This March, the Yorktown Democratic Committee (YDC) held their first annual Women’s History Month Celebration. Many were in attendance on Zoom to honor Councilwoman Alice Roker along with other inspiring women. Councilwoman Roker has blazed trails throughout her successful career, and continues to make remarkable contributions within the Yorktown community. Honorees Katherine Quinn of Support Connection, Michelle Neustadt-Kardon of the NYS Office For People with Developmental Disabilities, and Kara Mac of Kara Mac Shoes were also recognized for breaking barriers and having tremendous impacts, both professionally and within the community. These incredible women with different stories serve as inspiring examples of female leaders, paving the way for the next generations of young women.
In addition to honoring these women, the YDC also challenged students in grades 6-12 to write about an inspiring woman who has made an impact on their life in an essay contest entitled, “The Real Woman in My Life Who is My Hero”. From real life figures to fictional characters, the submissions recognized the diverse ways in which we are personally inspired by female heroes. The essay contest was judged by the Rotary Club of Yorktown.
Julia Whalen, a ninth grader at Yorktown High School, came in first place with an essay about her best friend “S”. She described the support “S” gave her throughout their friendship, as well as the grace and strength shown by “S” when facing her own unanticipated challenges. Learning from her friend, Julia now understands what it means to have empathy and resilience. This beautifully written essay demonstrates the true meaning of a hero; despite being the same age, Julia found a role model in her best friend.
In second place was Caroline Jethmal, a ninth grader from Yorktown High School, who wrote her essay in the form of a letter to her mother. Caroline praised her inspirational mother, whom she described as encompassing the optimism and resilience of Leslie Knope, a fictional character in the television show, “Parks and Recreation”. Her mom proved to her that these positive characteristics are not limited to fiction, but can also be found in our true real life heroes such as herself.
Ryan Zheng, a sixth grader from Mildred E. Strang Middle School, came in third place with an essay about his mother. He described her fortitude when emigrating to the United States from China as a young girl and her perseverance to learn English, break barriers, and create a loving home for him and his brothers. His mother’s kindness, sense of humor, and strength displayed in the face of adversity, are sources of immense admiration and inspire Ryan to work hard in all areas of his life.
The YDC’s Women’s History Month celebration brought positivity during a time of such uncertainty. Whether or not they realize it, countless women continue to inspire us, both professionally and personally. It is important that we acknowledge their amazing contributions and recognize the roles they play as our real life heroes.
You can read the students’ essays at:
https://yorktowndemocrats.com/ydc-news/community
