In celebration of International Women’s Day and Women's History Month, people all around the world acknowledge this time to inspire equality, connectivity, and inclusivity throughout all walks of life. Whether through grassroots activism, attending lectures and events, or having a conversation about an inspirational woman – the commitment to women’s empowerment is shared by many!
At Scholastic, we are celebrating this moment by taking a look in the Company’s archives and sharing some historical photographs of employees who led the Scholastic Magazines+ teams and the Scholastic Library and Archive teams, as well as a special glimpse into the years’ past of magazine covers.
Meet Lucy Evankow, who spent 48 years at Scholastic. She was the former Scholastic Chief Librarian, until she retired in 1992, and was thought of fondly by her colleagues. After Lucy won the Spirit of Scholastic in 1991, a coworker shared: “Lucy is a rare, walking book of knowledge, who after a lengthy career at Scholastic, has retained her love and enthusiasm for Scholastic’s ideals and the Scholastic family – and who contributes to the company’s well-being daily… constantly…continually.”
Introducing Agnes Luarino, former Scholastic Director of Scholastic Magazines, who started at Scholastic in 1942 as a bookkeeper during the height of World War II and worked her way up to Treasurer and Director of Scholastic Magazines. Agnes spent 26 years at Scholastic before passing away in 1967. In a tribute, Founder Maurice Robinson wrote: “I worked long hours with Mrs. Luarino, but I could not keep up with her – nor could anyone else. She absorbed Scholastic; Scholastic absorbed me; Scholastic absorbed her… The way she hurled herself tirelessly into her work, my work, and the work of her associates without concern for personal pleasure, rest, and recreation prompted me time after time to demand that she stop, that she take real vacations.”
Presenting Lavinia Dobler, who was the former Head Librarian of Scholastic Magazines and Book Services, as well as a prolific writer. She wrote over 30 books and published many articles in Scholastic Magazines during the 60’s and 70’s. In an interview, she says: “My goal, interestingly enough, is to write one sentence a day. I get that sentence written in my small notebook as I ride on the bus to Fifth Avenue. Then I walk the rest of the way to the Scholastic Library. But the important fact is that I have accomplished my goal by 9 a.m. each week-day morning. So I am never frustrated.”
These women’s passions helped bring to life and preserve the legacy of Scholastic Magazines+, which now has been in circulation for over 100 years and reaches over 13 million readers annually, as well as the preservation efforts of the Scholastic Library and Archive. Take a look below at just a few of the many powerful magazine covers that touch on women’s rights, liberation, as well as a few contemporary pioneers!
Scholastic Teacher, 1971, Women’s Liberation Feature
Dubbed as the “second wave of feminism,” the Women’s Liberation movement was a global effort to better various areas of a woman’s life – including professional careers, politics, family life, and more.
Senior Scholastic, 1974, Women’s Rights Feature
Carrying the same theme of women’s liberation, this issue zeroes in on women’s rights such as the passage of Title IX, the landmark Roe V. Wade ruling, and the Fair Housing Act of 1974.
Scholastic SCOPE, 1978, Susan B. Anthony Feature
A piece that highlights the legacy of Susan B. Anthony, a woman who fought for over 50 years to advance civil rights for women in the late nineteenth century – primarily the ability to vote in elections.
Scholastic SCOPE, 2002, Gwen Stefani Feature
Gwen Stefani, the former lead singer of “No Doubt,” shares her thoughts about feminism in the world of rock and roll.
Scholastic SCOPE, 2004, Bethany Hamilton Feature
A professional surfer and writer, Bethany Hamilton survived a vicious shark attack in which she lost her left arm. After only 26 days out of the water, Bethany returned to surfing – leaving a lasting impression on the world and creating a remarkable testament to the courage of women and their ambitions.
Scholastic SCOPE, 2009, Taylor Swift Feature
Since she was nine-years-old, Taylor Swift has been singing and writing her own music. Now, with 14 Grammy Awards, several worldwide tours, and best selling albums, Taylor’s music speaks to millions across the globe.
A special thanks to Deimosa Webber-Bey, Director of Information Services and Cultural Insight, and Tim Eklund, Associate Librarian, for sharing and providing this research.
Happy International Women’s Day! For more resources to share in the classroom or at home, be sure to check out @Scholastic on LinkedIn and @ScholasticEdu on X!
