty, Barack saw a need for change and created Obama Care. Even though the system was not perfect, it still provided people with great needs the services in order to heal and recover.

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BARACK OBAMA 44th president (2009-2017)

In conclusion, I think there are many influential presidents including George Washington, one of our Founding Fathers, and Abraham Lincoln that man who signed the Emancipation Act freeing all slaves, however, it’s hard to relate back to remarkable historical events that were over a hundred years ago. Having such a current President who changed history is something that I do not take for granted and appreciate every single day.

ELEVENTH GRADE ESSAYS

WINNER

Annika DeVries Age 16 Edmeston Central School

Throughout the history of the United States of America, we have had many great presidents. From George Washington to Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the men that have led this country have done their best to supply the nation with what it needs to grow and prosper. There have been many struggles in our nation’s history, but we have become stronger because of them with the guidance of our strong leaders.Though our nation may face more of these trials I trust in those who will lead us through them to keep our nation strong. One of these presidents that has guided us through these hard times was Ronald Reagan, a strong man and role model. He is one of the most influential and steadfast presidents we have ever had.

Ronald Reagan had had many jobs in his lifetime but the most important of them was being president. The Illinois native and Eureka College alumni pursued many different careers including being a radio sports announcer, actor, and governor. During his acting career Reagan was president of the Screen Actors Guild, this was where he first found his great dislike of communism. After shifting from liberal

to conservative he became a spokesman for his new political views and in 1966 he became Governor of California. At the end of his term as governor he was reelected. After winning the Republican nomination in 1980 he ran for president and would soon be elected as the 40th president of the United States of America. He went on to run for two terms, 1981-1989.

One of the accomplishments in the U.S. during Reagan’s presidency was that he sought to solve problem overseas with “peace through strength.”

The purpose of his plan, the Reagan Revolution, was to reduce the reliance of the American people on the government and breathe new life into their society. He believed he had fulfilled tbe promises he made in his campaign. He also helped to cut taxes and assisted many American’s who had low incomes. Although many people were happy with Reagan’s presidency some were not and an attempt on his life was made in 1980 only sixty nine days after taking office. Thankfully the attempt failed but Reagan was still hospitalized for thirteen days.

One of the largest achievements of Reagan’s presidency was the ending of the use of intermediate-range nuclear missiles during the Cold War. In an effort to lessen the tensions and improve the relations between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, Reagan would arrange meetings witb their leaders and discuss treaties and peaceful endings to their conflict. President Reagan put so much money into the military that in an effort to keep up, the Soviet Union drove themselves into the ground going almost completely into bankruptcy. After this there was a small recession but nothing as major as 2008’s recession. All in all Reagan fired the final blow to the Soviet Union that would prepare it for surrender under the presidency of George H. W. Bush.

Not only did Reagan take a stand against communism, but he also took a stand against terrorism. He

RONALD REAGAN 40th president (1981-1989)

order a naval fleet of escort ships to tbe Persian Gulf to maintain the movement of oil during the IranIraq War. Ronald Reagan may not have been tbe most legislatively influential president but he raised moral. Reagan was the president that the people of the United States needed after the Watergate Scandal, he instilled trust into the country that had been lost. Viewed as one of tbe most influential and popular presidents of the Cold War era, its is not hard to see why he got the majority of the electoral votes when he ran for president. Ronald Reagan was a great man and president and helped lead the country into a period of prosperity and hope.

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ELEVENTH GRADE ESSAYS

WINNER

Justin Brown Age 15 Edmeston Central School

Dwight David Eisenhower was one of the most influential Presidents of the United States. Outside of his regular duties, he worked extensively to make some long lasting legacies. Born on October 14, 1890, in Texas, he was raised in Kansas. He attended Abilene High School in Kansas, before going to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1911. Following graduation in 1915, Second Lieutenant Eisenhower was stationed at Fort Sam, Houston, Texas. Following his time at Fort Sam, he attended Command and General Staff School, graduating in 1926. From there, he worked for the War Department, performing various duties. After the bombings at Pearl Harbor, he was called back to the War Department to create the Pacific War plans, later getting promoted to Chief of the War Plans Division. After WWII, he served as Chief of Staff of the United States Army until his resignation in February of 1948. Following his resignation, he accepted a position as the President at Columbia University, but in 1950 President Truman advised him to take a leave of absence (from Columbia), to command N.A.T.O. This all led up to June 1, 1952 when Eisenhower began to campaign for Presidency. Where he succeeded against Adlai Stevenson, and again when he was running for re-election.

This background, shows the basis of why President Dwight D. Eisenhower was such an influential

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President. He truly worked from the bottom to get to the top. He went from a cadet at West Point to the President of the United States. From the start of his military career, he worked for forty-two years, not always knowing where he was going, but achieving Presidency in the end. He held many duties, controlling war planning, running the staff of the U.S. Army, and commanding the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. These jobs alone, are great responsibilities, which made Eisenhower a prime fit for President, when he ran. All of this attests to his true perseverance, it wasn’t always the easiest, especially during a war, like WWII. Dwight D. Eisenhower accomplished this before he campaigned as “Ike,” with the star phrase “I like Ike.” On January 20, 1953, Eisenhower was sworn in as the 34th President of the United States of America.

During his presidency, he performed many duties, many being outside of the outlined duties and responsibilities as president. For presidential duty successes, he sponsored and signed the Civil Right Bill of 1957, the first since the Reconstruction of the Civil War. Even though congress amended the bill and, arguably, weakened its effectiveness, Eisenhower still put forth the attempt to make a change.

The fiscal policy he put forth: refusing to cut taxes nor raise the funding for defense, assisted the wealth of the 1950s. One of his bigger Presidential accomplishments was the end ofthe Korean War. He persuaded the Americans to allow a negotiated treaty to be passed, while working with the Chinese to get them to agree. Eisenhower, personally, believed this was his greatest presidential achievement.

Outside of his outlined duties he accomplished many other affairs. Two key accomplishments were the People-to-People Program and the Eisenhower Interstate System. Eisenhower organized the People-to-People Program, one of the best programs that allows students to travel and learn about other cultures and the world. On September 11, 1956, Eisenhower established the program to improve international knowledge and to help create friendships. This program has been serving the people for over 60 years. The other accomplishment is Eisen-

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DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER 34th president (1953-1961)

hower Interstate System, that literally connects people. In 1956, the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 was signed. This act allocated twenty-six billion dollars to create the 41,000 mile network of roads.

This road system has been so influential, allowing billions of vehicles to travel across the nation today.

Without this road system, transportation would be much more difficult, and it allowed, at the time, military convoys to travel faster.

Dwight “Ike” Eisenhower passed away on March 28, 1969 in Washington, D.C. He left behind a long lasting legacy. The People to People Program, the Interstate System, the end of the Korean War, and much more that will forever memorialize him.

He worked from the bottom, a cadet, to the top, the President of the United States. Most of all, he will be remembered for his hard work, perseverance, and humbleness. These character traits make President Eisenhower a very influential man, because he did what was best for his nation, the United States of America.

ELEVENTH GRADE ESSAYS HONORABLE MENTION Rebekah Johnson Age 16 Edmeston Central School

Barack Obama: The Most Influential President?

Since the creation of the American government, forty-four different men have had their chance to lead our country, and mold it to their own ideals. Each president has implemented his own standards and policies, and taken his opportunity to influence the American people with his opinions. The president holds the highest rank and office of the government, and with that job comes great responsibility. The president is responsible for the execution of laws, the management of international affairs, and the overall functionality of America. The president literally holds the weight of the country on his shoulders. Each president has affected America differently, but one of the most influential presidents in American history was Barack Obama, in office from 2009-2017.

Obama’s presidency and campaign was possibly one of the most controversial terms in American history.

His skin color and liberalist beliefs contributed to conflict and quarrel throughout the country. Racist

and color pride alike grew and flourished during this time, and the outcome worsened race relations across the nation. By 2016, most Americans could have described race relations as meager. Obama, being the first African-American president, fueled many white-versus-black protests and movements during his time in office. One example of these movements is the Black Lives Matter movement; a force compiled of millions of people who believe in rebuilding the black race and strengthening their freedom. Because of this mission, many dangerous and violent situations have been observed over the last few years, and it may be argued that Obama’s actions influenced them.

The Obama years created many divisions between the American people. In 2015, Obama’s Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage; this is a widely controversial issue that encouraged many debates and protests. Illegal immigration also continued to be an issue, but it was not a main priority of the Obama administration. Gun control was a topic of debate, as it has been for many years. Democrats and Republicans were constantly at odds during the Obama years, further deepening divisions.

Another aspect that was influenced during Obama’s presidency was the American economy. Following the Great Recession of 2007, he released a nearly 800-billion-dollar stimulus package in hopes of cutting taxes, increasing unemployment benefits and supporting public projects. He also lowered unemployment rates by approximately five percent, making him one of the biggest “Jobs Presidents” in recent history.

Although Obama achieved several economic victories during his presidency, there is a troubling reality of aftermath left behind. During his term, the percentage of Americans under the poverty line increased by 3.5%. The average percentage of American homeown-

BARACK OBAMA 44th president (2009-2017)

ers decreased by 5.6%. The number of Americans on food stamps has increased by 39.5%. Also, the country’s national debt has increased by 80.5%. That being said, Obama’s presidency was influential in negative ways, as well.

From the years 2009-2017, Barack Obama was the president of our country. His hands were on the reigns of America, and he could guide the American people by his own methods. As with every president, he had his victories and defeats, but he served his country with assiduousness and perseverance. Although some may disagree with his priorities and ideas, they have had a lasting impact on America. Therefore, the idea of Obama’ s significant influence has great merit.

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TWELFTH GRADE ESSAYS

WINNER

Karli Hinman

Age 17 Gilbertsville-Mt. Upton Central School

Every United States president has had tremendous impacts on the country, whether beneficial or not. However, some Presidents have affected the country more that others. I believe that George W. Bush, 43rd President of the United States (20012009), has been the most influential to our country.

Bush held office during the worst terrorist attack in United States history. On September 11th, 2001, the Islamic group known as al Qaeda hijacked four US planes. The first two planes crashed into the Twin Towers, the third hitting the Pentagon, and the fourth was believed to have been on course to the White House, but its brave passengers took back control and crashed it into a field in Pennsylvania. He made a notable speech in his address to the nation on that day: “We will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor them.” This statement is very significant because the many citizens would agree that if someone protects a terrorist, they’re almost just as bad as the terrorist themselves. President Bush ordered the invasion of Afghanistan in October of 2001 after the 9/11 attacks because the Taliban there were holding Osama bin Laden, the leader of al Qaeda. Also in response to 9/11, Bush signed the PATRIOT Act into law in October of 2001, which stands for Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act. This act improved intelligence, communications,

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privacy laws, expanded surveillance, and increased domestic security in order to combat terrorism.

Bush additionally created a new cabinet department known as the Department of Homeland Security. This department prepares for, prevents, and responds to emergencies such as terrorism. President Bush’s responses to the terrorist attack on 9/11 were practical and profitable, and he will always be remembered for that.

In 2003, Bush ordered the invasion of Iraq.

Saddam Hussein was in power during this time, and Bush believed that he had possible connections with al Qaeda. It was also believed that Iraq possessed a stockpile of nuclear weapons which could be a potential threat. Due to this, Bush decided to invade before a thorough investigation, and found there to be no nuclear weapons. Although it could be argued that this war wasn’t worthwhile, Saddam Hussein was removed from power which prevented him from producing weapons of mass destruction in the future. Bush’s lack of hesitation to act displays how important it was to him to protect the US, especially after 9/11.

Another notable event that occurred during Bush’s presidency was hurricane Katrina in August of 2005. This natural disaster killed over 2,000 people and left over 400,000 homeless. President Bush and the government was criticized for not acting soon enough and not doing enough to help out those in need. Although this is a failure of Bush’s, it is significant because it serves as an example as to why it is so important that the President be involved in recognizing and recovering from natural disasters; if the President hesitates to act it can ruin their reputation.

President Bush fought for civil rights regarding race, sexuality, and faith. He elected the first African-American male and female secretary of state of the Cabinet, and also appointed a variety of ethnicities and a few homosexuals to important positions.

Bush signed the “No Child Left Behind Act” in 2002 which requires states to test children in English and math to ensure they all receive education.

These actions are important because they express his belief that everyone is equal and deserves the same

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GEORGE W. BUSH 43rd president (2001-2009) chances as anyone else; it shows US citizens that it is acceptable to be different, which is a very big issue in this country and across the globe.

Although Bush was very influential as a President, he is remembered for numerous other things.

Bush served in the Air National Guard for six years, which shows his dedication to our country. He was also Governor of Texas for five years, and attended Yale University. Bush still makes appearances post-presidency to support our citizens and discuss his political views.

George W. Bush influenced us before, during, and even continues to influence now after his presidency. His domestic and foreign policies, along with responses to events, affected the United States in an abundance of ways. However, Bush’s successes aren’t all that make him prominent; his mistakes have shown how he is human just like anyone else.

Whether people view his actions positively or not, it is clear that he has had a permanent impact on this nation’s history.

TWELFTH GRADE ESSAYS build up of companies outside of the cities, where people were starting to migrate to.

WINNER Jessica Payne Age 17 Edmeston Central School

Throughout the history of American democracy, this country has seen many influential and hard working leaders who have helped win wars and end slavery. There are the obvious choices like Washington or Franklin D. Roosevelt, but I believe that the most influential president in United States history is Dwight ‘Ike’ David Eisenhower because he put America in a place of peace when the world was facing many problems. Eisenhower was originally a WWII general who is responsible for the invasion of North Africa in Operation Torch and D-Day. Ike may not have started out his political identity like many others, but he did thoroughly succeed during his time in office.

Throughout his two terms as president, Eisenhower did many important things pertaining to domestic policy. Ike signed legislation that increased the minimum wage, and created the department of education, health, and welfare, and one that helped to expand social security. In office, Eisenhower took on his most formidable domestic project, the Interstate Highway program. Created in 1956, the program was set up throughout the country to make driving long distances more safe and efficient with the help of 41,000 miles of road system. The roads helped change the economy by boosting the

Another notable action Eisenhower took in office was to help with desegregation in America. After Governor Faubus withdrew the National Guard at Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, Ike used his power by sending federal troops to enforce the law. Another first of Eisenhower’s was the signing of the civil rights legislation in 1957 which was the first since reconstruction. By using his constitutional powers, Ike was trying to desegregate the U.S. through new federal protection for voting rights, appointing judges who would help advance civil rights, and by continuing Truman’s plans to complete the total desegregation of the armed forces.

In doing all of these important activities, Ike helped promote justice and respect for the human rights of all Americans. This beautiful country is named the United States of America, meaning that the people of this great nation should be unified and each person treated as justly as those who live next to them. The leader of America, in this case Eisenhower, understood this and implemented policies that last longer than his presidency so that all Americans would not be forced into problems because of their race.

Personally, one of the best things that Eisenhower did during his presidency was establishing the People to People Program in 1956. The People to People program was created to better international understanding, empathy, and friendship through educational humanitarian activities. The trips planned for young students would help them learn more about the diverse cultures that the world has to offer. People to People has lasted over 50 years and has helped send thousands of children throughout the world as student ambassadors to work interdependantly to create a better understanding of people and peace in the world. As Eisenhower said, “The people of the world genuinely want peace.

Some day the leaders of the world are going to have

DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER 34th president (1953-1961)

to give in and give it to them.” This program has personally helped me experience the world through trips to England, France, and Australia which has given me better insight to the problems that are facing the world everyday.

Throughout American history, this country has been blessed to have had such influential and groundbreaking presidents, one of them being Dwight ‘Ike’ David Eisenhower. In his presidency, Ike was able to advance desegregation in schools, the military, and in general. He is also credited for having created the Interstate Highway system through the American country. Eisenhower may have originally been just a WWII general, turned out to be an influential president, that if we did not have, the world would not be the same.

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TWELFTH GRADE ESSAYS

WINNER

Elizabeth French Age 17 Gilbertsville-Mt. Upton Central School

What does it take to become an “Influential President?” For some Presidents it is easy to become a bad influence to America, through their ability to persuade the population that the unjust actions they make are in fact the correct actions to take. Other Presidents use their hard work, dedication, guts, and glory to influence the people of this country. John F. Kennedy Jr. was one of the excellent presidents who did just that. JFK did not just alter the perspective of his fellow American’s during the 1960s, he is still to this day influencing Americans to fight for what is right.

As the 35th President of the United States, he was elected in a time filled with a tremendous amount of domestic issues regarding horrendous racial discrimination, and the fight for civil rights. He also faced a substantial amount of foreign issues including The Cold War, the containment of communism, The Arms Race, and conflict in Vietnam. The new President had an abundance of issues to try and resolve. In just the two short years that Kennedy was president he made great strides. He dreamt of

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a world with integrity, equality, liberty, and justice for all. This influenced Americans to fight back harder against communism, and work to resolve the domestic issues that America was facing. Although he may have faced set backs he handled them as any great, influential president should. No president is perfect and the Bay of Pigs Invasion in 1961 is a prime example of that. Kennedy bounced back from this event though, learning from it and becoming a stronger leader. This was proven in 1962 with the Cuban Missile Crisis, where JFK completely averted nuclear war with the Soviet Union.

Through a long-hard decision process Kennedy and his administration came to the conclusion that a blockade on Soviet ships hauling nuclear weapons to Cuba would be best. By calling it a “quarantine“, the United State’s actions wouldn’t be viewed as a act of war, and Kennedy basically put the ball in Khrushchev’s court, and was letting him decide if he wanted to end the world as we knew it.

As part of the “New Frontier”, JFK’s domestic plan, Kennedy tried to move us out of the fourth major recession since World War II. Kennedy wished to “fine tune” the government, lower taxes, protect the unemployed, increase the minimum wage, and focus on business and housing sectors to stimulate the economy. These very Democratic concepts worked very well for him.

Although he came from a rich, privileged, white family, and is mostly associated with resolving the Cuban Missile Crisis, Kennedy also believed in the idea of peace and civil reform for African Americans. Apart from this, Kennedy also began the dramatic expansion of the U.S. space program and committed the United States to the goal of landing a man on the moon by the end of the 1960s.

“Change is the law of life and those who look

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JOHN F. KENNEDY 35th president (1961-1963)

only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” John F. Kennedy, influenced everyone, not only the Democrats of the 1960’s, he influenced the world, and especially us, Americans of the future.

Kennedy increased our understanding of the world, our country, and began the operation to increase our understanding of the universe. This man dedicated so much to his country and his people, that he even dedicated his life when he was assassinated while campaigning in Texas on November 22nd of 1963. All these factors add up and make him out to be the most influential, and best president America has ever seen, and not only for the people of today, but for the future generations as well.

TWELFTH GRADE ESSAYS

WINNER

Gabriel Fuller Age 17 Stamford Central School

Barack Obama is one of the most influential presidents in american history. He has had a very successful career as president of the united states, with many accomplishments to leave behind as his legacy.

By being the first african american president he has created a ground breaking precedent. That America has grown into a country where anyone from any background can not just be successful, but have the ability to take up a role that has a significant impact on our country. President Obama state this same idea himself. “If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still question the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.”

To say president Obama has a unique background would be an understatement. By being raised by his grandparents in Hawaii and spending time in Indonesia it is clear that president Obama’s background had given him an insight on the american people that his competitors lacked. President Obama also has an extensive background in law and politics making him a prime candidate for office, unlike our current president. He worked as a lawyer before earning a seat in the illinois state senate. Before running for president Barack Obama was already a well known up and coming career politician. Being president is serious position not meant to be taken lightly. Obama was a qualified president intent on representing our country with dignity and integrity.

During his time in office president Obama has had many successes. He diligently worked to reform American health care with the affordable care act in an attempt to support the less fortunate. President Obama inherited the wars in Iraq and took them in stride. Not by promoting hate or prejudice, but by appealing to America’s ethics, and sense of justice, Presenting America as a global power whose agenda is to make the world a kinder and safer place.

Obama came into office while the country was in an economic crisis, thanks to trickle down economics.

Which has been proven time and time again that it’s ineffective and detrimental to a nation’s economy. President Obama helped to solve this problem

BARACK OBAMA 44th president (2009-2017)

by passing a $700 billion relief program for major banks and auto industries. He also passed a $800 billion economic stimulus package to help the economy recover. Just like a qualified president should he took the country’s biggest problems head on in a manner befitting someone who holds the highest political position. America’s commander and chief.

Congratulations Essay Writers!

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TWELFTH GRADE ESSAYS

HONORABLE MENTION Lucas Piedmonte

Age 17 Gilbertsville-Mt. Upton Central School

At the dawn of the Great Depression, a man revered for his strength and perseverance helped raise the United States out of the ashes of a crippling economic disaster. Franklin Delano Roosevelt, a New York native, shaped the presidency in a way few presidents had done before. Perhaps in the history of the presidency, FDR had the most profound impact on the office and the government that he led.

Seeking to walk in the footsteps of his distant relative Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Delano Roosevelt sought the most powerful position in the United States government: the presidency. Following a string of political defeats and victories in numerous political elections, FDR eventually found himself the newly elected thirty-second president of the United States.

During his presidency, FDR was faced with an economic crisis that our country had never been faced with before, as well as the horrific consequences of

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polio. However, the disease, which left him paralyzed, never broke his spirit. Amidst the ensuing chaos of the 1930s, FDR was the calm voice of reason. His firm leadership was nearly always accompanied by his soft-spoken radio voice assuaging the fears of millions of Americans. Yes, his evening radio broadcasts, “Fireside Chats,” gave Americans hope from a man who firmly believed in the strength of the United States.

Very few presidents had connected with the American people as deeply as Roosevelt. Americans grew a trusting bond with the president, and kept his words of inspiration and wisdom close to their hearts.

His immense gift of communication aided FDR in his quest for keeping the Oval Office for as long as he could. Breaking the etiquette of prior presidencies, FDR didn’t reserve his presidency to two terms. No, Roosevelt was elected four times to the presidency before his death in early spring of 1945. Within his years in office, FDR expanded the office of the presidency dramatically. Renowned for his “New Deal,” FDR’s economic recovery plan expanded the powers of the federal government to save banks, jobs, and subsequently, lives. Under his leadership, FDR carried the United States out of the Great Depression.

Roosevelt also made choices that few presidents had made before, regarding war abroad. After the horrific attack on Pearl Harbor, it was also under Roosevelt’s leadership that the choice for the United States to enter World War II was made. US involvement in World War II finalized Hitler’s demise and won the war for the Allies.

Roosevelt’s legacy stretches far and wide in history, as many relief and recovery programs established in

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THEODORE ROOSEVELT 26th president (1901-1909)

the New Deal legislation are still saving lives, and helping hard-working Americans to get back on their feet in a modern America. The world that FDR lived in was scary; very few would argue that. However, as he would say in his first inaugural address, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” Blessed by his courage and wisdom, the United States can look back on a man who served his country with such honor, and influenced the presidency like no president before him.

TWELFTH GRADE ESSAYS

HONORABLE MENTION Christine Briggs Age 17 Charlotte Valley Central School

The president is the most well-known person of the world. He is the head of the government in some countries. He is in charge of all the armed forces. He even has the power to tell them what to do and when to do it. He can establish treaties, which are agreements with other countries.

The president is the decisionmaker of America, and he represents the country. If another country believes that the president of the United States is corrupt, then they will think that the United States is corrupt, as well. The president is a very powerful person, and he can have a great effect on the country. He can cause change in the country. One of the presidents who caused extreme change to the United States, or known as the most influential U.S president, was John Fitzgerald Kennedy.

John F. Kennedy is the most influential U.S. president that the United States has ever had because of the speeches that he has made to the people. Over 50 years ago on June 10th at American University in Washington, John F. Kennedy delivered his speech based on nuclear arms. In this speech, Kennedy explained to the public that if everyone cannot end their differences, everyone should at least aid in keeping the world safe for diversity. Kennedy was one of the few who understood how serious nuclear weapons were and the damage that they could do.

He revised in his speech that the world has had multiple close calls. All of these close calls almost

brought the world into nuclear war. Following Kennedy’s Peace Speech, he signed and ratified a treaty known as the Partial Test Ban Treaty (PTBT). This treaty banned nuclear weapon testing in air, underwater, and in space. Kennedy used all his might to convince his way into getting this treaty endorsed, and he did it. That speech impacted the world, greatly. The dètente policy, which was developed during the Cold War to help ease war tensions, was established in a result of this speech. Even Barack Obama takes this matter into extreme consideration by stating that all wars must end. John F. Kennedy made another speech the next day on June 11th, 1963 based on civil rights. In the 1960s, many people of the United States still supported segregation.

After many months of racial discrimination, and lots of conflict on the issue, Kennedy was determined to take a clear stand. With Kennedy deciding to take this action, he announced why racial discrimination had no place in any law, and told the public his plans on this matter. This speech is one of the most famous speeches of his. In this speech, he challenged americans to ask themselves questions, like how would they want to be treated, and what is the right way to behave towards other people. In addition to that challenge, he, also, challenged them to treat each other with respect. Kennedy promised the public that he would fight for their civil rights, and JFK did follow through with his promise to submit a strong civil rights legislation to Congress, which he aggressively pushed until he was assassinated in November of 1963. Kennedy’s death, however, did provide a tremendous boost to the civil rights bill, which his successor signed in 1964.

Thus proving that Kennedy’s actions through his speeches had a great impact on society.

Another reason on why John F. Kennedy was the most influential president is when he had his presidential debate against Richard Nixon on television.

When people watched the debate on television, they admired Kennedy’s appearance. He looked in perfect health, and he had a wide smile on his face.

On the other hand, Nixon looked pale, and not as good as Kennedy did. The televised presidential debate lifted JFK over the top in the tight election.

JOHN F. KENNEDY 35th president (1961-1963) The impact that this election had was it made JFK one of the most renowned political figures to participate on television in these debates. This debate impacted the society through the use of the television, which made presidential campaigns more of a spectator sport. “After the debate, it wasn’t what you said in the campaign that was important, but it was, also, how you looked said it,” Kennedy said after the debate had ended. Thus proving that televised presidential debating does impact others, by causing others to change, as in change how much they watch television, or how interested they are in politics.

In conclusion, Kennedy was the most influential president of the United States because he impacted the world in good ways, instead of in bad ways.

John F. Kennedy changed and impacted society through his speeches, and his debate with Richard Nixon. His assassination shocked the whole world and turned Kennedy into a huge heroic figure. All in all, John Fitzgerald Kennedy was a very inspirational, and influential president and there should be more caring presidents like him.

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TWELFTH GRADE ESSAYS

HONORABLE MENTION Savana Conrade

Gilbertsville-Mt. Upton Central School

“The most influential president” In the United States there have been 51 presidents, eight who served under the Articles of Confederation. Since then, the United States has changed and developed into what we now know as the greatest country in the world. The land of the free has had to conform and change with the times in order to become the world power we are known as today. As times changed, so did our presidents. The 34th president of the United States, Dwight D. Eisenhower, is who I believe to be the most influential president.

Before becoming one of our greatest presidents, Eisenhower was a member of the United States Military Academy at West Point. Eisenhower finished 61st in a class of 164 in 1915. Eisenhower was also the supreme commander of the troops invading France on D-day and commanded the allied forces landing in North Africa in 1942.

It was no surprise, with a slogan such as “I like Ike”, that Eisenhower won his election by a landslide. A good way to gain popularity as the United States president would be to focus on Domestic policies. Throughout history, presidents who focus

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more on domestic (in the US) problems tend to have more popularity at home than presidents who focus more on foreign (international) policies. On the homefront, Eisenhower focused and emphasized a balanced budget. A balanced budget means that there is neither a deficit or a surplus in the budget.

Eisenhower was one of the few presidents to preside over a balanced budget. While we’re discussing domestic policies, it is worth mentioning that Eisenhower continued many New deal and Fair Deal programs from FDR and Truman.

Another main and impactful focus of Eisenhower’s was desegregation. Eisenhower issued orders for desegregation in the Armed Forces. Along with desegregation of our Armed Forces, Eisenhower sent troops to Little Rock, Arkansas to make sure the orders to end segregation given by the federal court, in the case Brown vs Topeka, were followed. A notable quote of Eisenhower’s on desegregation would be “there must be no second-class citizens in this country.”

Eisenhower was not only influential for his policies on the homefront, but foreign affairs as well. Eisenhower focused intensely on maintaining world peace.

He developed an “Atoms for peace” program with a goal of loaning uranium to less wealthy countries with peaceful intent. In 1953, Eisenhower signed a truce that brought an armed peace along the border of South Korea. Along with this, Eisenhower also had a meeting with other world leaders including France, Britain and Russia, over the concern of the ongoing development of hydrogen bombs. Throughout both of his terms, Eisenhower worked tirelessly to end the tensions of the Cold War. For more than one reason, our 34th president, Dwight D. Eisenhower, had proven to be our most influential president in my eyes. His focus on domestic policies here on the homefront and his catchy

The Presidency: Published Essays - THE DAILY STAR

DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER 34th president (1953-1961)

slogan made him popular in the United States and ensured Eisenhower a second term. Eisenhower’s commitment to his country and dedication to world peace will always be both impressive and commendable and allow him to stand out from behind the shadows of the many presidents of the greatest nation in the world.

“Civil Rights: The Little Rock School Integration Crisis.” National Archives and Records Administration, National Archives and Records Administration, eisenhower.archives.gov/research/online_documents/ civil_rights_little_rock.html.

“West Point Cadet.” Dwight David Eisenhower, West Point Cadet, 10 Aug. 2017, www.robinsonlibrary. com/america/unitedstates/20th/1953/eisenhower/ westpoint.htm.

ADULT ESSAYS HONORABLE MENTION Sue McHenry ARC Otsego Resident

The Most Influential U.S. President It is my belief that Richard Nixon was the most influential U.S. president. He was the 37th president of the United States from 1969-1974.

I believe that he was most influential because he

helped so many people. He tried to unite nations during his presidency. The nation was painfully divided at this time, with the war in Vietnam occurring overseas.

President Nixon successfully ended the war in Vietnam and improved relations with the USSR and China as well as ending the draft in the U.S. He put into effect new anti-crime laws and a broad environmental program. We were able to land astronauts on the moon., He also negotiated with the Russian leader to produce a treaty to limit strategic nuclear weapons.

I believe in his life he did dome good things and some bad things. I believe all the good things he did during his presidency outweigh the bad things - like Watergate. Like judging people, like a book without a cover or innocent until proven guilty.

Later on he had to step down from the presidency or face being impeached. I believe he made the right decision, but I believe he still did more good than wrong during his presidency.

RICHARD NIXON 37th president (1969-1974)

We would like to congratulate the winners and thank all of the participants in this year’s essay contest.

THANK YOU TO THE 2017 PRESIDENCY ESSAY SPONORS! All County Engine Service Clapper Construction Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home Dave’s Barber Shop Hampton Inn Oneonta Motor Sports Reinhardt Home Heating Southside Mall The Powell Company Titan Drilling

The enthusiasm and patriotism displayed in these entries is a reflection on the best of our students.

We are proud to help sponsor this contest and look forward to all the contributions these bright young students will bring to our communities

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