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The Junto
Women’s History Month Edition
3/23/2021 Galle
I had form’d most of my ingenious acquaintances into a club of mutual improvement, which we
called The Junto. 1-Benjamin Franklin
The Junto The Women 2021
what do WE think?
The Path was made long ago
Jeannine N Capecci// advisor
Women in education have come a long way since Miss. Beadle, the long-suffering teacher in Little
House on the Prairie, was forced to give up her profession when she decided to get married. Marriage
Bars, which were actually not totally abolished until 1977, were just one of the ways women were
treated inequitably in schools around the world. But since those days on the prairie, the roles of
women in education have substantially changed.
For me, growing up in the 1970s and attending Tracy Elementary school, my female teachers were
surrogate mothers, aunties, and sometimes even big sisters. Their nurturing helped me make the
transition from the safety and comfort of home to a world where my mother wasn’t there to make
decisions for me or protect me. My female teachers in particular served a tremendous role, helping
me to stand on my own, teaching me the skills I needed both academically and personally, while
still drying my tears when I fell off the swing.
Here at EAHS, the women who have gone before me were mavericks in their own right. Like the
group of female teachers in the early 1970’s who challenged the archaic dress code requiring all
female teachers to wear skirts or dresses to work. According to legend the standoff lasted a day or
two and resulted in several women ending up in the principal’s office, threatened with being sent
home without pay, for daring to wear pants suits. They won that fight, and although the right to
wear pants may seem insignificant to modern women, its impact was a tremendous victory at the
time.
Terri Sayago, Pat Zwald-Kuypers, Anna Drago, Patricia Cook, Carolyn Zingone, Kathy Dowd,
Eileen Zulli, and Carolyn Mayrosh are only a very few of the strong women who paved the way for
the rest of us here at Easton Area High School. They raised their voices and broke the rules,
helping to close the gender gap in the world of education. Some may have wished they’d kept their
mouths shut, but I for one am glad they didn’t.
The Junto dedicated this issue to the Women of Easton Area High School. From teachers and
administrators, bus drivers and cafeteria workers, custodians and para-professionals, nurses and
secretaries, women have left their mark on this institution, through innovation and compassion.
They have served as role models for the young women who have walked these halls and gone out
into the world blazing a trail. And they always will.
People The Junto The Women 2021
Nurses: Healers with Heart
Branden Cunard // P.O.V Editor
What a time to be a nurse, if you ask me. In
the middle of a global pandemic, let alone
being in a high school setting, having the du-
ties of being a nurse at EAHS is arguably
one of the toughest jobs right now. Nurse
Keegan, one of our beloved nurses here at
EAHS, has been on top of things since the
beginning. She has been sending out email
after email to students making sure they are
healthy and safe with guidelines regarding
what to do if they are sick, testing positive for
COVID-19, being exposed to the coron-
avirus, etc.
It is time these lovely nurses at Easton get
the proper spotlight they deserve. It is worth
noting that all of our nurses at EAHS are all
women, which is honestly iconic if you ask
me since all of them are amazing human be-
ings with beautiful souls. Since the beginning
of the school year, they have all done an
amazing job with not only keeping students
informed, but the parents as well. By sending
out letters to parents ensuring that no student
will go unaccounted for if they are experi-
encing symptoms, falling ill, etc, they have
created, essentially, a safe space to know that
a student will be taken care of.
Being in any kind of medical field, you
are almost guaranteed to be exposed on a daily basis to the COVID-19 pandemic. Here we are today,
still having open doors to the high school with students walking around with masks and getting
somewhat of an education. If you ask me, they have not been given the proper spotlight, and what a
better time to finally let them shine. It is International Women’s Month, and here I am honoring the
powerful nursing staff here at EAHS. I do not know how many times I can say thank you for every-
thing you do. I wish you stay safe and healthy through these tough times :)) Thanks queens AHHHH
3
People The Junto The Women 2021
Featured Teacher:
Carly Egberts
Mallika Pal // Places Editor
Ms. Egberts is the Biology and Anatomy Teacher here
as well as NHS Advisor and Case Manager. She is
known for her kindness and for being a strong role mod-
el for many in this school.
Q: How long have you been teaching has become famous, she has been rais-
at Easton and what did you do before ing funds for UNICEF. I like her
you were here? quote, “nothing says impossible like
I’m possible!”
A: 4 years, I attended Elizabethtown
college and majored in Biology educa- Q: Who is your biggest female inspi-
tion. ration at EAHS?
Q: Do you prefer teaching Biology or A: Ms. Lutte. She was a strong leader.
Anatomy? She taught me the importance of re-
flection, and that continuing to work
A: I love both, but I especially love the hard will ultimately get you to your
way anatomy provides many real goals.
world applications that are relevant to
students looking to go into medicine. Q: What is the biggest piece of advice
you would give your female students?
Q: What is your favorite topic to
teach? A: Always find the joy in learning.
A: For biology, my favorite is ecology, Q: What is your favorite movie?
and for anatomy, I love teaching
about the heart. A: Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Q: Who is your biggest female inspi- Q: Starbucks or Dunkin?
ration? A: Starbucks
A: Audrey Hepburn. She grew up Q: What’s your order?
during World War II and had to go
through a rough patch of not having A: Grande cinnamon dolce latte with
access to items she needed. Since she almond milk and no whip
4
People The Junto The Women 2021
Women in motion:
Athletic Trainers
3/23/2021 Sienna Walenciak // People Editor
Galle
Most Easton athletes likely know the school’s much more recognition in our positions now, as
athletic trainers, who prep students for practices females.”
and games and tend to any sports-related
mishaps that occur. For Women’s History I asked the trainers if they’ve ever felt that they
Month, the Junto team had been treated differ-
interviewed our three ently in their profession
female trainers on staff: as opposed to their male
Rochelle Gilbert, Tracy counterparts. “Absolute-
Lenoir, and Julia Lobas- ly,” says Lobasso. “Big
so. sports, like football and
wrestling, have a hard
There are five athletic time accepting that a
trainers total at both the woman could be in
middle and high school charge of a male domi-
campuses, and Gilbert, nated program. You
who has been in her po- have to show them that
sition for 23 years, was just because you’re a
the first female trainer. woman doesn’t mean
“Before me, there were you’re not capable of
no female athletic train- doing what a man does.”
ers,” she says. “I was Gilbert and Lenoir
hired because they were agreed, with the former
looking for a female ath- adding, “Or they want a
letic trainer to handle second opinion - they
the female sports.” Now, want a male athletic
though, there are more trainer there, too!”
female athletic trainers
than males, marking a Finally, our athletic
sharp change in the trainers gave us insight
years since Gilbert started. into what Women’s History Month means to
them . “I don’t think it should take a month for
“You’ll find more females at the professional women to be recognized for what they do,”
ranking,” says Lenoir when asked about how Gilbert explains. Lenoir and Lobasso nodded in
females in the profession of athletic training has
ch me://media-a
agreement. “But I think it brings awareness to
1/1
changed over time. “When I graduated from different professions that people think women
Temple in 1996, not many women worked for aren’t a part of. For us, women are rising in the
the NFL or other professional sports. Now, athletic training field and holding higher profes-
you’ll see there are women as head athletic sions. I think it’s great that women get recog-
trainers for professional teams. We’re getting nized for that, now and always,” added Gilbert.
5
People The Junto The Women 2021
Featured Paraprofessionals:
Gale Elliott Colette Potter // Copy Editor
Q: Tell us your name and some background in- nineties now), when she worked for Bethlehem
formation! Steel, if you got engaged, you could not be an
executive secretary, which she was. And then
A: It’s Gale Elliott. And, I am a paraprofession- she got back into the pool, and then after that,
al at Easton Area High School. I have been at when she got married, she could stay in the
the high school for 26 years. pool of secretaries, but af-
I have been in Special-Ed, I ter she got pregnant, she
have been in Alternative- could no longer work at
Ed, and I am now in the li- Bethlehem. So she raised
brary. my brothers, but I was her
only daughter. She raised
Q: What made you want to me to get to the next level.
become a paraprofessional? Go to college, and pursue
some kind of career. So of
A: Actually, my degree is in course with my daughter,
nursing. When my kids she has a career. She has
were little, I had 12 hour children, she is married,
shifts, and it wasn’t fun. but she has a career. I am
And so I started subbing as in that in between age.
a nurse in the district, and
then it kind of spilled over Q: What is your favorite
into helping in other ways. I book by a female author?
became a paraprofessional,
and then it became a full A: As of right now, I am
time job. reading two. One is, I’m a
recent widow, so I am read-
Q: Who is another woman ing Megan Devine’s It’s
at Easton you admire? OK That You’re Not OK.
And I am also reading, of
A: There was a woman be- course, the Bridgerton se-
fore me, and her name was ries- Sir Fellow and Eloise-
Helen Miller. She was an and that is by Julia Quinn.
amazing mom, and she
worked with the IU for a Q: Librarians and many
number of years, and she others in education were
was a mentor at school traditionally male. How do
when I started 26 years ago, until she retired. you think the gender roles in your job, and in
And, she was just incredibly supportive and a education (in general) have changed? And do
good mentor. There are plenty of people here you think the same goes for paraprofessionals
that are still working here that have been won- too?
derful too. Noreen McNamara has been a really
good friend. It’s been good. A: Well that is a great question for Mrs. Soffera.
I do think men used to run more libraries, but it
Q: Who are your female inspirations? should have never been based on a gender. We
haven’t shifted as much as I would like. But we
A: Honestly, the classic is my mother, who was a are also one of the lower paid salaries, so I don’t
stay-at-home mom. She had been a professional think people pursue as long as some, but hope-
woman, but at that time (she would be in her fully that will change.
6
People The Junto The Women 2021
continued...
Q: Any final thoughts on women at Easton?
A: I will mention two things. I went here and graduated from here in 1974, and I absolutely love work-
ing in the library, love working with Deb (Mrs. Soffera), who has been a technical consultant everyday
to not only myself, but many others in the building, and an endless wealth of knowledge with a kind
heart to students, staff and community. When my husband, Bob, passed away 18 months ago, Deb Sof-
fera became a beacon of light for me, as a fog of grief descended around me. She has been a breath
of fresh air. Easton’s community does what it does best and helps each other pull through. I was helped
by many fine people in this EAHS building. (women and men).
& Barbara Nicholas
Gabriella Feltmann // Copy Editor
Q: How do you think your job has changed over the years, as a
woman in this position?
A: I think it’s just become that I have more contact with the
kids, being in technology, because there’s always something that
needs fixing, something that I can either have an answer for
right away or something that I can talk to a coworker about.
It’s definitely changed for the better.
Q: Who are some female idols you look up to?
A: The new vice president, for one. Also female nurses and
doctors, especially those that work with children, and teachers.
Q: When was a time you were proud to be a woman?
A: When I had my kids. I had a set of triplets, and that was a
big moment for me.
Q: What do you believe is special about Women’s History Month?
A: Women collaborating, especially older women working with younger women, sharing experi-
ences and trying to make the world a better place for younger generations.
Q: Who is another female staff member at EAHS that you think deserves to be highlighted?
A: The other women that are in the Writing Lab with me, Ms. Gray and Mrs. Arnts.
7
Points Of View The Junto The Women 2021
Female Artists Alania Mariano // Editor-In-Chief
If you are looking for the ultimate female artist playlist to celebrate
Women’s History Month, listen to the songs below or click the link
to go straight to The Junto’s Spotify playlist!
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1NVXUAQVRccI3j1l7rPtxu?
8People The Junto The Women 2021
Our
Guidance Counselors
Branden Cunard // P.O.V Edi-
A notable feature of EAHS is the esteemed Guidance Depart-
ment. From college counseling to being supportive during men-
tal breakdowns, the lovely women (Mr. Okorji, you are still an
icon, trust and believe) located in their offices are always there
for each of their students.
I like to think of the guidance counselors as supportive pillows
throughout our high school lives. We, as teenagers, tend to have
horrendous days filled with a cauldron-mixed brew of stress,
anxiety, and literal tears. Sometimes, we just need to “talk to our
pillows and let everything loose.” Much like our pillows, the
guidance department allows us to vent with a feeling of comfort
and no judgement.
Having women be the majority of the department feels “right,”
in a way. It’s powerful, especially when all of them are known by
name across the entire school district. We see how they have be-
come more than a typical guidance counselor. For example,
Mrs. Jayant is heavily involved with the South Asian Student
Association. Ms. Day is one of the key faculty members who is
also heavily involved with our very own band. Ms. Orlena keeps
track of all of our AP struggles with exams and information,
especially since this year is so wonky, needless to say. As an un-
derstatement, they are SLAYING the game. And on top of all
of their efforts, they just so happen to be iconic women of East-
on Area High School.
After all of the college letters of recommendations and scholar-
ship information, the Guidance Department of EAHS is leg-
endary for all of their esteemed efforts, and not to mention their
apropos fashion statements. Thank you for everything you do!
P.S, from the eyes of a senior, thank you for helping me and the
rest of the Class of 2021 for these past four years. It definitely
must be nice to see your students go off to college knowing that
you had a hand in their futures :)
9People The Junto The Women 2021
Featured Librarian:
Debra Soffera
Colette Potter // Copy Editor
Q: Tell us your name and some background in- wonderfully smart, talented, funny, and dedicat-
formation! ed people who make working at Easton HS a
place I enjoy coming to every day.
A: Debra Soffera. I grew up in Lansdale, which
is a little south of here. So, before I started Q: Who are your female inspirations?
working here, I was a sales rep, and then I went
back to school for teaching and got certified to A: There are so many women, and I know this
be a librarian, and ended up at Easton. sounds cliche, and I didn’t appreciate it growing
up, but I do have to say my mom. She was such
Q: What made you want to become a librarian? a real trailblazer, and you can’t see it when
you’re in it, and she is no longer around. She
A: I think that I was wasn’t one of those
always a very curious women who was go-
kid. I mean I liked to ing to let a lot of
read, but more than things define her, and
anything, I was always a lot of societal pres-
interested in knowl- sures and things like
edge and information. that. When my par-
That is what really ents separated, she
drew me to the field; didn’t remarry. That’s
answers, research, what she wanted to
learning. More than do. She got her mas-
anything, I think that ters degree, she could
there is this misnomer take care of herself,
that librarians just and marched on
want to sit around Washington. She was
and read all day. And one of those kinds of
yes, we do with novels. people not afraid to
But for me, I think the nonfiction end of being speak her mind. She grew up in a time when
a librarian is what drew me into the field. women weren’t attractive if they were ambitious
or outspoken, or opinionated, and she was all of
Q: Who is another woman at Easton you ad- those things.
mire?
Q: What is your favorite book by a female au-
A: That’s a really hard question. I have to say, I thor?
cannot list just one person. All my colleagues,
past colleagues, and women I have met within A: Nora Ephron, Mindy Kaling, Maya An-
the community all bring something different gelou, Tina Fey, Anna Quinlan... I grew up lis-
and unique to the table. I admire a lot of tening to Erma Bombeck essays that my mom
women I work with for so many different rea- would read to me so am sure that is why I love
sons; it would be impossible to list just one who anything funny and witty.
I admire the most. The women I know are
10People The Junto The Women 2021
continued...
Q: Librarians and many others in education were traditionally male. How do you think the gender
roles in your job, and in education (in general) have changed?
A:When I started, there was a female librarian, but there was a man before her. I feel like librarians are
always women. I think now that men are starting to be drawn to the field more so than ever before,
which I find awesome. I sort of feel like there is this sort of image of librarians that people have had
with bookworms, glasses, and hair in a bun. One of my student-teachers, a gentleman I work with, he
was a librarian. Another one who filled in for me, he was a librarian. It was surprising to me to see
more men in the field, and I actually think it's the opposite with librarians. And even in elementary, the
majority of teachers seem to be women. For a while, generationally, things that women could do were
like secretary, teacher, and nurse traditionally, if you wanted a career. So, in a high school, I think there
are more men. I think it’s more the opposite now as more men are drawn into this field. Everything
should be balanced.
Featured Security:
Jamie Haines
Nailah Lockhart // Photography Editor
Q: How long have you been working at Q: What’s the best thing you experienced at
EAHS? And how did you get this position of EAHS?
becoming a security guard?
A: It has always been Tur-
A: I’ve been a security key Week. The bonfire and
guard for over 20 years. the traditional Easton vs P-
There was an open up posi- burg game were always an
tion at the school and I just enjoyable experience.
took it.
Favorite Food?
Q: Who’s another woman
at EAHS you admire? A: Definitely seafood
A: She left years ago but Q: What would you tell
one of them is DJ Smith. young women who want to
She was the head security in be in the security industry?
the main office, a very strong lady. I also ad-
mire Ms. Carole Lutte, she was the high A: Just get along. You don’t have to be rough
school band director. She was hard on her kids and tough, we help each other out, you just
and stuck to the rules if her kids did some- have to be able to take it.
thing wrong. She is great! Q: If you can have any superpower what
Q: Who’s your biggest female inspiration? would it be and why?
A: All females inspire me. A: To change the world for the better.
11People The Junto The Women 2021
Featured Secretary:
Tina Santiago
Kellie Painter // Off Leash Editor
Mrs. Santiago is by far one of my most fa- home from school. We didn't grow up with
vorite people that works at Easton Area High materialistic things and to be honest we never
School. She has always been there for me gave it a thought. My parents were older
through every up and down. I can always when I was adopted. My father passed away
count on her to make me feel better when I'm when I was 11 years old and my mom passed
having a rough day. It is away when I was 29 years
important to have great sec- old. Later on in life people
retaries in the guidance de- asked me if I wanted to find
partment because most my biological parents, I said
people go there when they no because if it weren't for
are having a problem. Mrs. the parents who raised me, I
Santiago makes sure that wouldn't be where I am to-
each and every person that day, a strong independent
walks through the door is woman. My husband could
kindly welcomed and taken vouch for that for sure!”. I
care of to the best of her also asked her who inspires
ability. I admire her because her at EAHS, and she said
she does her job with grace Mrs. Attisiano, “because she
and tries not to show when could be having the worst
she is too stressed. When I day ever and still have a
asked Mrs. Santiago, who smile on her face.” For
she admires she replied women's month Mrs. Santi-
with, “it's my mother. My go gave great advice to
twin sister and I were both young girls. “No dream is
adopted and I wanna say she gave us uncon- too hard to reach and don't let anyone get in
ditional love and we knew nothing different. the way of that dream. You are in control of
She was a stay at home mom while my dad your own life and nobody else. Always sur-
worked outside of the house. The best thing round yourself with positive people because
about her being a stay at home mom was, she they are your cheerleaders; negative people
was a Foster Mom. Besides adopting my sister bring you down. Continue to believe in your-
and I, she adopted 2 other girls (my sisters by self and set high goals so that you are chal-
adoption) as well as had 2-3 foster children in lenged, never take the easy way out.” I believe
the house at any given time. My sisters and I that Mrs. Santiago could not have put that
helped my mom take care of the younger any better. Overall National Women’s Month
children and we had so much fun because is a great way to take a step back and appre-
they were like real life baby dolls. We helped ciate all the women in your life that truly in-
feed them, changed their clothes but most of spires you.
all we got to play with them after coming
12People The Junto The Women 2021
Custodial Covid Crusaders
Julia Vinci // Copy Editor
It’s not only female celebrities that break boundaries with every move, but behind-the-scenes heroes
too. It is in every situation that our female staff should be acknowledged and appreciated for every-
thing that they do for us. As of 2020, only 38.6% of custodians and building cleaners were women.
Even in our school, only two out of the entire custodial unit are female. Even so, this representation
is extremely necessary. To see women working in each field in all parts of the world around us
demonstrates the never ending potential and flexibility in all of us.
Joan Sesee and Olga Licona are both role models and wall-breakers. They are two wonderful
women who do so much more for all of the staff and students at EAHS than is often acknowl-
edged. Every time there has been an incident or accident, they have been there to pull everything
back together. Not only are they essential in the flow of the building, they are also continuing to
work as women in the world, breaking through into every career, no matter how large the ratio.
These women should not only be celebrated during women’s month, but all year as well!
Next time you’re thinking about causing chaos or see a perfectly sanitary area inside our school
community, remember the women who keep order from behind the scenes, ensuring that our
school days may go off without a hitch. Especially through COVID, they’ve been diligently working
to protect each student and staff member from the virus that has rampaged the planet. They help
provide us opportunities to learn in a better way inside the building, without fear of contracting
COVID from an unclean space. Where would we be without them? As usual, be kind to yourself
and others, and be extra thankful for those that help from behind the scenes every minute of the
Females In Film
Sienna Walenciak // People Editor
For as long as films have been made, there have been females creating them. However, no female
directors have ever won Best Director at the Academy Awards until 2010, when Kathryn Bigelow
broke the glass ceiling and won the achievement for her film The Hurt Locker. Prior to Bigelow, only
four women had ever been nominated for the Oscars’ director honor over the award ceremony’s
92-year history: Lina Wertmüller (1976’s “Seven Beauties”), Jane Campion (1993’s “The Piano”)
and Sofia Coppola (2003’s “Lost in Translation”). For Women’s History Month, the Junto team has
curated a list of some of the greatest films crafted by female directors to watch and appreciate.
Greta Gerwig began her career as an actress in various films and genres, but she’s changed her path
to focus on writing and directing her own films. Her directorial debut came in 2017 with the release
of Lady Bird, starring Saorise Ronan in the titular role. The film tells the story of teenager Chris-
tine McPherson (or Lady Bird, as she likes to be called), a high school senior struggling with a
strained relationship with her mother. Lady Bird garnered critical acclaim, primarily for Gerwig’s
direction and screenplay, and was considered to be one of the greatest films of 2017.
13Points Of View The Junto The Women 2021
Continued...
Sienna Walenciak // People Editor
Following this impressive debut, Gerwig released her second film in 2019.
Little Women, an adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s 1868 novel of the
same name, also stars Saorise Ronan as Jo March, one of four sisters living
in New England following the Civil War as they navigate their transition
from childhood into adulthood. Similar to Lady Bird, Little Women re-
ceived widespread acclaim and scored an impressive six Academy Award
nominations, winning for Best Costume Design.
Though COVID-19 delayed the release of many films in 2020, there were
enough that hit to keep the popcorn popping. The 2020 release of No-
madland follows the life of a woman in her sixties who embarks on a jour-
ney through the American west after losing everything in the Great Reces-
sion. Though this film is only director Chloe Zhao’s third film, it garnered
significant praise, particularly for cinematography and directing. At the
78th Golden Globes, Zhao took home two of the biggest awards of the
evening for Best Picture and Best Director, becoming the first Asian recipi-
ent for the latter award, and the second woman to ever win. At this year’s
Academy Awards, Zhao is nominated for Best Director and Best Adapted
Screenplay for Nomadland, and she is in the process of directing her
fourth film Eternals.
Another great female-directed film to come out of 2020 is Promising
Young Woman. This is director Emerald Fennel’s directorial debut about
Cassie Thomas, portrayed by Carey Mulligan, as she seeks to avenge her
best friend -- a victim of rape -- by enacting revenge on those who con-
tributed to the assault and subsequent cover-up. Mulligan’s performance
under the direction of Fennel earned wide praise, with critics and the gen-
eral public also applauding the film for its criticisms of rape culture. The
film deservedly earned nominations at both the Golden Globes and Acad-
emy Awards. With the nominations of Zhao and Fennell, 2021 marks the
first time that two women have been nominated in the same year for the
coveted best director Oscar.
Female directed and produced films should be celebrated at all times of
the year, but especially during Women’s History Month. Though there are
thousands of other female-directed movies that easily could have made our
list, the aforementioned movies are a great starting point for discovery and
discussion.
14People The Junto The Women 2021
Featured Administrator:
Jeanette Kassis
Julianna LoPiccolo // Off Leash Editor
For our International Women’s Month issue I had
the honor of interviewing a woman in the admin-
istration at EAHS, and chose our Deputy Prin-
cipal, Ms. Kassis! I asked Ms. Kassis a few ques-
tions regarding International Women’s Month,
and feminism in general over email, and she
did not disappoint with her responses.
When it comes to female inspirations, she high-
lighted the teachers who made her realize her
passion for making a difference for others, and
her mother, who Kassis says gave ‘110% in every-
thing she did, and oftentimes [went] the extra mile
when not even necessary’. Her mother was also a
master in encouragement, and gave amazing advice--a
quote by Theodore Roosevelt, “Nothing worth having
comes easy.”
I asked Ms. Kassis about her journey to the position she holds as EAHS, and whether or not she
feels being a woman affected that in any way. She said it hadn’t, and that “Leadership positions
require strong dedication, commitment, and perseverance…if you possess these qualities you
earn the respect of your colleagues and gender is not a factor.” However, for those girls who may
be going into a field that is male dominated, she says, “Take advantage of all opportunities that
present themselves and never get complacent. Be the impetus to inspire and motivate others.”
She also reminds us of another famous inspirational quote, “Shoot for the moon. Even if you
miss, you’ll land among the stars.”
Lastly—the answer I was most excited to recieve—I asked Ms. Kassis her favorite female power
ballad. “I Hope You Dance” is a beautiful and emotional early 2000’s number by Lee Ann
Womack which I have linked here so that everyone can listen!
Thank you so much, Ms. Kassis, for taking the time to share your experience and advice with us,
and for everything you do for EAHS!
15People The Junto The Women 2021
The Women who move us
Isaak Torres // Copy Editor
A large part of the community within the Easton Area School District is the transportation depart-
ment. Specifically this month, I have had the privilege to write about the fantastic women in the
transportation department and what they do for our Red Rover family. Being that bus drivers get to
see their students almost everyday a close rela-
tionship is formed with the students and drivers.
Women within this department at Easton get to
create an almost motherly relationship with the
students and for kids who may not have a moth-
er at home the impact of a female bus driver is
tremendous. Having contacted the head of this
department, Ms. Karen Lambert, I also got to
discover more about the female bus drivers in
our own district. They were asked to write a
short statement of how they felt about their job
and their impact being a female bus driver, here
are some of the responses:
“We know how to work with kids well. (We are more nurturing and empathetic towards their is-
sues. – sometimes our students will confide in a driver – the drivers build trust relationships with
the students”
“We are POWERFUL, KIND, RESPONSIBLE, and PATIENT.”
“We know how to work with kids well. (We are more nurturing and EMPATHETIC towards
their issues. – sometimes our students will confide in a driver – the drivers build trust relationships
with the students.”
“It is EMPOWERING & rewarding for a woman. (We get our CDL & we get to drive a big vehi-
cle).”
“We are an example to YOUNG WOMEN that they can do or be anything they want.”
“We teach the children Easton History while driving them to and from school.”
“The students on our buses are our ‘adopted kids,’ we treat them as our own. They are precious
cargo we get to transport each and every day.”
16People The Junto The Women 2021
Continued...
Isaak Torres // Copy Editor
“We get to see the students grow as we drive them. It is rewarding to see how they have grown over
the years and now as they become an adult and have children we transport their children. It is very
heartwarming.”
“It is a REWARDING job.”
“We are one big family.”
“A few years back the Ski club was stranded by the bus company who took them to their destination.
Our Easton drivers went above and beyond and sprang into action. Within a short time, we had
enough drivers who volunteered to go pick up the students and bring them home.”
“Being a women bus driver is the best job in the world. If you have children you have off the same
days and the summers to spend with them. As a mom, I know that I like to “MOTHER” all
children. You may be the only positive woman in a child’s life. Sometimes, all they need is a listening
ear.”
“I became a bus driver for convenience. Having had kids in Cheston elementary school it was the ide-
al job. I am still going strong with driving for 25 years and the joy it brings to me when seeing present
and past students. I think the biggest joy is when you see your past students and they say do you re-
member me?”
“To be a female Supervisor in Transportation, it is very rewarding. When a person thinks of trans-
portation, it may be thought of it as a responsibility for a male figure. That is not always the case. I
am proof that HARD WORK and DEDICATION pays off.”
“As their Supervisor, I am very PROUD of each and every person who works for us. Everyone works
hard and goes above and beyond to make sure our students are safe and get to and from school
safely.”
I believe these stories and statements speak for themselves. The women in busing
within the Easton community are an essential and integral part of all of our lives.
They build relationships, create happiness, and ultimately, deliver our children safe-
ly from one place to another--from their home to their school to their future.
17People The Junto The Women 2021
The Cafeteria:
Feeding kids is what they do
Steven McDonald // Copy Editor
Keeping us all fed through everything, or at least everyone who eats lunch at the Cafeteria every
day, it is easy to forget how much the work our lunch ladies must have every day, in a similar way to
how much work a parent might have coming home and making dinner for their kids, but multiplied
by a hundred times. Easy to forget as well is that some kids depend on this service to eat everyday,
so we at the Junto have decided to talk about them a little bit for women's month.
30 million students eat school lunches nationally, which is on average three fifths of all our students,
and for our school with a student count of 2730 that would be 1638 students to serve everyday, and
this with 5 different lines of students waiting to get 5 different kinds of food which also need to be
prepared. The women working at our school to feed us pull off what is basically a logistical wonder
everyday, preparing and serving our lunches. Beyond just the logistics though, these women are
currently frontline workers, who are trying to keep us safe, while giving us our lunches, and school
wouldn’t be the same for many without lunch.
I would like to say thank you to our lunch ladies, despite my current cyber education, as we all
should understand how difficult it can be to work at the frontline of the current pandemic, but de-
spite themselves our cafeteria staff have kept working, for us.
18Places The Junto The Women 2021
2021: What Women still face in
other parts of the world
Julia Vinci // Copy Editor
Women’s rights have progressed albeit slowly. There are female leaders
and women in power all over the world, but there are some places where
gender equality is still crushed under the weight of a misogynistic stan-
dard. It’s important to recognize that, in some places, women are treated
as objects which can be owned. Just because our country has moved be-
yond such things does not mean the entire world has left the “it’s a man’s
world” ideology in the past. Today, thanks to US News and World Report,
we’ll have a look at the top three least woman-friendly places in the world,
and see exactly what women are up against.
Saudi Arabia stands in third for the least women-friendly environments
ranking. The most notable anti-gender equality factor is the male guardian-
ship system, a commonplace custom in Saudi Arabia. This system treats all
women as if they were minors. Any decision they make relies on the permis-
sion of a specific male guardian; Most often their father or their husband.
Basically, each woman is owned by a man from birth until death. This vio-
lates basic human rights. The quality of life that these women live depends
almost entirely on the moral compass of their “guardian.”
Coming in at second place for least friendly places for women in the world,
is Qatar. Qatar is extremely economically prosperous, and a very technolog-
ically advanced country, but its laws have many discriminatory aspects. “Dis-
criminatory laws affect women in a variety of ways... women seeking a divorce have far
less ability to appear in court and receive a fair settlement. Custody, inheritance and free-
dom of movement laws also drastically favor men.” - A quote from borgen-
magazine.com, which in summary means the court systems of Qatar favor
the male citizens by a landslide. Though Qatar is taking steps towards equal-
ity, it’s been a slow process.
Finally, number one on our super fun list of the worst places in the world to
provide gender equality is the United Arab Emirates. “While some women are
able to exercise key freedoms in the UAE, this is not the case for all. Discrimination, in-
cluding male guardianship, remains firmly rooted in law and reinforces and facilitates do-
mestic violence carried out by families and husbands.” - a quote by Rothna Begum,
on HRW.org. While the world is moving forwards in its venture towards
gender equality, we cannot truly say we have corrected the imbalance until
rights are given to EVERYONE.
The US’s progress towards gender equality is something to be extremely
proud of and grateful for, but it is also a cause to keep going. To keep push-
ing forward. Happy Women’s History Month, and as always, be kind to
yourself and others, and be safe.
19The Junto The Women 2021
hits & misses
National Park Service celebrates Women’s History Month.
Library of Congress releases “Rosa Parks: In Her Own
Words” exhibition.
Meghan Markle spoke out about her experiences with the
royal family during an Oprah interview.
The Grammy’s awarded Beyonce, Megan Thee Stallion, Dua
Lipa, SZA, Billie Eilish, and more female artists for their top
hits!
Still have yet to have a female president.
Today there is still a wage gap between genders. In
2021, women earn 82 cents for every dollar earned
by men.
1968
2021
The Junto has a podcast! This month hosts, Kellie and Julianna, talk with senior
places editor, Mallika Pal, to find out her plans after high school! They will also be
releasing an episode reviewing their favorite book series. You can listen to new
episodes now by clicking the link featured on the Easton Area High School home-
page, as well as Spotify, Anchor, Google Podcasts, and more.
20People The Junto The Women 2021
The Staff of the Junto
Advisor - Jeannine N Capecci
Editor-in-Chief - Alania Mariano
Points of View - Branden Cunard
Places - Mallika Pal
People - Sienna Walenciak
Photography - Nailah Lockhart
Copy Editors
Colette Potter
Gabriella Feltmann
Isaak Torres
Rachel Arzoumanian
Steven McDonald
Julia Vinci
Off Leash Editors
Kellie Painter
Julianna LoPiccolo
21Thank you to all of the amazing women
of eahs for everything you do!
Margaret Bickel Rebecca Smith Anastasia Attisano Calandra, Katherine Hunsicker, Michele Petitti, Teresa
Jane Biechy Joy Transue JoAnn Birdsong Capecci, Jeannine Jacobs, Cynthia Powell, Kristine
Kylie Bisram Christine Wisner Roseanne Good Carmichael, Carol Jayant, Preethy Roberts, Trisha
Denise Bowers Karen Lambert Tara Negron Carranza, Marilena Keegan, Kelly Rose, Karen
Donna Briggs Tamarra Ellis Colleen Geiger Catullo, Lisa Keretz, Judy Sciortino, Kimberly
Megan Burwell Victoria Malik Penny Myers Charnley, Cristen Kish, Iris Schaffer, Pam
Shawn Coco Ackerman, Dawn Kim Tattoli Chaves, Neysa Klein, Beverly Scheetz, Rebecca
Nicole Coley Robin Green-Catalano JoMarie Rinaldi Chen, Beth Koch, Judith Schoepflin, Erin
Melissa Donnelly Maria (Christina) Alar- Charissa Rivera Clark, Elizabeth Koch, Kelly Schummer, Kristin
con
Christine Dotts Linda Melnick Clements, Kristi Koser, Heather Selser, Tonya
Kristine Caffrey-Star-
ling
Doris Duryea Tina Santiago Culpepper-Yablonsky, Kralik, Leann Sheaffer, Emily
Kelly Castellucci Mallie
Ana Escobar Debra Smith Lane, Kathleen Siu, Kim
Gale Elliott Dailey, Elizabeth
Virginia Fimiano Tiffany Turner Lanier, Melanie Smith, Grace
Uzma Ahmed Daoud, Virginia
Melissa Franco Christine Cappello Lee, Christina Smith, Nancy
Denise Howey Day, Jashanae
Tracy Gebhart Nancy Baker Lees, Michelle Smith-Banos, Kayla
Jean Embardino Dickey, Kelsey
Sandra Hughes Cherie Friedman Leibensperger, Michele Soffera, Debra
Amy Lopez Dinsmore, Cara
Teresa Jenkins Maria Giordano Lira, Migdalia Steskal, Erin
Noreen McNamara Doerr, Karen
Helen Jones Jovanna Diaz Lukachek, Donna Stroble, Andrea
Penelope Moore-Fennell Dorrler, Mary
Coralee Kellow Linda Hilbert Malachowski, Lisa Suttie, Jocelyn
Marcia Mowad Duran, Maria
Doreen Kinsella Lyn Kast Manning, Michelle Sweitzer, Emily
Barbara Nicholas Eck, Casey
Kimberly Lance Megan Keiper Mantz, Jessica Symia, Elise
Kathy Ocampo Eckley, Kellie
Linda Leichliter Leslie Kennedy Marquardt, Loren Thornton, Megan
Lisa Hamn Egberts, Carly
Lisa Marino Darlene Mattina Mason, Mindy Tokarczyk, Jan
Elizabeth Ponce Feldstein, Karla
Lori Moskella Cynthia Rau Mayrosh, Blakely Tutko, Melinda
Marie (Nikki) Richards Flood, Lisa
Diane Mullen Sobeida Reyes McFarland, Kristina Vacaro, Rebecca
Stacy Roberts Folcher, Bethann
Debra Mutchler Christie Schlough Melton, Amber Varela, Bernadette
Diana Lett Fontno, Amy
Denise Nelson Rebecca Smith Merli, Rachel Volturo, Sarah
Amy Smith Gallagher, Rosemary
Sue Nevel Angela Vacaro Mihalko, Michelle Walters, Meredith
Brenda Vanhorn Gardner, Gretchen
Yolanda Nieves Kassis Jeanette Mohap, Shannon Wascura, Sarah
Irene Vogel Gaumer, Heather
Marci Oliver Jaime Arnts Morgans, Tanya Welsh, Amanda
Tammy Long Genni-Tozzi, Rita
Gertrude Orsini Candice Davis Motsavage, Eleanor Williamson, Crystale
Paula Hutt Gori, Amanda
Elizabeth Owens Ackerman, Dawn Murray, Megan Woodland, Melissa
Karen Pastula Gray, Jennifer
Allyson Palinkas Amadore, Dennis Nemeth, Wendy Young, Suzanne
Ann Lear Hammerstone, Morgan
Alida Perez Arcadipane, Amber-Jean Oakes, Tonia Zander, Janice
Susanne Fehr Handelong, Jenny
Cynthia Poulson Barone, Tara Orlena, Lisette Zelasko, Nicole
Olga Licona Halvorsen, Elizabeth
Karen Reeser Blair, Catherine Oweis, Raina Zimmerman, Allison
Joan Seese Hibell, Jamie Alan
Nancy Rowlands Borchardt, Victoria Penn, Tamika
Jamie Haines Hudak, Kristen
Stephanie Semmel Brett, Deborah Pels, Lea Ann *name subject to cur-
rent information
Adrienne Muniz Hughes, Susan
Cynthia Smith Peters, Rachel
Roberta Cappellano
Melanie Smith 22You can also read
