Barely a century ago in 1920, women visited the polling booths for the first time in American history. This means that it’s only been 106 years for women to have a say in the functioning of the country, their homes, and the choice of men who would represent them in the rooms where they were not allowed.
March is recognized in the U.S. as Women’s History Month, a time to highlight women’s contributions and accomplishments despite the historical struggles in establishing women’s rights. At Noblesville High School, it’s a chance for the women on staff to step into the spotlight.
ALLISON CARRIERE:
Allison Carriere is the only instructor actively teaching German in the building. She spends her days working with German l, ll, lll, and lll Honors students, many of whom are completely new to the language.
“[My greatest achievement] is watching my students go from knowing no German to being fluent enough that they can get by,” Carriere said.
Carriere says she is proud to be a teacher, however she disagrees with the exaggerated stereotype of the “perfect teacher.” Instead, she hopes all women educators will focus on being remembered for their strengths over their perfections.
“In a world where women held no voice for so long, it is important to give voice and remember all those brave women who fought for us to be where we are now,” Carriere said.
STIDHAM:
Behind the counter, Shawnae Stidham manages the Bistro, working in a variety of different roles. In her time at NHS, she is known for the connections she has fostered with students and the ways she has influenced the lunch faculty.
“My biggest achievement is building relationships with our customers and for us in food service, elevating our position, [to help] our employees value themselves,” Stidham said.
As much as Stidham says she values her work at the school, she has found the need to balance other parts of her life. She’s formed her work ethic after other women in her circle.
“There’ve been a lot of important [women] in my life,” Stidham said, “I think [I look up to] the ones showing loyalty and consistency, just the day in and day out grind.”
DANA WISTROM:
Some students consider the class to be their least favorite subject, but for math teacher Dana Wistrom, math is her life. She has two math degrees, a masters in education, and dual-credit certification in the subject. Her reluctant students are what make the job more enjoyable for her.
“My favorite part of teaching is when there’s a kid that just hates math,” Wistrom said. “It makes me so happy when I can see someone walk in and build that confidence.”
Wistrom says she works hard to improve students’ relationships with math. She loves her job and is grateful for the women before her who were able to help her achieve her dreams and to do what she loves.
“It always makes me wonder how many of our famous male mathematicians are [actually] their wives hiding behind their surnames?” Wistrom said. “How amazing it is that I get to do what I love everyday, talk about math freely? How many women had to fight for me to get to do what I love everyday?”
AKWETE PURIFOY:
Akwete Purifoy is one of the high school’s social workers and the faculty sponsor of the Black Student Union. As an influential school figure to many students, she aims to display her authentic self to all of them.
“[Teenagers] can tell when people are being genuine. It’s better just being whoever you are and staying in that lane,” Purifoy said. “I don’t try to go outside of who I am, and I’m a very genuine [and] very open person.”
As Purifoy works to demonstrate her genuine qualities to her students, she had to learn those traits somewhere, and she credits her mom for teaching her this strength. Purifoy grew up taking after her assiduous mom, and now works to share the same traits with others.
“There’s so many [women I look up to],” Purifoy said, “In every field, I’ll be honest with you, if a woman is in charge, it’s probably running smoothly.”
JANAE MOBLEY:
She’s the highest ranking staff member in the building and only the second woman principal since the school’s founding in 1876. She is Janae Mobley.
“Professionally, I am incredibly proud of the journey that has shaped me, serving as a teacher, coach, dean, assistant principal, and now principal. Each role has strengthened my leadership and deepened my commitment to serving students and staff,” Mobley said.
Mobley says she works to display compassion and strength to both students and staff. She uses all of her leadership qualities to help her move towards that goal. But as as a woman in power, she tries not to let that success go to her head.
“I firmly believe that a title alone does not make someone a leader,” Mobley said. “True leadership is about seeing the best in others, empowering them, and inspiring a shared commitment to a common purpose.”
