Women everywhere have left their mark on each of our personal histories. They’ve inspired, encouraged, paved the way forward, and it’s time we know their names.
As part of the Her Vote. Her Voice. women’s history project, 4th – 12th grade students participating in the “Know Her Story” contest have written an original essay or created an original piece of art about a South Dakota woman who made an impact. The creative work addresses who the woman is, what she did, what impact this had on those around her, and why we should know her story.
Lily Gums, winner of the 10th – 12th grade essay contest, honored Gladys Pyle. Lily said, “I had never heard of her before, but learning about who she was and what she did was very interesting. I was impressed by the way she responded to victory and defeat.”
Modesty Heath, essay honorable mention for 7th – 9th grade, honored Ashley Kingdon Reese, the founder and executive director of Independent Health Solutions. Modesty was inspired by Kingdon Reese and her impact on Huron’s health care.
Riley Hadorn, art winner for 7th – 9th grade, honored his grandmother, Mary Jensen, a science teacher. Riley said, “She got her degree in chemistry back in the 1970s, faced sexism, and stood up to it. She believed that women can do and be anything.”
Art and essay winners and honorable mentions follow:
Art
Madelynn Holzer, from Summerset SD, winner, 10th – 12th grade (honored Governor Kristi Noem)
Riley Hadorn, Rapid City SD, winner, 7th – 9th grade (honored Mary Jensen)
Jayne Lees, from Pierre SD, winner, 4th – 6th grade (honored Marcella LeBeau)
Sophia McElroy, from Sioux Falls SD, honorable mention 7th – 9th grade (honored Maggie Mellette)
Joanna Gums, from Clear Lake SD, honorable mention, 7th – 9th grade (honored Laura Ingalls Wilder)
Raquel Fierro, from Rapid City SD, honorable mention, 4th – 6th grade (honored Gertrude Simmons Bonnin)
Miles Gerlach, from Elkton SD, honorable mention, 4th – 6th grade (honored Gladys Pyle)
Luta Smith, from Parmalee SD, honorable mention, 4th – 6th grade (honored Zitkala-Sa)
Essay
Lily Gums, from Clear Lake SD, winner, 10th – 12th grade (honored Gladys Pyle)
Danika Juhl, from Valley Springs SD, winner, 7th – 9th grade (honored Gladys Pyle)
Ryah Manker, from Brookings SD, winner, 4th – 6th grade (honored Sister Margaret Raphael McCarthy)
Modesty Heath, from Huron SD, honorable mention, 7th – 9th grade (honored Ashley Kingdon-Reese)
Annie Beckman, from Rapid City SD, honorable mention, 7th – 9th grade (honored Marcella LeBeau)
Kendis Sackreiter, from Brookings SD, honorable mention, 4th – 6th grade (honored SuAnne Big Crow)
Mila Medearis, from Parmalee SD, honorable mention, 4th – 6th grade (honored SuAnne Big Crow)
Winning essays and artwork are online at hervotehervoice.org/art-
Her vote. Her voice. 10-12 grade art contest winner Madelynn Holzer, from Summerset (honoring Gov. Kristi Noem).
Image credit Her Vote. Her Voice. organization.
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