Women have been excelling for centuries in fields where no one thought they could. Continuously breaking societal norms by either speaking out against the common thought or acting against it. The lack of recognition for accomplishments deserving of attention has always been extremely prominent; however, it does not take a monumental achievement to deserve acknowledgment. Women have proven to be great inspirations for the lives of other girls, young or old. Whether it be a mother, teacher, or another role in life.

The women who make up the staff of Davie High School have many role models who have helped them get to where they are today. Civics teacher Kamryn Harris speaks about her two greatest inspirations: her late mother and her former yearbook advisor. Her mother demonstrated great courage and resilience in the last few years of her life as she was battling cancer.

“My mom, Kim Harris, passed away when I was 19 from cancer,” Harris says. “She inspired me because of how gracefully she fought for 4 years after her diagnosis.”

The strength and grace shown by Kim Harris have left a profound impact, solidifying herself as a great woman in memory. Harris stated, however, that she had another influential figure in her life who stepped up and continues to advise her today. This woman, Michelle Shue, was a staff member at the old high school, as well as yearbook advisor.

“Michelle Shue was my teacher and yearbook advisor and has stepped up for me as a mother figure that I needed, especially now with her guidance as I step into my role as the new yearbook advisor.”

Harris described Shue as a wonderful woman who provided direction and support in Harris’s life, guiding her through struggles both new and old. Both Kim Harris and Michelle Shue reflect the strength and wisdom provided by female role models, even without the celebratory articles.

Similarly, English teacher Donna Dunn recalls some of her greatest inspirations. She thought back to her two grandmothers, women who were described as vastly different but influential all the same.

“I had two amazing grandmothers, each came from very different backgrounds,” Dunn says. “They were each my greatest role models for very different reasons.”

Dunn describes her grandmothers and the differences between them. One, her maternal grandmother, was unable to fulfill her dreams of becoming a nurse and had to leave school at just 13 to work. She was described as a tough woman with a positive attitude who was very family-focused, and more specifically, the toughest woman Dunn ever knew. 

Dunn recounts that her paternal grandmother went to college and became a social worker at a time when women never really left home to work. This woman was less active than Dunn’s maternal grandmother, instead preferring hobbies like puzzles and reading.

Both of these women, though living very different lives, have had a vast impact on Dunn. Their example demonstrates that strength can be found in any form and does not have to fit a certain mold. The long line of women stretched over many years has never been admired for the same reason. Their uniqueness in their abilities has sparked what we now call women’s empowerment.

These women are only a few of the many who have inspired us in more ways than one, constantly providing wisdom, courage, and strength in our lives. They were the reason that so many children grew up to be something great, and so many adults had someone to look back on fondly. Through the last few days of March, be careful not to forget the women who helped us stand where we are today.