A Monroe County High School closes out Women’s History Month today with a panel discussion. East Stroudsburg South Students got to interact with women leaders in the area.

"It takes us almost twice as long to earn the same annual salary. That means women can earn the same or more degrees, we can possess the same or more qualifications than men but still earn less."

Prominent women in Monroe County are sharing their struggles, achievements and stories today with East Stroudsburg High School South students. It’s all part of the Women’s History Month Panel that was put together by the Multicultural Perspectives Class.

12th Grader Collin McAllister says, "I hope they take away that there is a lot of important leadership roles that are given to these women and they’re doing a great job of putting our community together, bringing us great things so we can succeed."

They invited local political leaders, educators, psychologists, mental health workers and business executives to the event. 

We’re told it’s important for all students to not only recognize but celebrate those roles.

McAllister says, "Show our gratitude and just acknowledge what women do in our every day lives. They’re very important and the leadership roles that they all have out there, they’re really doing well and we just need to give back to them and show that we support them and we’re here for them."

The students prepared questions to ask the speakers and each had their own interests.

12th Grader Leeangie Marte says, "I’m hoping to learn a little bit more about the leadership aspect and the activism aspect as well, because as someone who is more soft spoken and less assertive, I think it’s really amazing experience to learn from women who are very empowered."

Marte believes what she learns today will help her along the way in her own journey.

Marte says, "I’d like to go for nursing at the University of Scranton. I feel like with that field, you still have to be able to stand your ground."

But we’re told there’s no reason to wait.

Multicultural Perspectives Class Teacher Michael Healey says, "We want our students to feel welcome in the community, to recognize that politics isn’t just in Washington DC but it’s also local and state and they should also feel comfortable knowing their state and local politicians and interacting with them every single day.