March is internationally recognized all over the world as Women's History Month, a period of time set aside to recognize and celebrate the contributions of women who have helped shape our nation in countless ways. It provides an opportunity to acknowledge women's achievements which often have been overlooked in standard history books because history has traditionally focused on political, military, and economic leaders and events largely dominated by men.
In honor of this celebration, Eastfield College hosted the Unsung Women of Eastfield tea on Thursday, March 29. The purpose was to pay homage to ten female Eastfield employees who have made a difference in the lives of those they come in contact with at the college and in their communities as mentors, role models, and volunteers.
The ten honorees were: Jennie Banks, Cecilia Francis, Sandy Hampton, Dotty Herndon, Sandra Hunter, Debra Meyners, Mary Greely-Miller, Cheryl Roach, Sally Satterwhite, and Beth Vance.
The nominees were: Johnnie Bellamy, Sherri Brummett, Tacia Dillard, Martha
Ewer, Yolanda Garcia, Carol Jeffus, Sonya Lott, Carolyn Martinez, Jackie Matney,
Shirley McSpedden, Anne Mistrot, DeJoyce McRoy-Morgan, Janell Nelson, Linda
Richardson, Theresa Sternat, Gloria Terrell, Madeline Torres, Bobbie Trout,
Brynndah Turnbo, Sandie Turner, and Beverly Whyete.
Marketing and Communications Coordinator Debbie Durden, who organized the event, said that choosing ten women out of the 32 nominations was very difficult.
"Each of the nominees should be very proud," Durden said. "They are all winners, and the honor comes in being nominated."
Brenda Teele-Jackson of NBC Channel 5 served as guest speaker during the event. Teele-Jackson, who can be seen weekday mornings on NBC, encouraged the women at the reception to take a break from life's stressors and to regularly do something to pamper themselves.
"As a wife and mother, I must remind myself as well to stop and relax," Teele-Jackson said. "We [women] can all learn a thing or two from men, because for the most part they really seem to know how to not take life so seriously all the time."
The ten Unsung Women of Eastfield received a bouquet of assorted flowers and a gift basket filled with toiletries, pantyhose, a silver bracelet or necklace, restaurant gift certificates and other items. They were also serenaded by Texas Mischief, a female barbershop quartet from Arlington. All 31 women received a certificate, and the nominees were given a long-stemmed red rose.
The awards and door prizes were donated by: Bagel Break, Colter's Bar-B-Que, Escape Salon and Day Spa, Expert Nails, Holiday Inn Select/LBJ Northeast, Honeybaked Ham Company, Margaret Leicht of Mary Kay Cosmetics, Minyard Food Stores/Mesquite, Mystic Coiffure, NASR Brothers Jewelers/Garland, Red Nails/Mesquite, Royal Car Wash/Mesquite, 7-Eleven Stores, Shamrock Florist/Mesquite, Ulta3/Mesquite, and Windsor Florist.
Response from Eastfield students and employees was positive.
"I am giving serious thought to doing this reception again next year," Durden said. "I was very pleased with the results. I truly enjoy making people feel good, and projects such as this one really warm my heart."