“Your Voice Matters”: Wyandanch Memorial HS Celebrates Women’s Leadership and Empowerment
Wyandanch Memorial High School held its Women’s History Celebration on March 31, a memorable event featuring a welcome from host Abigail Argueta; spoken word and poetry from Angelique Shannon and Bridgette Hepburn; a vocal performance from Temiloluwa Oluseye; and dance performances from Qemani Coleman, Faith Mompremier, Motion Moves, the WMHS Majorettes, and the Bread of Life World Outreach Dance Ministry's Damaris Alston and Brittany Roberts.
The evening honored three exceptional women: high school educators Jennifer Ashdown, a math teacher, and Evette James, a special education coordinator, as well as Suffolk County Black Nurses Association Vice President Tanya Crawford, who served as the keynote speaker. A Wyandanch alumna, Crawford also serves as social justice chair for the Suffolk Section of the National Council of Negro Women, secretary of the Wyandanch Family and Recognition Day Committee and a member of the NAACP Islip/Smithtown Branch. She holds multiple roles within the Long Island Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women and owns a business management and consulting firm.
“Your voice matters, your opinion matters and your ideas matter,” Crawford said, addressing the female students in attendance. “I challenge you today to speak up and know that what you have to say matters. As women, we have the power to create lasting change. The choices you make today will shape a stronger future. You are the future, so lead boldly – with promise, purpose and compassion – and never underestimate the power you hold to transform not only your life, but the lives around us.”
“It’s so important that we come together for one another and uplift one another,” Assistant Principal Deven Kane said. “Miss Crawford’s message truly supports the spirit that we try to embody here at the high school. We are proud to honor these three remarkable women whose dedication, leadership and service inspire us all.”
