Starting with little to no recognition, women around the world had to fight for equality. 1978 marked the first celebration of Women’s History Week, which started in the small town of Santa Rosa, California. Three years prior, March 8 was known as International Women’s Day. As women slowly climbed the ladder of respect and equality, Women’s History Week became Women’s History Month.

“I feel that there’s a stigma around women holding leadership positions in general. I think that being a woman who was elected by my peers to be president, I am showing other women that they can do it too,” senior Emma Falk said.

Attending a small high school with only 365 students, most of which being men, women are often overlooked by the majority. Although women are often overlooked, some still push themselves to compete with men for leadership positions. For example, the National Honor Society is run by a female president: Falk. Falk took the position to show other women that they can achieve the same, if not higher, roles than men. Another woman who wanted to leave an impact on the women in the high school is the secretary of the senior class, senior Brenna McIlvain. As the only woman in charge of the graduating class, McIlvain has to work extra hard to maintain in charge with, and against, competitive men. Women in leadership and government positions are very important role models for younger generations of girls who wish to make an impact.

“I wanted a role in doing things for my class and I wanted there to be equal representation. I encourage other women to have leadership roles within clubs and the school because it is very important,” McIlvain said.

Working in a small high school that has a mostly women-dominant staff helps the rise of equality. Freedom’s superintendent, which is one of the highest roles in the district, is a woman. With a woman having a dominating role, other women around the community could also be inspired to make a difference.

“I’ve been an educator for a long time: 44 years. Teaching has always been a female dominated career. However, when it comes to leadership positions in education (principals, superintendents), it is male dominated. I hope to show that women are just as effective as leaders in public education as our male counterparts. I want all females to believe that they can do anything they set their mind to,” superintendent Ms. Diane Workman said.

Leadership positions are important, but other roles within a community, such as a teacher or guidance counselor, are also important. As the 2023-24 school year comes to an end, Ms. Hope Bennett, the high school guidance counselor, reflects back on the year and how she has quickly become a role model. Bennett works with every student within the high school, so bonds can be formed between her and her students. Women that she works closely with can consider her a hardworking advocate for Freedom.

“I hope that women not only achieve academic success, but understand what emotional intelligence is,” Bennett said.