Photo Courtesy of David Montague
Official U.S. Navy Photo 1988
Official U.S. Navy Photo 1988
Process Paper
Our website’s topic is about a registered professional engineer (RPE), Raye Jean Montague, who worked for the U.S. Navy. This project intrigued us because Ms. Montague’s story is so profound. After watching many video clips of Ms. Montague, we knew that we wanted to share her story, since it’s somewhat hidden in history. Ms. Montague is credited for being the first person to design a rough draft of a U.S. Navy ship, the Oliver Hazard Perry FFG-7 Frigate in 1971, using a computer. Our decision was to design a website because Ms. Montague’s most important career achievements were done on a computer.
Our research started by obtaining background information on Ms. Montague. We used books, periodicals, government documents, personal interviews, Kansas Archives and the Internet. We went to the Washburn University Library, in Topeka, Kansas where we attended a class with the head librarian. He taught us how to fish out information on tough topics. Then, on December 20, 2017, we were privileged to FaceTime with Ms. Montague’s only child, Dr. David Montague. David shared many helpful primary sources. Next, we went to the Brown vs. Board of Education historical site, in Topeka. The Park Ranger taught us the true meaning of Separate but Equal. This gave us insight as to what Ms. Montague experienced having a southern segregated school education. We soon discovered that Ms. Montague’s story did not provide a lot of secondary sources. The majority of our research was through primary sources that was provided by the family and various other sources throughout the state of Arkansas.
Despite Ms. Montague’s recent poor health, we were finally able to FaceTime with her on April 11, 2018. In this interview she shared her life story and how she was able to overcome many conflicts. She also left us with some valuable advice, “If you get to be at the top of the ladder, be sure to leave it down for other people to follow in your footsteps.”
We were able to customize and design our website based on our topic, including images and short video clips. In addition, we learned how to conduct and edit interviews. We worked on the project in our 20 minute homeroom and advisory classes, as well as an excess of 50 or more after school hours.
We believe that our website relates to this year's theme: “Conflicts and Compromises,” because Ms. Montague’s life directly reflects this. Her story is important due to her many accomplishments that no other person had ever done before her. After her retirement, she continues to encourage young women with her inspirational speeches telling them to, “Aim for the stars at the very worst you’ll land on the moon.” Ms. Montague’s passion for women involved in STEM is so great she uses every opportunity to motivate young women.
We leave you with one question, why has Ms. Montague’s story of “Conflicts and Compromises” been hidden in history? This is why we feel so compelled to share her story.
Our research started by obtaining background information on Ms. Montague. We used books, periodicals, government documents, personal interviews, Kansas Archives and the Internet. We went to the Washburn University Library, in Topeka, Kansas where we attended a class with the head librarian. He taught us how to fish out information on tough topics. Then, on December 20, 2017, we were privileged to FaceTime with Ms. Montague’s only child, Dr. David Montague. David shared many helpful primary sources. Next, we went to the Brown vs. Board of Education historical site, in Topeka. The Park Ranger taught us the true meaning of Separate but Equal. This gave us insight as to what Ms. Montague experienced having a southern segregated school education. We soon discovered that Ms. Montague’s story did not provide a lot of secondary sources. The majority of our research was through primary sources that was provided by the family and various other sources throughout the state of Arkansas.
Despite Ms. Montague’s recent poor health, we were finally able to FaceTime with her on April 11, 2018. In this interview she shared her life story and how she was able to overcome many conflicts. She also left us with some valuable advice, “If you get to be at the top of the ladder, be sure to leave it down for other people to follow in your footsteps.”
We were able to customize and design our website based on our topic, including images and short video clips. In addition, we learned how to conduct and edit interviews. We worked on the project in our 20 minute homeroom and advisory classes, as well as an excess of 50 or more after school hours.
We believe that our website relates to this year's theme: “Conflicts and Compromises,” because Ms. Montague’s life directly reflects this. Her story is important due to her many accomplishments that no other person had ever done before her. After her retirement, she continues to encourage young women with her inspirational speeches telling them to, “Aim for the stars at the very worst you’ll land on the moon.” Ms. Montague’s passion for women involved in STEM is so great she uses every opportunity to motivate young women.
We leave you with one question, why has Ms. Montague’s story of “Conflicts and Compromises” been hidden in history? This is why we feel so compelled to share her story.
