National Women’s History Month: Women who persisted

In 1987, Congress agreed to make March National Women’s History month to recognize women who changed the world. Every year, there is a different theme. This year the theme is persistence, inspired by Senator Elizabeth Warren. Senator Elizabeth Warren is remembered by the saying, “Nevertheless, she persisted.”  

We would like to share about three women who have showed persistence on a national, state and local level. 

Margaret Dunkle is a national candidate that has shown persistence. She is responsible for carrying out a law that dramatically changed education for women in the field as well as in graduate schools. She became the first chair of the National Coalition for Females Education. Dunkle was responsible for carrying out legislation that allowed low income women to receive student aid without losing health insurance for their children.

Evelyn Anderson is a woman from Alabama who persisted. She became disabled at age four due to a .22 Caliber bullet that hit her spine. She was disabled the rest of her life. She could never sit, stand or walk but she still pursued her dreams. Evelyn graduated with honors from Judson College with a double major in art and history. She received numerous awards and honors such as Outstanding Educator, Outstanding Counselor and Alabama Handicap Professional of the Year. Evelyn Anderson is a perfect example of a woman who persisted and followed her dreams.

Cristy Daffron is a local Pell City woman who shows the true meaning of persistence. She is opening a free health clinic in Pell City. Daffron said that she got the idea for the health clinic about a year ago. The clinic will be located in the Social Services Building. There are a lot of sick people in Pell City that need help. The free clinic will help people who qualify.

When asked about problems with getting the clinic started, Daffron said, “I would call it more opportunities and challenges than problems.”

Daffron hopes the clinic will open June 2018. It will be called the Easter Seals Community Clinic.

Margaret Dunkle, Evelyn Anderson and Cristy Daffron are some of the women who have shown persistence. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter said women were not really talked about and their contributions were unnoticed. Jimmy Carter also said women were just as important as men. Everyone has a special woman that they look up to. Remember to thank the important women in your life.

The Walter M. Kennedy Writing Club consists of third and fourth graders that meet weekly to enhance their writing skills. They publish a monthly school newsletter that is distributed throughout the school with original content from students.