Today, ACGC had the honor of welcoming history into our halls and onto our stage. Our 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th graders were given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to engage with two of the original members of the Willmar Eight—Sandi Treml and Sylvia Erickson Koll. These remarkable women participated in a question-and-answer session in the theater for our social studies classes, bringing their experiences as pioneers of gender equality in the workplace to life.
The Willmar Eight, a group of courageous women from Willmar, Minnesota, made history in December 1977 by going on strike against the Citizens National Bank, where they worked. They protested gender discrimination in pay and promotions, igniting a national conversation about women’s rights in the workplace. Their peaceful and determined stand resonated far beyond their small town, gaining national attention and inspiring change.
Our students, having watched a documentary about the Willmar Eight in their classes with Mr. Hagstrom, Ms. Anderson, and Mr. Junkemeier, were well-prepared and eager to ask thoughtful and insightful questions. Comments from the students reflected a deep appreciation for the historical significance of the Willmar Eight’s actions. One student shared, “I was impressed that these women were able to make national news for something that happened in small-town Minnesota.” Others expressed gratitude for the chance to learn directly from individuals who changed history. We thank our teachers for their dedication in preparing students for this powerful learning experience.
The day continued with another historic moment as the ACGC Theatre Department performed our one-act play, The Frozen Standoff, inspired by the story of the Willmar Eight. We were joined not only by Sandi and Sylvia but also by another original member, Irene Wallin, for our 4:00 performances. Seeing their story portrayed on stage brought tears to their eyes and standing ovations from our audience. The Willmar Eight shared their gratitude for keeping their story alive and inspiring a new generation of students to fight for justice and equality.
We are incredibly proud of our cast and crew for their dedication to bringing this powerful piece of local history to life. The community turnout and support were overwhelming, and the energy in the theater was palpable. As we look forward to next week’s one-act competition at Dassel-Cokato, we carry the strength and inspiration of the Willmar Eight with us.
Thank you to Sandi, Sylvia, and Irene for joining us today, for sharing your stories, and for continuing to inspire. You have shown our students the power of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity, and reminded us all that one small voice can create a ripple that changes the world.
Here’s to the Willmar Eight, to our students, and to the enduring legacy of courage, equality, and community.
