Students discuss country's leaders through the years

SIKESTON -- Although several schools and businesses were closed on Monday to observe President's Day, a few fourth graders at Scott County Central took some time out of their day to share their thoughts on the holiday.

"I think that President's Day is special because we show respect for all the presidents," said Savannah Whitten. "They are people that lead our country and usually they are bright and good people -- that's why they got elected as president."

Her classmate Kristen Hubbert agreed. "I think we should honor the presidents for what they've done for us and we need to celebrate what they did in a special way," she said.

And why do presidents deserve such a celebration? "Because they were all heroes -- they helped America in different ways," said Nathan Parker, adding that presidents are role models.

Due to the school's last-minute decision on Friday to use Monday as a make-

up day, there weren't any special events to commemorate the day, said Principal Tim Thompson. However, students learn about all the presidents in their regular curriculum through the year.

Students also keep track of current events, such as the primaries. Like most adults, the students weren't sure whether Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton would capture the Democratic bid.

According to the Web site patriotism.org, the holiday originated to commemorate George Washington's birthday in 1796, Washington's last year in office.

Later came Abraham Lincoln, with a Feb. 12 birthday. It was first observed in 1866, the year after his assassination. His birthday did not become a federal holiday like Washington's, but it was observed as a legal holiday in several states.

But now, the third Monday of February (regardless of the day it falls on) is known as President's Day, thanks to 1968 legislation. It honors Washington and Lincoln, but also all the others who have served the country as president.

"I think we honor Abe Lincoln and George Washington on President's Day because Lincoln helped free our slaves and George Washington was the first person to lead our country," said Colten Winter. "Abe Lincoln and George Washington are just great people."

His classmates had some different favorites -- some of which were influenced by their parents. "I think George Bush and his father (were two of the best,)" said Savannah.

Colten said one of his favorites was Teddy Roosevelt, because of a story that while Roosevelt was hunting, he was encouraged to shoot a bear but didn't, because he didn't want to kill the animal.

"I think that shows that he's brave and that he cares about the environment," said Colten -- two qualities any president should have, he added.

The students agreed the most important job for president is "to take care of our country."

It's a hard job, but one that the students are interested in. Only Savannah said she wouldn't want to be president. "It would be too much stress," she said.

Nathan said it's a job that takes courage, while classmate Christian Fritz said a president needs to be able to take criticism.

"I think one of the hardest jobs would be taking care of all the complaints," he said. "And all of the paperwork."

It's also difficult for presidents to make decisions, or be pressured by disagreement, the students agreed, saying the leaders "make big sacrifices."

"I think it would be really hard to fight for what's right," said Colten. "...Having to send people in the Army knowing that some people are going to die, some will come back injured and some will come back with just a few scratches."

Nathan said "being public" was a drawback of being president. "Then people tell lies about you," he said, while Christian added that some people may look for ways to blackmail the president.

It's hard to be president, too, because they could be voted out of office, Christian pointed out.

Savannah said that although most people think of the presidents daily it's often without the appreciation shown on President's Day. "You remember and realize what they've done for us," she said.

And Kristen may have some good advice for future candidates. "It doesn't matter where you're from," she said. "It matters how you treat people."