Since 1987, March has been recognized globally as Women’s History Month. The upstate of South Carolina acknowledges Women’s History Month through clubs, classes and events. At Spartanburg High School, the month is celebrated through both the Honors Women’s Literature class and Girls United club, which seek to honor and recognize the numerous accomplishments of women . Both groups have participated in and created many events throughout this month, such as the “Supportive Sisters Luncheon,” a bake sale, “Walk for Women” and “Working Women’s Dress Up Day.”

SHS English teacher Tally Pruett advises both the Girls United club and the Honors Women’s Literature class, both of which emphasize the importance of the month for women. Pruett advises both groups in order to support and uphold the women in the SHS community. She thinks that it is important to have a place to celebrate strong women.

“I’m big on supporting the women in our own community, which is how Girls United came to be a club at SHS. High school is so much better when we have a supportive group of friends we can count on to straighten our crowns and remind us how awesome we are in that moment,” Pruett said.

Girls United is a place for women to reinforce and uplift other women. It offers a safety net for girls to grow and learn how to succeed. Members are taught to treat others with respect and positively influence the student body.

Faryn Cox (12), Girls United president, is inspired by the group to recognize all women for their contributions in women’s history.

“Being in Girls United has made women’s history feel personal instead of something that we learn in school. It’s helped me see how every woman contributes to change. Hearing other girls’ stories, supporting each other and learning together has made me realize that we’re part of that history too. It’s also made me realize how important it is for women to support one another. We already face enough pressure from the world, so supporting each other really matters,” Cox said.

As another way to recognize the achievements and struggles of women throughout history, students who sign up for the Honors Women’s Literature class get to conduct an independent research project on a female author. Each student selects a female author to research and then read two books that the author has written. The students gain strong research and writing skills through this assignment.

Leilah Bun (10) researched Octavia Butler for her independent research project.

“A woman that I have learned about is Octavia Butler. She was a science fiction author who tied history into her novels. After reading her novel, ‘Kindred,’ both she and the novel have inspired me to focus on the truth that the past is never the past; it is impacting the present,” Bun said. “Overall, I suggest that more students should take this course because it helps them get a better understanding of the impact women have had on, not just literature, but history itself.”

Women have affected the world of literature, politics and art despite hardship. It is vitally important to appreciate and acknowledge all the women who have contributed to the active fight of freedom and equality. The women at SHS support one another by establishing clubs, classes and designated events for Women’s History Month.