Issue XVIII
Martinsville Middle School Student News
Celebrating Women’s History Month at Martinsville Middle School
March is Women’s History Month, and several Bulldog Beat reporters took the opportunity to interview some of the inspiring women who work at Martinsville Middle School. Students asked questions about leadership, hobbies, inspiration, and what it means to be a strong woman.
Finding Strength Through Positivity and Faith
By Jade Holland Dallas, 7th grade Homeroom Reporter
Jade Holland Dallas interviewed Mrs. Lauryn Talley, one of the 7th grade English teachers at Martinsville Middle School.
Jade asked Mrs. Talley, “What does being a strong woman mean to you?”
Mrs. Talley replied that being a strong woman means being able to take care of yourself.
Jade also asked, “How do you stay positive when things get difficult?”
Mrs. Talley said she stays positive through prayer and meditation.
Finally, Jade asked, “How do you support and encourage other women and girls?”
Mrs. Talley explained that she does this by speaking positively and offering encouragement to others.
A Teacher Who Loves History and Painting
By Adelaide Brent, 6th grade Homeroom Reporter
Adelaide Brent interviewed Ms. Ciera Millner, one of the 6th grade math teachers at Martinsville Middle School.
Adelaide asked Ms. Millner, “What was your favorite subject in school?”
Ms. Millner replied that her favorite subject was history.
Adelaide also asked, “What is a hobby or talent that people might not know about you?”
Ms. Millner shared that she loves to paint.
When asked, “If you could meet any famous woman from history, who would it be?”
Ms. Millner said she would choose Esther from the Bible.
Leadership Lessons from the Front Office
By Maya Williams, 8th Grade Homeroom Reporter
Maya Williams interviewed Mrs. Pat Talley, who works in the front office at Martinsville Middle School.
Maya asked Mrs. Talley, “Who is a woman that has inspired you and why?”
Mrs. Talley replied that our principal, Mrs. Waller, inspires her because she has watched the way she handles difficult situations with confidence and professionalism.
Maya also asked, “What qualities make someone a great leader?”
Mrs. Talley said that a strong personality and the ability to work well with others are important leadership qualities.
Finally, Maya asked, “Who encouraged you the most while you were growing up?”
Mrs. Talley shared that the person who encouraged her the most was her Papa.
Art, History, and Inspiration
By Mercy Moore, 6th grade homeroom reporter
Mercy Moore interviewed Ms. Jennifer Espinoza, one of the 6th grade English teachers at Martinsville Middle School.
Mercy asked Ms. Espinoza, “What was your favorite subject in middle school?”
Ms. Espinoza replied that she enjoyed history and English.
Mercy also asked, “What is a hobby or talent people might not know about you?”
Ms. Espinoza shared that she enjoys pottery.
When asked, “If you could meet any famous woman from history, who would it be?”
Ms. Espinoza said she would choose Frida Kahlo, the famous Mexican artist.
Inspired by Family and Strong Leadership
By Alanna Gerlach, 7th Grade Homeroom Reporter
Alanna Gerlock interviewed Mrs. MaKayla Norman, a 7th grade English teacher at Martinsville Middle School.
Alanna asked Mrs. Norman, “Who is a woman who has inspired you and why?”
Mrs. Norman explained that two women who have deeply inspired her are her mother and her grandmother. Throughout her life, they demonstrated remarkable strength, love, and dedication to their family. Her mother showed the value of hard work and perseverance and encouraged her to always strive to do her best. Her grandmother inspired her by her wisdom, patience, and the way she constantly supported and cared for those around her. Watching the way they navigated life with resilience and compassion shaped her into who she is.
Alanna also asked, “What qualities make someone a strong leader?”
Mrs. Norman said a strong leader shows character, strong communication skills, and the ability to guide others toward a shared goal. She emphasized the importance of integrity, fairness, confidence, and empathy. People are more inclined to trust and follow someone who is honest, dependable, and makes fair decisions. Confidence and decisiveness are also important traits.
Finally, Alanna asked, “Who encouraged you the most while you were growing up?”
Mrs. Norman shared that her mother and grandmother were her greatest encouragers. Their support helped her build confidence, persevere through challenges, and believe in herself. They always believed in her and reminded her that she was capable of achieving her goals even when she doubted herself. They were there to support her, offer advice, and motivate her to keep trying. Because of her mother and grandmother’s support, she learned to push her through difficult situations and continue working toward her dreams.
Through these interviews, Bulldog Beat reporters learned that strong women come from many different backgrounds and experiences. The women of Martinsville Middle School inspire students every day through their leadership, kindness, creativity, and dedication.
Happy Women’s History Month from the Bulldog Beat!
