Purpose:

• To promote positive role models in the lives of students;

• To empower students to stand up for what they believe is right;

• To create a personal work of art based on students’ interpretation of an Unsung Heroes' character and actions;

• To reflect on your experiences by writing an impact paper that articulates your personal journey and interprets their work for the viewer.

"Chronolith: The story of Mary Anning"

Your name: Mars Charrette

Yarmouth High School, Grade 10 

I chose to portray Mary Anning as my Unsung hero. Mary Anning’s story shows the strength of perseverance and determination despite obstacles. Although Mary did not play a role in women's rights, she stands as a strong female figure for women and girls to look up to. Mary’s story inspired me because she did not work for the praise of others, Mary simply worked as a geologist because she was passionate about it.  

Mary Anning was a geologist and fossil hunter in the early 1800’s. Mary’s love for geology began as a young girl. Growing up, her father taught her how to identify and retrieve fossils close to their home on the Jurassic coast of England. Throughout Mary’s life she faced many obstacles. As a young adult her father died, leaving Mary to provide for and pay off debt for her family. In an attempt to professionally pursue geology, Mary applied to join the Geological Society of London, but was never accepted because of her gender. Despite this large setback, Mary continued to independently practice geology by selling small fossils and old shells at her store called Anning’s Fossil Depot. Over the course of her life, Mary was the first to discover three new fossils, the Ichthyosaur, Plesiosaurous, and Pterodactyl. Unfortunately, most of her breakthroughs and discoveries were bought by male scientists who claimed credit for her work. Mary’s findings majorly contributed to the scientific community at the time, and helped improve our understanding of the Mesozoic Era on earth. Even 200 years later Mary’s discoveries still inspire women to pursue their passions even when faced with roadblocks.