The Westchester Chapter sponsored a Women’s History Contest in March in The Montessori Academy in Yonkers, New York. The contest is open to all first, second and third graders. Each student was asked to choose a woman that they felt had made a difference and why they felt the woman had made a difference. This year was once again exciting. Nine classes submitted 189 essays about 60 different women. The winner of each grade received a framed certificate and a $50 check. An award ceremony was held in the school auditorium on Wednesday May 4, 2016. Each participant was presented with a certificate from our club as well as from the Yonkers Mayor. All nine classes and their parents were invited to attend the assembly. Deputy Mayor Susan Gerry, the school principal, Dr. Riveria and our Chapter President Barbara Ziegler handed out the certificates to all participants.
The first grade winner was Cristhian O. Valdez, Jr. His choice for a woman who made a difference was Rosa Parks. In his essay he wrote:
“I chose Rosa Parks because of the color of my skin being black. If Mrs. Parks did not stand up I would not be able to sit where I wanted on the bus and because of her I can go to school with both white and colored people. Rosa Parks has made a difference not only for me but also for my family. I chose Rosa Parks because she was one of the first women to stand up for racism and make way for me and all colored people. Rosa Parks is a good role model for others to follow because she thought everyone should be treated equally, and also stood up for what she believed in for everyone not just her or colored people. She wanted equality and wanted everyone to have the same rights.”
The second grade winner was Ken Delahunty. His choice was Sacajewa. In his essay he wrote the following:
“Sacejewa made the world a better place because she made peace among men and was of great service to her country. Her historic vote in Oregon, other women used her as a role model that all women should be allowed to vote. The Lewis and Clark mission changed America forever, as new states were about to born out of Indian land.”
The third grade winner was Sienna Jean Lampone. Her choice was Misty Copeland. In her essay she wrote:
“I chose this person because I was amazed that a girl who was homeless, in the middle of a custody battle, became overweight and was a minority in the ballet world, overcame all those obstacles. Misty did not allow fear to stop her from her dreams. Many young girls, as myself whom need strong women like her to inspire us to always strive for what we believe in. Misty’s accomplishments allow girls of all races, size and even economic background can have a chance to reach principal standards even in the ballet world. Misty made it that the dance show people that there is no one standard for what a ballerina should look like.