Girls’ conditioning classes at Thomas County Middle School recently learned about famous African American female athletes, including Alice Coachman, Wilma Rudolph, Althea Gibson, Debi Thomas, and Florence Joyner.

Celebrating the lives of these women athletes allowed students to learn about the adversities that they faced and commemorate their achievements. After the enrichment lesson, the TCMS Lady Jackets practiced African Dance Aerobics to further celebrate Black History Month.

“My students and so many others, including me, take for granted the rights that many people before them sweat, bled, and died to secure,” Deborah Anderson, girls’ conditioning coach, said. “Apart from an awareness of the past, we can never appreciate the blessings we enjoy in the present. Ultimately, I want the girls’ conditioning classes to practice a tremendous work ethic and strive for greatness.”