The Delightfully Determined Ms. Donnan

Laura Donnan was an activist, mentor, and teacher who forever changed how American students learn about civics, history, and society. Ms. Donnan was determined to work for ensuring civil rights for all members of her community. She was active in the women’s suffrage movement and local social organizations, but realized the best way to impact society was through educating future citizens with the skills to be effective economically, politically, and socially. She taught for over 45 years, mostly at Shortridge High School in Indianapolis, where she created activities for students to practice their citizenship skills – such as the Shortridge Senate; The Echo, the first daily high school newspaper, and a completely new course called civics. Her constant activism, education, and innovation left a lasting impact on her students, community, and country that is still felt to this day.