History of Sheroes
Region 10 Education Service Center is one of twenty service centers established by the Texas legislature in 1967 for the purpose of providing services to school districts throughout the state. Located in Richardson, Texas, Region 10 ESC provides services that impact more than 650,000 students and 53,000 educators in 81 public schools, 31 charter schools, and private schools in an eight county (and sometimes nine) area of north Texas. Region 10 ESC has Early Head Start sites on school campuses in three counties and Head Start sites on school campuses in 5 counties.
In 1980, President Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation that called on the people of the U.S. to remember women’s contributions. Thus, March has become recognized as National Women’s History Month. The intent is to present a complete view of the complexities and contradictions of living a full and purposeful life. This is a way to encourage girls and women to think larger and bolder and to provide a better understanding of the female experience for everyone.
The term Sheroes was developed at Region 10 ESC in 2004. The idea grew out of discussions about the positive impact of the Head Start preschool program, a service that is provided for impoverished families and children. One of the participants was a Region 10 ESC employee who is a successful educator and author today. She shared that she started out as a Head Start student. From there, the discussions continued and ideas grew until a plan evolved to celebrate women as a part of National Women’s History Month for the first time in 2005 at Region 10 ESC. Subsequently, criteria for Sheroes were developed, and nominations were sought. That resulted in the selection of ten women who were willing to share their stories and to be recognized.
After four years, Region 10 ESC has celebrated 49 women in special publications and at receptions in their honor. Their pictures and stories were displayed in a collection of essays entitled “Celebrating the Achievements of Remarkable Women.” The cover of the publications featured an artist’s special picture designed for the initial event and was entitled “In Our Own Image.” The publication contained stories, reflections, and testimonies from a diverse group of women, who mirror the changing face of our region, our state, and our country. Additionally, the honorees and their families were recognized at a reception that was hosted by Region 10 ESC during National Women’s History Month. For the last three years, the Junior League of Richardson has been volunteering its resources in planning, distributing nomination forms, booklet distribution, newspaper publicity, and providing food and assistance at the reception.
Again in 2009, Region 10 ESC anticipates selecting and honoring even more women. The current goal is to share the information about the application process, the criteria, and the selection process with broader sections of our communities. Ultimately, more women will have the opportunity to participate. Planning for the celebration is ongoing. This year, we are especially pleased to have the Junior League of Richardson as a co-sponsor of the Sheroes program through funding as well as volunteer time.
Our Sheroes cycle for this year begins in the fall with the nomination process. The year will culminate with a celebratory luncheon on March 28, 2009. We hope you will be intrigued enough to participate in some way.