While giving her presentation to an auditorium full of students and teachers alike, speaker and County graduate Taryn Smithson, while recounting her national tour for the Broadway show “Cats,” gave attendees an important message: things will not always work out the way one intended, and that’s okay.
According to keynote speaker Smithson, mistakes are all part of the plan, and they push everyone to where they need to be. This and other inspirational messages set the stage for the 2025 Women’s Summit, held on March 18, and is part of an effort by various groups in the school to inspire young women in the community.
The event, which was open to all members of the school community, opened with retired English teacher Arlene Lewis, who has been the primary planner of the event since her retirement from teaching in 2021. Lewis, who also tutors through the Writing Center, is a member of the Gamma Sigma chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa, which recognizes women in education and co-sponsors the event, along with Captains United.
Lewis then introduced Smithson, this year’s keynote speaker, who graduated from County in 2019. Smithson took to the stage to discuss her career in dance and music. Smithson has also been part of a national tour of the Broadway show “Cats” and spoke of her unexpected path to that role as part of her keynote address. Smithson’s message was one of positivity, insisting that even challenging things happen for a reason to help one follow their dreams.
After Smithson spoke, attendees were invited to breakout sessions to hear from current students who are active or planning on going into various fields, many having to do with science and the arts.
There were seven breakout session speakers. They included junior Karen Jiminez, who gave a presentation about women as environmental activists, senior Kaya Banks for women in music, senior Lili Robles for women finding balance in life, junior Taylor Helfer for women in writing, junior Emerson Gatlin for women who initiate change, senior Felicity Banner for women in music, and senior Caroline Van Epps for women in space.
“I am so honored that I was able to speak and share stories about women who weren’t able to share theirs,” Helfer said. “Originally, I was a little nervous, but I knew that it was something that would motivate writers, and especially women, all over to speak up. Don’t let anything stop you from your voice being heard.”
Lewis expressed pride over the fact that all the speakers at the Women’s Summit this year and in the past have always been connected with County in some way, either by having taught, attended, or have a student who attends the school. “We do not have to go outside of the LCHS community to find outstanding women,” Lewis said.
