Women’s History Month is a time to acknowledge and celebrate the experiences, accomplishments, and contributions of women- luminous, historical female figures but also contemporary, “everyday” women, like those who make the North Atlanta High School community what it is. During March, women teachers and students reflect on their lives and the women they admire.

Shandie Everett, “Ms. E”

Known affectionately by her students as “Ms. E,” Shandie Everett is a beloved U.S./World Affairs teacher at North Atlanta High School. Everett plans to celebrate Women’s History Month by going out with her best friends. “Without celebration, you’re not acknowledging the fact that it’s important,” said Everett.

Everett’s women role models include her mom, Mary Mcleod Bethune, Oprah Winfrey, Rachel Maddox, and North Atlanta’s very own interim principal, Dr. Angela Mitchell. “She’s amazing,” said Everett.

Media Specialist Lori McCall

NAHS media specialist Lori McCall is always a friendly face around school, so it is no surprise that the bonds she has made with other women have enriched her life. “My best friend is my ride or die,” said McCall. “People see us and think we are sisters.”

In honor of Women’s History Month, McCall is displaying a mannequin in the media center, whose skirt is composed of profiles of prominent women.

Dr. Aruna Kailasa, “Dr. K”

Any 10th grader can attest that Chemistry is a dense subject, but Dr. Aruna Kailasa handles it with poise. To celebrate Women’s History Month, Dr. Kailasa arranged for Dr. Maria Fernanda Campa, a scientist from the National Nanotechnology Initiative, to speak to students about nanotechnology and her work with the N.N.I. Dr. Kailasa hopes that meeting Dr. Campa will show young women that S.T.E.M. careers are open to them.

Like many women, Dr. Kailasa looks up to her mother, and she emphasizes the power and responsibility of the role. In her faith tradition, she said, “Our mother is the first thing. We pray to the mother first, then father, then teacher.”

Sophomore Amira Gentry

The speedy sophomore Amira Gentry is a captain of the North Atlanta Track and Field team and a member of the NAHS mental health club. This month, Gentry plans to “self-educate” and read more feminist literature, as well as learn about women historical figures. Gentry’s greatest hero, though, will always be her mom. Growing up Gentry saw that her mom “was always willing to work hard to get what she wanted and just to do the best she can do.” Gentry said, “While working two jobs and taking care of me, she also found a way to stay in shape and care for other people she loves in her life.”

Senior Adeline Briggs

An aspiring talk show host and the NAHS 12th Grade PR Representative, senior Adeline Briggs admires Wendy Williams, a successful woman in her career of choice. “Before she was crazy, I just think she was very entertaining,” said Briggs.

Briggs plans to celebrate Women’s History Month by spending time with friends. As a PR rep, she understands the importance of showcasing women’s history. “There’s a lot of systematic sexism throughout the country,” said Briggs. “If Women’s History Month wasn’t celebrated, people would kind of forget about it and just ignore it.”

Senior Sienna Schettino

Captain of the Women’s Varsity basketball team, senior Sienna Schettino has been a leader on the court since her freshman year. Schettino intends to celebrate Women’s History Month with friends, and she thinks it is necessary to acknowledge women’s contributions that have gone overlooked throughout history and in contemporary society. “It is important to recognize women for all they do, even today,” said Schettino. “Like moms- we don’t appreciate them enough.”

Senior Annabelle Haines

Perhaps best known for her role as Janet Van De Graaf in North Atlanta’s production of “The Drowsy Chaperone,” senior Annabelle Haines is president of the NAHS Thespian Society and a member of the Academic Bowl club. Haines volunteers with women’s rights organizations throughout the year- going beyond the month of March.

Haines strives to emulate her mom, whose career trajectory inspires her. After having kids, “It was kind of hard for her to get back into the workforce, but she did it,” said Haines. “She’s the CMO of her company, and she is really a strong, independent woman.”