Women’s History Month is a vibrant annual celebration in the United States that showcases the incredible achievements and ongoing struggles of women throughout history. Observed each March, from the 1st to the 31st, it highlights their contributions to gender equality and raises awareness to their impact. This year’s theme, ‘Moving Forward Together: Women’s Education & Inspiring Generations’, underscores the importance of continued progress.
At Jamesville-Dewitt High School, we offer an elective called American Women in History which deep dives into learning about all the women who contributed to our country that typical history classes don’t cover. “I think this is an important topic to teach students about,” said global teacher Stephanie O’Rouke. O’Rouke said that she thought it would be a great opportunity for her to teach the class because in college she took a similar elective as the one they offer at J-DHS. The class explores the significant contributions and struggles of women throughout American history, covering topics like suffrage, activism, and their roles in various fields. To make the class enjoyable for students, she’ll typically zone in on women who the students in the class are most interested to learn about. While learning about these women, she’ll prepare educational activities and videos for the class, and an exciting field trip.
Every year O’rouke takes her class to Seneca Falls to visit the Women’s Rights National Park and the National Women’s Hall of Fame. She enjoys taking her class to the Women’s Hall of Fame and Park because it allows her students to get a visual experience of objects they’ve used and photographs of all of the women. “The students are very excited about going on the trip and get a better understanding of the topics I taught them in class,” said O’Rouke. While O’Rouke’s class focuses on the historical impact of women’s rights, the students’ personal connections to these figures highlights the enduring relevance of their struggles.
Senior Alexa Willams enjoyed learning about women’s right activist and former slave Sojourner Truth. “I enjoyed learning about her because of how outspoken she was about the things she was passionate about,” said Williams. Williams also said that she felt a connection while learning about her because of how she thinks people should always speak out about their own rights.
Freshman Fiona Dittman and junior Makayla Elliott said that they look up to American abolitionist and social activist Harriett Tubman. “She’s a very inspiring woman because she almost risked her life saving herself and people from her community,” said both Dittman and Elliot. Another reason why both Dittman and Elliot look up to her is because her actions have taught younger generations to fight for justice and equality.
Freshman Ellie Peois said that she looks up to American author Helen Keller. “It was interesting to learn about her because she accomplished so much even though she had a lot of challenges with her physical health,” said Peois. Helen Keller an American author, disability rights advocate, political activist and lecturer.
