February is Black History month. Each school day during the month of February we will be recognizing African Americans who had a lasting impact on the U.S. Today we recognize the legacy of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson.

The lives of these three remarkable African American women are immortalized in the film “Hidden Figures”. Had it not been for their unheralded mathematical contributions, the success of NASA and John Glenn’s trip around the earth may have been in peril.

Despite overt discrimination and Jim Crow laws these three women excelled in mathematics, engineering and computer programming breaking not only racial barriers but gender barriers as well.

Today is International Day of Women and Girls in Science. In recognition, we've asked some of Miamisburg City Schools’ female science teachers to share their thoughts.

"Curiosity of the world around us has no limits. Girls as well as boys can imagine the magic of science in a snowflake, a raindrop or a bird flying in the sky. It's the wonder and discovery of science in everything that intrigues and motivates me." Mary Kay Eckhart - Kinder Elementary

“Science is important to me because it touches every aspect of our lives. Thinking critically and being literate in science is essential if we are to keep up with the pace of our ever changing world.” Brandi Kennard - Miamisburg High School

“Women have made tremendous contributions in science for centuries. I think it's important to celebrate these women for what they've given us and who also serve as role models for the girls in our classrooms." Patty DeMott - Mark Twain Elementary School

“I've always been fascinated by women scientists, not because they are women, nor scientists, but because they are people who had the self-awareness to choose fields where their unique interests, talents, and skills converged onto a scientific pathway. Because gender is important to research, and because women bring a unique perspective to the science workplace, women scientists are vital. As educators, we can make the scientific pathways more visible to our girls and young women. We all benefit.” Vicki Schoenfeld - Bear Elementary School

“Science sparks the wildest imaginations. Each conclusion leads to another theory. The process is never-ending. Even scientific blunders become great successes. The perseverance of our students in science shapes our world.” Becky Diehl - Miamisburg Middle School

“For the last 25 years I have had the pleasure of being a science teacher, mostly teaching physics. There is nothing better than seeing students master difficult material and challenge themselves to become better problem solvers. Traditionally, women have not been well represented, particularly in the physical sciences, and I strive to help change this. At MHS, most of our physics and chemistry courses are taught by women, and we are proud of all of our students (including many young ladies) who are studying engineering, computer science, medicine, nursing, and many other fields.” Katie Pennington - Miamisburg High School

February is Black History month. Each school day during the month of February we will be recognizing African Americans who had a lasting impact on the U.S. Today we recognize Frank Robinson.

Frank Robinson was an American outfielder and manager in Major League Baseball who played for five teams from 1956 to 1976. He became the first black manager in MLB history, and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 1982.

Robinson led the Cincinnati Reds in 1961 to a pennant with a .323 batting average, and he was named MVP with the 1966 AL Baltimore Orioles after winning the Triple Crown. Robinson helped lead the Orioles to the first two World Series titles in franchise history in 1966 and 1970, and was named the Series MVP in 1966 after leading the Orioles to a four-game sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Just as Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier for players, Robinson broke the color barrier for African Americans by becoming the first black manager in baseball as the player-manager of the Cleveland Indians in 1975. He went on to manage 4 other teams.

He is the only player to win the MLB MVP in both the National and American League. He passed away last Thursday at the age of 84. 

February is Black History month. Each school day during the month of February we will be recognizing African Americans who had a lasting impact on the U.S. Today we recognize Shirley Chisholm.

Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman in Congress, was born in 1924 in Brooklyn, New York City.

Born to immigrant parents, Chisholm consistently demonstrated high levels of academic achievement. Her professional career included work as a nursery school teacher, as well as efforts on behalf of the League of Women Voters, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the Urban League, and the Democratic party.

First serving in the New York Legislature in 1964, and then elected to Congress in 1968, she introduced more than 50 pieces of legislation and championed racial and gender equality, the plight of the poor, and ending the Vietnam War. In 1972, despite opposition from within the Democratic party, and even the male dominated Congressional Black Caucus, Shirley Chisholm became the first woman and African American to seek the nomination for president of the United States from one of the two major political parties. Even though she participated in only 12 primaries, she still ended up with 10% of the delegates’ votes.

Chisholm retired from Congress in 1983 and passed away, due to ill health, in 1991.