As March begins, so does Women’s History Month. However, the month doesn’t only serve as a time to highlight the contributions of women throughout history, but also as a way to celebrate the women of today.
As a result, it is crucial to recognize the contributions of all the women in our lives. This includes mothers, sisters, friends, and countless others who positively impact our communities.
One example of the positive impact women today have is at MLEC, where dozens of women work hard every day to ensure the school’s continued success and our students’ safety. Some of these women include:
The vice principal, Bertine Triche-Eugene, who helps ensure a positive learning environment, and promotes policies that propel academic achievement and student well-being. Alongside her works Assistant Principal Edith Cimino, who focuses on student discipline and providing support to both students and teachers in hopes of fostering a productive and inclusive school community.
There is also Activities Director Katrina Cordova, who plays a crucial role in organizing all school events, ensuring students have fun on occasions like class trips. Additionally, she sponsors multiple clubs, such as Key Club and National Honor Society, as well as the Class of 2025.
Despite her responsibilities as mother, wife, and friend, she dedicates countless hours both in and out of school supporting students to the best of her ability.
“Having the opportunity to work with Ms. Cordova throughout my high school experience has given me so many good moments. On the surface, her job might seem simple—just planning great events for students— but seeing her work behind the scenes shows the amount of effort she puts into making everything happen. She gives her all to our school and with her dedication we’ve created core memories,” said senior Elizabeth Gonzalez, the school’s student government president.
Similarly, all of our school’s counselors play a vital role in supporting students. Claribel Feria and Rachel Ftaiha work diligently to ensure every student’s academic success while striving to accommodate their scheduling preferences.
Trust Counselor Vanessa DeArmas focuses on monitoring students’ mental health and addressing common issues among teens before they arise, such as substance abuse and depression. Meanwhile, CAP Advisor Teri Sands assists seniors with every aspect of the college application process and oversees the dual enrollment program, allowing students to earn their associate degree.
Of course, there are also teachers like history instructor Rebecca Devries, who we spend hours with every day, who put great effort into teaching us and grading whilst finding a balance with their personal lives. These teachers go the extra mile and make sure students know they are cared for.
“Devries is one of my favorite teachers. Not only is she sweet and caring, she’s dedicated to her students and genuinely fun to be around. She doesn’t get enough recognition in my opinion,” said junior Alex Ladeira.
This month is our opportunity to show our appreciation to all the women at our school and in our personal lives who make a difference every day. Whether they are guiding us academically, supporting our mental well-being, or creating unforgettable school events, these women are the backbone of our school.
A simple “thank you” or even a moment of recognition can go a long way in showing appreciation. After all, history is being made every day by the incredible women around us.
