Amazing Waterloo Women: Student-Led Book Celebrates Local Trailblazers

Waterloo East High School Celebrates Local Women in New Book

A book written by Waterloo East High School students, titled “Amazing Waterloo Women,” has sold out since its release this year. The book features 22 students from Lizzie Zondo’s women’s studies class, who wrote entries about local inspirational women, covering one person or group for each letter of the alphabet.

The project began as a class assignment but evolved into a published book after students secured a grant for production. The idea was inspired by “Amazing Iowa Women,” which was previously written by Katy Swalwell. Zondo said, “It was Travis’ idea… and that’s just what we did.”

The course focused on the book for one day each week over two semesters, while students in the art club created portraits of the featured women. Senior Carissa Julion expressed the goal of the book was to acknowledge and celebrate the accomplishments of women in Waterloo, noting that such achievements are often overlooked in smaller towns.

Among the featured women are Anna Mae Weems, Barb Prather, and Nikole Hannah-Jones, along with various representatives from different professions and backgrounds. The book also includes one man, former fine arts instructional coach Travis Gratteau-Zinnel.

Larya Pratchett, a recent graduate, was surprised by the number of remarkable women they discovered. She said, “I thought it was going to be really hard to find women, but it was really hard to choose only a few.”

Belinda Creighton-Smith, a notable community figure, reflected on the inclusion of Anna Mae Weems, who recently passed away at 98. Creighton-Smith expressed her gratitude, stating, “It’s truly humbling.”

The students pushed for a curriculum that highlights local histories and contributions. Following a recent bond approval for a new high school in Waterloo, Julion proposed naming it after Anna Mae Weems, a suggestion her classmates supported enthusiastically.

Presently, the book is sold out. Additional copies can be obtained at Raygun, a local store supporting the project through sales.