Lakewood High School is committed to creating programs that educate students about real-world issues that could impact their futures, focusing on engaging the next generation of women in politics.
Women currently represent just 28% of Congress. The LHS Women in Politics initiative, launched last year, aims to address this imbalance by providing opportunities for students to discuss politics and their potential to change the world. LHS teachers Lauren Flynn and Ron Lewis coordinate efforts with the League of Women Voters to meet with LHS students.
The most recent event was held at the Lakewood Public Library. The young women watched Trailblazing Women In Ohio Politics, which detailed women’s roles in Congress, including the steps they took to get there and the oppressive and biased treatment many had to endure. After the viewing, students were divided into groups to discuss related questions and shared their opinions on gender treatment disparities in school. Many students expressed the view that, in their experience at Lakewood High School, if a girl were to do the same thing as a boy, they would be treated completely differently.
The recurring theme of the event was “Be comfortable with being uncomfortable.”
LHS social studies teacher Lauren Flynn stated the importance of combating political indifference: “I think it’s important for everyone to learn that. Unfortunately, I think that’s part of the problem in today’s society—that people are uneducated and apathetic. I think we [can] ideally change that with all students…in particular…when it comes to women.”
Women’s politics is very effective in trying to recruit women needed in local, state, or federal government, and high school is the perfect time to engage students in trying to make change in the world. Flynn emphasized that engagement doesn’t require massive initial action: “ It doesn’t take some big, huge effort. You know you can start small.”
The Lakewood High School Women in Politics program, which provides information for freshmen through seniors, offers insight into how young women can begin their political journey. “To be completely honest…my two daughters are obviously a big part of this. As they become more politically active themselves, I started to see some of the issues that they were facing as young ladies,” said AP Government teacher Ron Lewis.
Payton Kratz, a senior at Lakewood High and an active member of the program since junior year, emphasized her dedication to self-education. “I’ve invested my time into educating myself on politics, so when the opportunity to join this [program] emerged, it felt like it was meant to come my way,” Kratz said.
Teachers play a significant part in helping young females find their voices. Women in political positions are highly impactful, serving as crucial role models who demonstrate to younger generations that they can make a difference in the world. “Women are half of the population and should be involved in the political world just as much as men,” said Kratz.
Educating students—regardless of gender—is vital for their futures, especially in today’s political climate, where understanding how government decisions affect citizens is crucial. The Women in Politics initiative not only benefits the young women involved but also helps teachers be more effective in supporting students and the challenges they face.
Empowering young women through political education is essential—when young women rise, democracy becomes stronger, fairer, and more inclusive for all.
