Parks written by Alexis Steagall (News Editor), Tiana written by Kat Mann (Opinion Editor), Phillips written by Cory Sparks (Sports Editor)
Rosa Parks
“Memories of our lives, of our works and our deeds will continue in others.” ~ Rosa Parks
Rosa Parks, most well known for her acts in the Montgomery bus boycott, was more than an American activist.
She was an inspiration for many African American citizens in the 1950s. She was actively involved with other organizations fighting for racial equality.
She simply decided that the way society was treating her was unjust and took it into her own hands.
This sporadic act of rebellion inspired 381 days of a boycott, starting a fire in the hearts of many.
Princess Tiana
Princess Tiana, from the 2009 film, The Princess and the Frog, is recognized as being Disney’s first African American princess.
On top of Tiana being a big step towards a more diverse world of characters, she also breaks the social stereotype of women. She shows her ambition and excellent work-ethic throughout the entire movie.
Tiana is described by many as a “hard-headed heroine who works hard and displays a focus and drive”.
In most Disney princess love stories, the princess gives up her previous life to be with the prince, but in The Princess and the Frog, it was Prince Naveen who gave up his past life to be with Tiana.
She wasn’t swooned or swayed by the prince like all of the other girls, and this sets a great example for young girls, showing them that a man can’t solve all of your problems for you. You get where and what you want by working for it.
Katie Phillips
Having worked as a Kenosha Unified School District teacher for 15 years, (eight of those being at Indian Trail High School and Academy), Katie Philips has brought forth a teaching style full of passion and encouragement to every single student that takes her class.
Philips teaches sophomore American Literature and AP Literature, and the extensive effort that she makes to be an approachable, dedicated teacher is exactly what made her KUSD’s 2016 Teacher of the Year.
Outside of also being the advisor for the school’s Women’s Empowerment club, Philips loves spending time with her husband and her newborn son.
Thank you Ms. Philips for being an inspiration to many and making us (one word of the day at a time) as wise as Atticus Finch himself.