Prairie Ridge students showcase Women’s History Month program and student-led service projects

Prairie Ridge High School educators and students presented the school’s three‑year Women’s History Month program to the Community High School District 155 board, describing a mix of in‑school activities, community panels and student‑led service projects.

Dr. Cook, Prairie Ridge’s principal, said the program aims to increase awareness and community connections through heritage‑month activities. “We lay all that success at the feet of Joe and his teachers like Amy and Sarah who are here tonight,” he told the board, crediting school staff and student leaders for the program’s growth.

Teachers Amy and Sarah — who described leading the initiative — said Year 1 included a large banner, weekly profiles and an international‑studies movie day in which teachers show biographical films followed by trivia. The effort included library curation of books about women and an invitation to local female leaders to speak with students.

“Year 2 was about growing our impact,” one presenter said, noting leadership‑spotlight posters that featured 33 students (later increased to 44), doubled professional panelists and broader student participation. Presenters said about 99% of the school’s clubs were led by female students, a statistic they used to highlight leadership opportunities for girls.

Students described how the program connected to service projects and real‑world learning. Diana Coyer, who identified herself as a 19‑year‑old who helped found the PUFF internship program (Peers United for Hopes in Fortaleza), said the internship pairs U.S. students with local experts to support teen mothers and girls in Guatemala. “The internship… became my passion project,” she said, describing scholarship work established in her great‑grandmother’s honor.

Alumna Maddie Burrows, introduced by the principal as a 2014 graduate, spoke about returning as a panelist and connecting with current students. Speaking from the floor, she described owning a Jersey Mike’s franchise and said the panel helps students see alternative paths beyond traditional college routes.

Student Marissa Teehee recounted launching a school club after attending the panel as a sophomore, setting a $7,500 fundraising goal to build a house in Guatemala and traveling with peers and staff to build it. “We raised enough money… and last May we traveled to Guatemala and built that house,” she said.

Presenters said Year 3 activities will emphasize peer mentoring — bringing 10 top student leaders to Prairie Grove to meet fifth‑grade girls — and a student‑run social media account (@PRgirlswholead) that had about 400 followers two weeks after launch. They also announced a new scholarship funded by T‑shirt sales and fundraising; recipients will be required to return and report on how leadership at Prairie Ridge shaped their next steps.

The board received the presentation with applause and the principal invited trustees to purchase T‑shirts supporting the scholarship. The district’s communications director also noted other student recognitions during the meeting, including a state gymnastics championship and multiple state‑placing wrestlers.

The presentation concluded with thanks to staff, volunteers and community partners; it will inform future district conversations about student leadership, career pathways and community partnerships.