By J1 Reporter Lexi Ketcham

A day full of celebration for women around the United States will take place on August 18, 2020 as they honor 100 years since women gained the right to vote. To celebrate, each Omaha all-girls school including Marian, Duchesne and Mercy will join together to hear from empowering women and take part in group discussions to learn about this historic event. “We want students face-to-face with interesting women to inspire them,” Ms. Susie Sisson, chair of the English Department, said. 

Numerous facts are considered when planning a celebration for the 19th Amendment. Sisson along with several other teachers and students have created a committee to configure details and discuss ideas to make for a special day. Classes from all three schools will be cancelled this day, and students will attend a leadership conference along with several breakout sessions where students can meet in small groups with local female leaders to discuss the challenges and successes of women.

The committee is currently discussing and brainstorming women leaders to speak at the commemoration. “We are looking for someone who does good work for women,” Sisson said. The committee is currently searching for a national figure to speak to all 1,400 students.  Breakout sessions will then follow the keynote address. There is not a complete list of leaders attending yet, but possible candidates for consideration are journalists, athletes, actresses and politicians. Sisson has sent inquiry emails to several figures including Michelle Obama. The keynote speaker and other speakers will be revealed close to or on the event date.

“Students who have connections or suggestions for possible women leaders to attend can email Sisson for considerations,” junior Anna Dailey, a member of the planning committee, said. 

To make for an incredible experience, two teachers from each of the all-girls schools have recently met to further discuss the day. One of the biggest challenges they are facing is the location to hold more than 1,400 people. In addition, the cost to rent the venue could cost around $50,000. The committee is hoping for local companies to help with the costs. 

The planning committee for the 19th Amendment Celebration is currently hard at work brainstorming ideas to make a successful commemoration. Right now, there is a roadblock in searching for a venue and funding the event, but once this is settled the committee should be able to move forward with details. Many teachers and students at Marian are helping to make this idea come alive. These women, along with those at Duchesne and Mercy, are engaged in creating an educational, inspiring, and informative event to celebrate women and their right to vote for 100 years.