XI STATE NEWS
Official Publication of the Tennessee Organization of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International
VOLUME 56 No. 2 November 2009
Have you heard? Xi State is having a birthday!
By Vera Jo Henegar, Chair, Ad Hoc 75th Anniversary Committee
F or well over a year, plans have been
brewing for the big celebration of Xi
State’s 75th anniversary.
needs you and/or your chapter to do:
• Contact Marsha Brewer (gnash81@
comcast.net) if you or someone in your
tive table trifold display about your
chapter’s history at the Visual and
Performing Arts display on Thursday
The party will be held June 10-12, chapter has written a song for Xi State evening at the 2010 convention. Ad-
2010, at the University of the South in and would be willing to share it. ditional memorabilia may be displayed
Sewanee, Tennessee AND you are invited! • Contact Jensi Souders (jsouders3@ on the table in front of the trifold.
It won’t be nearly as much fun if you comcast.net) if you would like to be in • Watch for information in Xi State News
are not there. Make your plans now to a special presentation (acting/singing) and on the Xi State website about the
attend this grand occasion. on Thursday evening at the Celebration Book of Memories and the musical CD
Although the Anniversary Committee Convention. and song book currently in production.
can make the big plans, it will be up to in- • Help fund the celebration by contributing • Purchasing a DKG bracelet from the An-
dividual chapters to make the celebration $3.00 per member. niversary Committee. Contact Vera Jo
happen. Here are the things the committee • Insure that your chapter has an informa- Henegar (vhenegar@bellsouth.net).
Pi Chapter members Ann Gann, Kathy McGrew and Ann
Xi State 75th Anniversary Celebration:
Brown make Delta Kappa Gamma bracelets for the 75th An-
niversary Committee. The bracelets are on sale for $20 and
may be purchased by emailing Vera Jo Henegar at vhenegar@
Preview of Coming Publications bellsouth.net.
Glances into the Past . . . Glimpses into the Future:
75 Years of Xi State Memories
Interesting articles and anecdotes written by 147 authors representing 76 chapters
Music CD and Song Book
with original songs composed and recorded by members for meetings/ceremonies
Watch the Xi State Website www.xistate.org for additional information!
Take A Look Inside!
Xi State
Eller “settles in” to new job 4
Fielder welcomed as honorary member 5 Scholarships
New planning conference schedule a success 6
Regional conference transforms view of Society 6
Legislative Symposium Registration Form/Info 7 Attention!
Is this your year to update chapter Rules? 9 Xi State Graduate Students!
Technology Committee tackles five tasks 10
Membership Matters 11 If you have been a member of Delta Kappa Gamma for
It’s not just a good idea--It’s the law! 12 three years and are enrolled in a graduate program,
Interested in online networking with members? 12 apply for a Xi State Scholarship today!
State Scholarship Application 13-14
Xi State Seers 15 The application form is in this issue of Xi State News.
Marketing and recruitment--viable strategies? 16 The deadline for applying February 1, 2010
The Delta Kappa Gamma
Society International promotes Persistence Pays
professional and personal growth
Persistence: the act or fact of persisting;
of women educators and
the quality of being persistent, contin-
excellence in education.
ued existence or occurrence, and/or the
continuance of an effect after its cause is
removed.
P
2009-2011 State Officers
ersistence is not allowing anything to stop you from
Dee Dee Rives
President an activity once you start. It is an acquired skill and Xi State President
Dee Dee Rives not some kind of gift.
Pinson (West)
Children are persistent; a child will try the same thing over and over until
First Vice President / Program Chair
Beverly Smith he or she either accomplishes the skill or is curbed by an adult. Think about
Chattanooga (East) a young child who is learning to walk. After the first few falls, does he say,
Second Vice President/Convention Chair
“It looks like this walking thing is not working, so maybe I should crawl for
Dr. Dorrie Powell the rest of my life”? No, the child keeps on taking waddling steps until he can
Whiteville (West) walk and then run. This is persistence.
Recording Secretary
Mary Evelyn Perkinson Persistence pays. You will find a problem’s solution if you persist. If you
Decatur (East) leave the problem idling, no solution will result. The power within us enables
Corresponding Secretary us to face failure and change anything in life. Many failures eventually bring
Dr. Kathie Harned success: Nelson Mandela kept his dream of freedom alive while spending
Nashville (Middle) decades in a South African prison. Walt Disney went bankrupt more than once.
Treasurer/Immediate Past President The authors of the best-selling Chicken Soup books were rejected by publish-
Nancy Davis ers many times because the books were thought to be losers! These people
Mountain City (East)
were all persistent in their attempts to accomplish a goal.
Parliamentarian
Becky Sadowski
Brownsville (West) W h a t - Persistence is the voice that ever it takes.
According to commands you forward when Napoleon Hill,
Executive Secretary author of Think everything inside screams at you and Grow Rich,
Elaine Warwick
Franklin (Middle) “The major- to quit! ity of people
Interim Editor
are ready to throw aims and
Dr. Jensi Souders purposes overboard and give up at the first sign of opposition or misfortune.
Ooltewah (East) A few carry on despite all opposition until they attain their goal. Weak desires
Webmaster produce weak results.”
Judy Cross
Harriman (East)
All of us will be tested to keep going or quit at some time in our lives.
Persistence means to go decisively on, some might say “pigheadedly” on, in
Xi State News
Published four times a year in September, spite of difficulties. Persistence is a choice. At every given moment, we either
November, February, and April by the can give in to the challenges or discover a way to overcome them.
Tennessee Organization of the Delta
Kappa Gamma Society International.
I encourage each of you to embrace the quality and characteristics of
State dues for active members are $13.00
of which $4.00 is a subscription to the persistence and help other sisters to do the same. How? Plan for success; write
News. down realistic goals; be flexible; hold on even if you feel like quitting; don’t
ignore small situations; and be persistent when doing even the smallest task.
Contributors to Xi State News are asked
to send news as soon as it is available
to insure its placement in the next issue. Everyone has desire; few have persistence. As members of the Society,
Send news items for the February issue it is impossible to succeed without developing the discipline of persistence.
no later than January 4, 2010, to:
Persistence is the voice that commands you forward when everything inside
Jensi Souders, Interim Editor screams at you to quit! It is persistence you need to see a project to the end.
7622 Twisting Creek Lane
Ooltewah TN 37363-9753 Most success stories result from persistence. If showing up and waiting
(Fax) 423-344-2724
for success is all it took, we would always experience the sweet taste of victo-
jsouders3@comcast.net
ry. That is not the case. Persistence is the key. Without it, there is little success.
Send address changes to: Think of our state, your chapter, or your life. Are you persisting, or do you
The Delta Kappa Gamma Society Inter- give up at the first difficulty? Let Us persist in our efforts with Delta Kappa
national
Gamma and have the fortitude to make the choice to fully develop this skill.
P.O. Box 1589, Austin, TX 78767
promem@deltakappagamma.org
2 Xi State News November 2009
Wow! What a great group of women! Tennessee members made up the largest delegation at the Southeast Regional Conference last summer. Attendees were serious, attending and presenting/presiding
at sessions and workshops, but boy, did they have fun, too! (Picture by Photos by Jim).
Let’s play ‘Where in the state is Dee Dee?’ Letters
November 7 Nashville Technology Workshop
Beta, Alpha Nu, Alpha Psi, Beta Upsilon March 4 Cleveland August, 2009
November 12 Gallatin Lambda Dear Members of Xi State:
Beta Xi March 6 Winchester As Co-chairs of the Southeast’s ef-
November 16 Clarksville Alpha Beta forts to raise money for the International
Eta, Alpha Chi March 13 Nashville Emergency Fund, we thank you for your
November 30 Rogersville Vision Foundation Meeting generous donation to the Southeast Re-
Alpha Iota March 15 Murfreesboro gional Conference collection.
December 3 Blountville Beta Epsilon
March 20 TBA East Tennessee
Iota
December 5 Johnson City Chapter Officers Training, East
Ramona Jeffries,
Area I March 25 Lawrenceburg Kentucky
January 9
Beta Sigma
Bolivar Phi
March 27 TBA West Tennessee
Loretta Persohn Brehm,
Louisiana
January 28 Brownsville Chapter Officers Training, West
Chi April 10 TBA Middle Tennessee
October, 2009
February 6 Chattanooga Chapter Officers Training, Middle
Dear Xi State Sisters,
Alpha Phi April 23-25 TBA Middle Tennessee
What an honor and privilege it was to
February 8 Maynardville Leadership Seminar
serve as your state president 2007-2009. It
Beta Pi April 26 Knoxville
was a journey that I will always treasure
February 9,10 Nashville Beta Psi, Zeta, Alpha Tau, Alpha Mu
and keep close to my heart.
Legislative Seminar April 27 Sevierville
Thank you very much for the mon-
February 27 Sevierville Gamma Nu, Gamma Iota, Alpha Omega
etary gift I received at the President’s
Banquet. I bought a gold medallion that
Send us a BLITZ of
I will enjoy wearing for years to come. It
will always remind me of a very special
The Nominations Committee needs your time in my life.
DELTA KAPPA GAMMA JEWELS I look forward to serving you in the
who show leadership and service at the chapter level, committee future. May we continue to climb our
work on the state level, and convention participation.
mountain and reach our goals for Xi State!
These outstanding women are needed to serve as Xi State officers and on the Xi State
finance, personnel and nominations committee for the 2011-2013 biennium.
Love,
Please send your recommendations to the Nominations Committee between
March 1 and October 31, 2010. Nancy
Xi State News November 2009 3
International News
Eller “settles” in to new job at Headquarters
F ormer Xi State News Editor Linda Eller reported for work as Communications Services Administrator at International Headquar-
ters in Austin, Texas, on September 11. Her first assignment was to read the International Constitution and Standing Rules!
After a week, Eller reported that she was finding her way around town a little without a global positioning system, and that she’d
had a date!
Week Four
By October 6, the report was, “I’m swamped! International Directory, DKG NEWS
and the President’s Page all with the same or almost the same deadlines!”
October 9: “I just finished laying out the International Directory and am work-
ing on the next issue of the DKG NEWS now. I think they let me come in easy the few
couple of weeks but that honeymoon is over. . . I just got my business cards. They have
the new logo and look pretty spiffy. . .I’m so glad I’m here.”
Week Five
October 15: “I’m hitting three deadlines all at once. Yikes.”
And then, “It’s hot. I’ll need different kinds of clothes here. I love the area I’m renting right now. But Austin’s cost of living is
higher. My first International Directory will go out to print by Friday. I’m almost finished with the NEWS... and am working on up-
dating the website--at least I’m giving [members of my department] lots to do. . .We are making subtle changes now in preparation for
moving the site. I’m also working on getting Golightly going, to be called the dkgnetwork.org
October 17: “Now I’ve seen an international committee at
Committee recommendations work, taken new pictures and shared news with the POW com-
mittee about dkgnetwork.org and coming changes.
finalized “We have a beautiful new look coming for the website. It’s
By Fran Young, Beta Upsilon, Ad Hoc Committee Task Force clean and smart looking. And I should have the President’s Page
ready - but it’s not yet. Whew!
T he following final recommendations come from the Inter-
national Ad Hoc Committee on Committee Structure after
consulting with five regional Task Forces for the past four years:
“Otherwise things are great. This department has decided I’ll
do. I got my first boss’s day present.
“Oh and in between I’m in the vault pulling pictures for Lois
1. The international Research Committee and the Person- and Willene. That was very fun.
nel Committee should be dissolved, and there should not be an “I’m loving it.”
international Fine Arts Committee. It seems Eller’s love affair goes both ways at Headquarters,
2. The Society should create a committee to replace the as Executive Coordinator Corlea Plowman remarked, “I love her!
current Insurance Committee, also assume responsibility to She is going to be perfect and the department loves her.”
explore and develop other sources of non-dues revenue. It should Lest we think Eller has forgotten where she comes from, she
be called the Non-Dues Revenue Committee. adds, “I’ve already marked out June for Xi State so I’ll be there
this year at least. I’m looking forward to the big birthday!”
“...Adoption of these recommendations
will strengthen international committee Society develops online social
structure and enable the Society to work
efficiently and effectively...” networking website
By Michelle Steen, Theta Chapter
3. The Membership Committee and Expansion Committee
should not be combined.
4. The Society should not transfer either the Golden Gift
A t the 2009 Southeast Regional Conference in Little Rock, I
attended a meeting for “Gen Xers” with Dr. Carolyn Rants,
International President. Our discussion included topics impor-
Committee or the World Fellowships Committee to the Educa- tant to “younger” members. One discussion topic was the use of
tional Foundation. technology.
5. Restructure the Program of Work Committees by creat- Rants announced that Delta Kappa Gamma is developing an
ing a Program and Projects Committee responsible for coordi- online social networking site much like Facebook or MySpace,
nating and promoting the major programs/projects of the Society. but it will be accessible only to members.
Its subcommittees would work together as one and would permit In November, the Beta testing website should be up and
more continuity and consistency in communication at all lev- running. Look for more information in the coming months about
els. This committee would include 13 members: One chair who the website and how to join. It is going to be a great tool for new
would lead, coordinate, and oversee the work of the following: members and not-so-new members to interface and interact with
a Professional Growth subcommittee of 5 members, one from members from all over within the Society.
Continued on page 6
4 Xi State News November 2009
State News
Fielder welcomed as honorary member and
Foundation contributor
X
i State added a distinctive new mem-
ber as Dr. Virginia (Jenny) Dodge
Fielder was inducted as a state honorary
Among her long list of awards and accomplishments, Dr.
Fielder was named as the MTSU 2006 Friend of the College,
and was added to the Wall of Fame in 2007. She has received
member at the first general session of the Kentucky School Board Association’s Education Reporter of the
Xi State Convention on June 4. Dr. Fielder Year Award.
was recommended for membership by the During her professional career, Dr. Fielder worked for the
members of Alpha Rho Chapter. Lexington, Kentucky Herald-Leader, served as editorial research
Fielder’s many contributions to edu- manager at The Chicago Sun-Times, and then served as Vice-
cation include a $100,000 endowment to President of Research at Knight-Ridder, retiring from this posi-
Middle Tennessee State University to establish the Fielder Fam- tion in 2004.
ily Fund to provide annual scholarships for MTSU students from
Wayne County. The endowment honors her late father, James
Harris Fielder, her mother, Eva Wilburn Fielder, and her aunt
Virginia Fielder Hobbs, all of whom were educators.
Dr. Fielder serves on the Board of Advisors for the Col-
lege of Mass Communications at MTSU and previously served
on similar boards at the University of North Carolina and the
University of Texas. She is currently a member of the Associa-
tion for Education in Journalism and Mass Communications and
the American Society of Newspaper Editors. She taught two
classes as Batten Professor in Public Policy at Davidson College
in North Carolina during the fall semester of 2008.
Right: A true philanthropist, Dr. Fielder (right) surprises convention attendees as she presents a
gift of $500 to the Vision Foundation in honor of her mother, Mrs. Eva Fielder, the only living charter
member of Alpha Rho Chapter, and in memory of her aunt Louise Wilburn, a deceased member of
Alpha Gamma Chapter. Pictured with Field are Foundation Chair Doris Ann Hendrix and Founda-
tion/state treasurer Linda McCrary. (Contributed photos)
International Committee recommendations, continued from page 4
each Region; a Personal Growth subcommittee of 5 members, one from each Region;
a music representative to act as a liaison and resource to the committee, regional confer-
ences and state organizations; and an NGO representative.
6. The Communications Committee should emphasize marketing and promoting
the Society.
7. The actions of the Editorial Board should be subject to
review but not subject to approval by the Communications Committee before being
Excellent Candidates
submitted to the Executive Board.
for the
8. Each Region should continue to be represented on most committees.
9. Most committees should continue at least one face-to-face meeting each bien- Leadership Management
nium; when possible, the work should be done electronically. Seminar!
10. Committees should be charged with the responsibility of actively communicat- Date: April 23 – 25, 2010
ing with and assisting state organizations and chapters. Consultant:
11. The Constitution Revision Team should review and, if necessary, revise the Dr. Beverly Helms,
International Communications Chairman
titles of the committee groupings and placement of committees under each group.
12. There should be more biennium-to-biennium continuity in the Society’s work.
Location:
The Committee on Committee Structure believes that the adoption of these recom-
Hachland Hill Vineyard Corporate Retreat,
mendations will strengthen international committee structure and enable the Society to Joelton, Tennessee
work efficiently and effectively in carrying out its mission and purposes. If there are any
questions regarding any of these recommendations, please contact Dr. Carolyn Rants, Application and reference forms are
available on the Xi State web site.
Chair and International President.
Completed applications must be
All of the final recommendations will be voted upon by members at the Internation- postmarked by
al Convention next summer. Members will receive a final copy of all of the proposed February 15, 2010.
changes in the spring so as to be well informed before that vote.
Xi State News November 2009 5
State News
New planning conference schedule
meets with success
N ew format . . . lots of new faces . . .63
of 81 chapters represented on state
committees . . . What a great way to start
Committee members arrived the next
morning, and after a short general orien-
tation session, committees went to their
the state biennium! assigned spaces and planned for the bien-
President Dee Dee Rives conceived nium through the provided lunch. After
a new schedule for the Planning Confer- lunch, committees reported their biennial
ence for State Committees in September. plans to the reunited group, and all were
Only officers and committee chairs would on their ways home by 2:45 p.m.!
come in on Friday evening. Rives used First Vice President Beverly Smith
the time to explain her goals and commit- saw the new schedule this way: “ I thought
tee charges, and to insure that all chairs that the new way of having the commit-
understood how the new state strategic tee meetings was a great idea! It helped
action plan relates to each of their com- the committee chairs to meet the evening
mittee’s work. Chairs “got the skinny” before and get a handle on what their roles
on committee finances, publicity ins and were. I met with several committees and
outs, and several other necessary segments there was great discussion and lots of
of information necessary to carry out an brainstorming!”
effective committee meeting. “Our venue (Franklin’s First Method-
2009-2011 ist Church) was excellent,” said Second
State Committees at work:
Vice President Dr. Dorrie Powell. “The
(Top) Technology Commit- classrooms and other spaces at the church
tee members Kay Porter,
Chair Wynona Clayborne, were much more conducive to committee
and Tracy Collier.
work than hotel rooms. And of course, the
(Above) Forum Committee price could not be beaten. I hope every-
members Amy Ballentine,
Donna Jerden, and Chair one had a positive experience because I
Barbara Morgan.
believe our days of using hotels for this
(Right) Communications kind of training are over simply because
Committee members Retika
Patterson, Chair Elaine McIn- the cost is prohibitive.”
tosh, Jo Price, and Paula Fox.
(Photos by Dee Dee Rives)
Dee Dee, it sounds like your schedul-
ing brainchild is a winner!
Regional conference transforms view of
Society By Dr. Nancy Bibler, Alpha Xi Chapter President
I wouldn’t say I was dragged kicking and screaming to the Southeast Regional, but I
did feel obligated as a chapter president, to put in an appearance—especially since I’d
missed the 2008 DKG International Convention in Chicago.
I thought I’d attend the Tennessee Breakfast; go to a few sessions; then, my husband
and I would explore Little Rock. It seemed like a good plan, until I attended the first
general session.
I was hooked! I loved the “green moments” that introduced each meeting—to
inform and inspire us to make environmentally sound choices; I was impressed by the
speakers—once, I ran upstairs to get my husband so he could hear another presenta-
tion by a speaker I’d just heard; I found so many sessions I wanted to attend that it was
Scholarships Committee members are going all out to get
agonizing to choose among them. members to apply for money! Chair Janice Sorsby, Dr. Nancy
I can truly say that the conference transformed my view of Delta Kappa Gamma. Sims (seated), Dr. Cyndy Allen, and Dr. June Gorski want to
give away the money, so fill out the application in this issue,
I’m very happy with my local chapter—with the good it does in the community, the mail it in, and make these women happy! (Photo by Dee Dee
Rives)
programs it provides for the members, and the fun we have together.
But the Southeast Regional gave me a much greater appreciation of Delta Kappa
Gamma as an international force for good in the world. I am extremely proud to be a
part of it.
6 Xi State News November 2009
Catch the Legislative Wave
Legislative Symposium by Marsha Rains, Omega, Xi State Legislative Committee
February 9th & 10th, 2010 C ome and “hang ten” with members and legislators at the Xi
State Legislative Symposium on February 9-10 in Nash-
ville.
Millennium Maxwell Hotel Exciting speakers on Tuesday evening will help attendees
Nashville, TN learn more about the “hot” topics facing educators in Tennes-
see. Jerry Winters, lobbyist from TEA will discuss issues on
Registration Deadline: Tuesday night beginning at 7:30 p.m.
January 10, 2010 Also attending the forum on Tuesday evening for updates
and discussion will be Senator Dolores Gresham and Repre-
sentative Les Winningham.
Cost $20.00 per person A Wednesday breakfast awaits early risers,with speaker Dr.
Connie Smith, Director of Accountability and Teaching and
Hotel reservations are the responsibility Learning for the Tennessee Dept. of Education. Breakfast will
of each attendee begin at 6:30 a.m. with Dr. Smith speaking at 7:00 a.m.
Afterwards, attendees will have the opportunity to visit with
Cost $105.00 per room + tax legislators and attend committee meetings in Legislative Plaza.
The Xi State Legislative Committee looks forward to hav-
1-800-457-4460 maxwell@mhrmail.com ing a record number of attendees for this important and exciting
www.millenniumhotels.com/millenniumnashville event. Complete the registration form (on www.xistate.org in
(Enter the group code 1002DELTAK when prompted). interactive form, also below) as soon as possible and “catch the
legislative wave” in 2010!
Xi State Legislative Symposium Registration Form
(For symposium, breakfast, and visit with your legislators)
February 9-10, 2010 Nashville TN Application Deadline: January 10. 2010
Chapter Name:
Chapter Contact:
Individuals attending Leg. Sym.--Tuesday night, February 9, 7:30 p.m., Millennium Maxwell House Hotel--FREE
Names:
Individuals attending the Legislative Breakfast @$20 each (6:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 10, 2010, Millennium
Maxwell House Hotel)
Names:
Number of individuals attending:
Make checks payable to Xi State. Grand Total: $
Legislator(s) you will be visiting Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Names:
Return this completed form and payment no later than January 10, 2010, to
Marsha Rains, 746 Cobblestone Drive, Savannah, TN 38372
(731) 925-6716 marsharains@yahoo.com
Xi State News November 2009 7
State News
R.S.V.P. by December 1 if you Children’s International
are coming to the party! Education Centers continue as
By Dr. Dorrie Powell, Beta Sigma, Convention Steering Committee Chair state’s oldest project
T he next Xi State Convention will be one for the history books
as we celebrate the state organization’s 75th birthday. Come
be part of this historic convention June 10-12, 2010, on the beau- C
By Anne Littleford, Beta Delta, CIEC Committee Chair
IEC was started in 1981 to increase awareness and apprecia-
tion of cultures and customs from other nations. The goals
tiful campus of the University of the South at Sewanee. centered on giving children a hands-on experience through realia
The Xi State Convention Steering Committee hopes to match and materials from other countries.
or exceed the attendance at the 50th Anniversary Convention in This biennium’s CIEC Committee will continue with the
1985 when 520 members registered. Make plans now to be part original goals while expanding the focus to include awareness
of this special celebration. and ease of resources available. Teachers and community mem-
The convention registration form will be available in Febru- bers will be able to use center materials even if they don’t live
ary’s Xi State News and on the Xi State website. Register early near one of the centers.
for best event seating and dorm assignment. On the registration The committee welcomes your ideas and look forward to
form, you can also sign up to be a convention page, table hostess, perfecting and expanding this wonderful state project.
or chorus member.
To assist Xi State officers and the steering committee in
preparing for this special event, please let them know how many
from your chapter plan to attend. Email Dr. Dorrie Powell at
powelld1@k12tn.net by December 1.
How can you not be ‘pleased as punch’ with state efforts in literacy? State committee mem-
bers Sandra Smith, Jessica Mitchell, Mary Wadley, Mildred Welch (chair), and Allison Roberts are
excited with plans for this biennium! (Photo by Dee Dee Rives)
Get Excited about World Fellowships!
Legislative Committee committee members Judy Jackson (chair), Marsha Rains, Dr. Nancy
Bibler, Martha Scarborough, and Melinda Carroll have prepared a terrific legislative opportunity By Nancy Duggin, Delta, World Fellowships Committee member
P
for members in February. (Photo by Dee Dee Rives)
ersist in your search of new ideas, commit to greater par-
Silent Auction calls out for ticipation, and celebrate often with your World Fellowship
recipient!
unanimous chapter participation World Fellowships will be 64 years
By Mary Jo Wilson, Alpha Lambda, Special Events Committee Chair strong in 2010. This program began in
C alling all chapters! We need your help!!! In honor of Xi State’s 75th Anniversary
we want to make this the best Silent Auction yet. We would LOVE to have every
chapter participate in some way.
1946 as a project to aid women in war-torn
countries.
Through the years the program grew
You say you’re a small chapter and can’t afford to donate a big item or basket? and, to date, more than 555 women from
NOT TO WORRY! We will take a small basket or individual item to put on the auction over 100 countries have received fellow-
block. On the convention evaluation forms many members requested smaller baskets or ships enabling them to pursue advanced
individual items to bid on. study in the United States and Canada.
You say your chapter likes to make up large themed baskets? NOT TO WORRY! Begin now to discuss how your
We will take your basket and put in on the auction block as well! chapter will both honor and support your
You say your chapter would rather make a monetary donation instead of donating a assigned World Fellowship recipient
basket or item? NOT TO WORRY! We will gladly take that as well! throughout 2010.
There is no “theme” again this year, so let your imagination run wild. If you need Chapters should receive their assigned
any assistance or have any questions, just contact us at mjwilson1545@yahoo.com . recipient’s name by early December.
We are looking for 100% participation from all the Xi State chapters. We are de-
pending on you to help us reach this lofty goal.
Remember, all of the proceeds from the sale of Silent Auction items benefit leader-
ship training in the state. We will be looking for your chapter’s participation in June!
8 Xi State News November 2009
High School Essay Contest topic chosen
“The whole purpose
T he Xi State High School Essay Contest deadline is March 1, 2010, which is quickly
approaching.
A letter will be included in your president’s mailing in the fall that will also contain of education is to
the essay contest rules sheet. Chapters are awarded Chapter Excellence Award points
for participation.
The topic for this year is: “The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into
turn mirrors into
windows” – Sydney J. Harris
The state contest winners will receive a monetary prize and a certificate. Their local
windows.”
-- Sydney J. Harris
newspapers will be notified and the winning essay will be printed in the Xi State News.
Each chapter president needs to email the chair of the committee, Katie Madden,
with the name and email address of their chapter’s high school essay contest chair. You
may email Katie at maddenk1@k12tn.net.
Is this your year to update your chapter
Beat the Rules?
By Joy Branham, Iota, Xi State Rules Committee Chair
Deadline!
Chapter program/
X i State requests that you update your chapter Rules every three years and send a
copy to the Xi State Rules Committee to evaluate and put on file.
Well, it’s that time again! Some chapters religiously send in updated rules every
yearbook chairs! three years. Some chapters sent in rules several years ago and haven’t found time to go
over them lately. Some chapters have no idea when they updated their rules!
Submit two copies of your Below is a list of chapters who need to send the committee a copy of updated
chapter yearbook rules THIS YEAR. For some of you, it’s just your year. For some of you, the commit-
by tee has rules on file but they aren’t dated, so new, dated ones are needed. Some chapters
December 15th have NOTHING in the file! Sisters, it’s time to remedy that!
to The Rules Committee members will willingly walk you through any problems you
1st Vice President Beverly Smith, have or questions that come up. Please email me at jbranham@k12k.com or send me a
5014 Hunter Trail, letter at Joy Branham, 6443 Clinch Mountain Road, Eidson, TN 37731. I’ll be waiting
Chattanooga, TN 37415. for communications from members of the following chapters:
Chapter treasurers! Chapters needing updated Rules on file with state:
Don’t forget that your Alpha Psi Alpha Phi Beta Phi
IRS 990-N epostcard Beta Alpha Beta Alpha Omega Beta Chi
must be filed electronically before Gamma Alpha Gamma Beta Delta Beta Omega
November 15, 2009. Delta Alpha Delta Beta Zeta Gamma Beta
Every chapter must file every year! Epsilon Alpha Epsilon Beta Eta Gamma Gamma
Lambda Alpha Zeta Beta Theta Gamma Delta
State Officers/Committees! Nu Alpha Kappa Beta Kappa Gamma Epsilon
Xi Alpha Lambda Beta Lambda Gamma Zeta
Send receipts for reimbursements to Omicron Alpha Mu Beta Nu Gamma Eta
State Treasurer Nancy Davis within 60 Sigma Alpha Nu Beta Pi Gamma Theta
days of expenditure if you want Tau Alpha Xi Beta Tau Gamma Iota
reimbursement! Phi Alpha Tau Beta Upsilon Gamma Lambda
Chi Alpha Upsilon
2010 Visual & Performing Arts display to be historical
I
By Wanda Wright, Beta Rho, Xi State Visual & Performing Arts Committee Chair
s your chapter getting ready for the 75th
celebration? Well, just hit the EASY chapter’s history on a single trifold board, the founding date provided.
button, look into your chapter’s history, displayed three to a table, with the space We are looking forward to having all
and get your exhibit ready! in front of the board available for arti- 81 chapters represented as we celebrate
This year only, the Visual and Per- facts from chapter history. ALL chapters’ our 75th anniversary. Encourage your
forming Arts displays will feature each spaces will have a chapter name card and chapter to have the best display there!
Xi State News November 2009 9
State News
Technology Committee tackles five tasks
By Tracy Collier, Gamma Iota, Xi State Technology Committee member
Iris
Y our Xi State technology committee would like to issue a warning: becoming
plugged in to the information super highway of technology is addictive and you will
more than likely love it.
notepaper
is now available!
In the field of education we constantly collect and consume information. The
internet allows us to de-clutter our lives by going paperless. I resisted this option, as I
thought I would never find what I was looking for again on my computer. But my com- Order now!
puter is much more organized than any filing cabinet I ever owned. Contact Mary Jo Wilson
Technology Committee members want to reassure everyone that the technology we mjwilson1545@yahoo.com
encourage you to use is user friendly. 901-490-4560
Our committee has been tasked this biennium with five jobs. With your help, Xi to place your order
State’s technology arena will move forward.
All proceeds go to state leadership
Task Five: Develop a DVD of chapter, area, state, regional and international training
events to assist with orientation. Submit your events as they occur. Send pictures (in
.jpg format), music, video, or even paragraphs, to Wynona Clayborne, 8295 Scottsville
Road, Lafayette, TN 37083 or email as attachments to weclay@nctc.com.
Task Four: Each grand division will host a technology workshop to help chapters Planning Committee
create a website that will be up and running upon hits ground running!
“With your help, the workshop completion. Look for information
Xi State’s
A
in the state president’s letter and the Xi State t the first meeting of the new state
technology arena website. Chapter presidents will receive flyers Planning Committee, ideas for
with details. Make plans to create your website. improvement flew readily from members’
will move forward.”
If you can not make your grand division’s work- heads.
shop, try to visit one of the other divisions. As the meeting ended, two ideas were
Task Three: Create a visual presentation of Xi State’s Literacy project. Submit foremost: correlate the new state Strategic
pictures, flyers, brochures, video and written materials that your chapter has used to Action Plan to the Chapter Excellence
promote the Books From Birth Literacy Project to Kay Porter, 243 Scenic View Drive, Award Guidelines, and plan more “face-
Clinton, TN 37716 (email: akbp1@comcast.net) or Tracy Collier, 324 Crossfield to-face” meetings using Skype technology
Drive, Knoxville, TN 37920 (email: tracyetc@live.com). The deadline for submission to avoid travel time and costs.
of these materials is March 1, 2010.
Task Two: Create an online buzz and safe space to discuss topics related to The Correlation intended to simplify
Delta Kappa Society International and Xi State. President Rives has joined the Delta chapter improvement
Kappa Gamma, Xi State Facebook social network and will post questions for open
discussion. Our goal is to quadruple our social network membership. See ad in this issue While chapters are accustomed to us-
for how to sign up for Facebook. ing the Chapter Excellence Award guide-
Once on Facebook, you’ll find an icon of two people at the bottom of your Face- lines as a means to chapter improvement
book page; click on this icon. It will open the group page. There is a box in the upper and success, the few areas of the State
right hand corner that says Search. Type in Delta Kappa Gamma – Xi State (Tennes- Strategic Action Plan that relate specifi-
see). The group will have a “Create the Buzz about Delta Kappa Gamma” Bee logo and cally to chapters are new.
should be the first one on the list. Click on the button “Request to Join.” You are then a Committee members will prepare a
member and can contribute to the discussions, post pictures of your events or even glean table that matches items in the Excellence
information from others’ discussions (lurk -- which is just read and not a bad thing to Award guidelines to the objectives in the
do). plan that correlate. Those that do not cor-
Task One: Our most urgent task is to collect photos of all past Xi State presi- relate will be listed in the table as stand-
dents for a 75th Anniversary Celebration alone items.
presentation next June. It is imperative “Our most urgent task is to This document will be available to
that, if a past president was a member of collect photos of all past chapter presidents after the first of the
your chapter or one of the past presidents Xi State presidents for [the] year, sent to them through the state presi-
visited your chapter, you forward pho- dent’s letter to chapter president.
75th Anniversary
tos or .jpg files by February 1, 2010, to
Wynona Clayborne, 8295 Scottsville Celebration....”
Road, Lafayette, TN 37083, or email weclay@nctc.com.
The technology committee is all a buzz about plugging you in to the information
super highway while streamlining and simplifying your life. We look forward to hearing
from you and seeing you on the internet.
10 Xi State News November 2009
Happy 10th Birthday to TEL Encore presentation
By Mary Frances Wadley, Xi State Literacy Committee
celebrated
B irthday greetings are in order for TEL—the Tennessee Electronic Library—as it
celebrates ten years of information services to citizens of Tennessee. Created in
1999, TEL initially provided access to 18 databases covering a variety of subjects. Now X i State collected more than 300 books
at the convention last summer. The
TEL provides access to over 400,000 electronic resources and 33 databases, and over contributions included hardback books,
1.2 million searches are performed each month through TEL. paperback books, board books, pop-up
This virtual library is available to all Tennesseans from home, school libraries and books, and even some stuffed animals.
computer labs, by iPhones—anywhere you have an internet connection. Its mission is The 2007-2009 State Literacy Com-
“to provide convenient and equitable access to library and information resources for all mittee selected Huntsville Elementary
citizens of Tennessee to enhance the quality of their everyday lives, the depth of their School in Scott County to receive those
educational experience, and the economic prosperity of their communities.” books for the second time. Donna Jerden
All types of not-for-profit libraries participate in TEL and benefit from the wide (Beta Beta) member of the Literacy Com-
range of information TEL databases offer. Students get homework help, consumers get mittee last year, delivered the books to the
vital health information, genealogists search archives for missing family history infor- school library.
mation and anyone can get practice tests to help with all sorts of test preparation. Patricia Terry, the librarian for the
Library groups have worked together to make TEL a reality. Tenn-Share and the school that opened last year, is happy to
Tennessee Library Association spearheaded efforts, convincing members of the state accept the books on behalf of her students.
legislature to approve the original TEL bills unanimously in both the House and Senate. She is grateful to be able to add to her col-
TEL was entirely supported by federal funding until 2006 when the Tennessee leg- lection with the help of Xi State.
islature allocated an additional one million dollars annually to expand TEL. In the long Fayetta Litton, president of Gamma
run, TEL saves individual libraries money by providing access to magazines, journals, Beta Chapter, teaches Pre-K at Huntsville
newspapers and other core reference materials which are of special benefit to smaller Elementary and is delighted with the
and rural libraries across the state which could not afford these databases on their own. board books, pop-up books, and picture
The Xi State Literacy Committee extends sincere congratulations to the Tennessee books that were donated.
Electronic Library (TEL) as it celebrates ten years of success in providing information Lynda Gunter was the Chairman
access to the citizenry of our great state. Check out TEL website at http://tntel.tnsos.org. of the Literacy Committee and wishes
to thank everyone who gave and gave so
generously. “Success in school is related
Membership Matters!
to success in reading. Success in reading
is related to access to books. Access to
books is what school libraries do best.”
By Martha Bailey, State Membership Committee Chair
M aintain, Increase, and Add is the goal of the DKG International Membership
Committee that has issued the Shoe-In Challenge! ALL chapters who accomplish
one, two or all three of the following goals will receive recognition at the 2010 Interna-
• Encourage members who have discontin-
ued membership to reinstate.
tional Convention in Spokane, Washington: To add a member from an educational
• Maintain the number of members in the chapter from 01/2009 through 05/2010 environment not currently represented
• Increase the overall number of members in the chapter from 01/2009 through in the chapter, you can:
05/2010. • Think outside the traditional public
• Add a member from an educational environment not currently represented in the school classroom
chapter. • Consider someone from an area of edu-
The Xi State Membership Committee challenges all chapters in Tennessee to meet cation not currently represented in your
all three goals of the Shoe-In Challenge issued by the international membership commit- chapter (Examples include elementary,
tee. What can YOU do? secondary, post secondary, private etc.)
To maintain current members, you can: To increase membership, you can: So let’s start now to make sure every
• Make attending chapter meetings a • Refine your “elevator speech” to de- Xi State chapter is recognized at the 2010
priority scribe DKG to others International Convention for meeting the
• Get involved in chapter projects and • Invite prospective members to attend Shoe-In Challenge!
activities meetings Persist and Commit now to make sure
• Mentor new members • Nominate a key woman educator for you do your part to help your chapter earn
• Make sure all members feel valued membership the shoes so you can celebrate when your
• Check on members who miss meetings • Publicize and promote the work of your chapter meets the challenge and brings
• Offer transportation to older members chapter to the community home the shoes!!!
Xi State News November 2009 11
State News
It’s not just a good idea--It’s the law!
By Donna Jerden, Beta Beta, Forum Committee member
Are you interested in
online social
T he federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) passed in 1990, re-
placing the 1975 Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EAHCA), guarantee-
ing the right of all handicapped children to a public school education.
networking with Xi
Significant amendments passed as part of the act’s “reauthorization” included State members?
considerable changes relating to the discipline of special education students. While the
changes that accompanied the reauthorization have caused concern for teachers deal- Are you new to Facebook or
ing with discipline on a daily basis of maybe not so new and interest-
students covered under this act, the law ed in having more “friends?”
“While Congress brought awareness and mandated much
mandates special needed change in educating children with
services, it funds only about disabilities.
The TEA website provides some
20% of the bill . . . Urge our
questions and answers about IDEA
senators to support . . . full and discipline. That link is http://www. Then join the Xi State
funding of IDEA.” teateachers.org/cms/IDEA/141.html. group on Facebook!
The Forum Committee is focusing
this year on family crisis issues and sup- Joining Facebook is easy.
port groups that help address the problems and provide assistance. It requires an email address and
Legislative action is often part of managing some of these issues. Families with a password.
disabled children may go on-line for information and assistance. Some of the sites that
offer support are www.supportforfamilies.org; www.ourkids.org; and www.specialchild. Go to facebook.com and join
com. A Parent Guide to numerous resources can be found at www.nichcy.org/Informa- then follow these instructions:
tionResources/Documents/NICHY%20PUBS/pa2.pdf.
IDEA is up for “reauthorization” again this year. The House version has passed,
but the Senate has not yet considered the bill. Funding creates the most friction. While 1. If you are already a member
Congress mandates special services, it funds only about 20% of the bill. There is some of Facebook and you want to
bipartisan support for a six-year plan to fully fund the mandates. join the Xi State group, go to
Urge our senators to support reauthorization and full funding of IDEA. The vote your Facebook page.
is expected prior to adjournment in November. Senators Corker and Alexander may be
contacted at corker.senate.gov/public/ and alexander.senate.gov/public/ 2. Click on the two-people icon
at the bottom and type in
“Delta Kappa Gamma - Xi
Nominations sought for state State.” The group should
come up in a list of groups
Achievement Award and all you have to do is click
By Cindy Schepman, Alpha Lambda, Xi State Achievement Award Chair
on it and join.
T he Xi State Achievement Award Committee is actively seeking nominations for this
prestigious award, which will be presented at the Xi State Convention.
There are no fees,
no membership restrictions,
and
Standards for Eligibility of Candidates are as follows: no passwords.
1. Contributions to the program and progress of Delta Kappa Gamma Society Interna- In the group you will find
tional at the state level shall be the prime factor to be considered. questions from our state presi-
2. Consideration shall be given for service at the International level. dent, photos, ideas
3. Consideration may be given to outstanding contributions to education with service about the Society and
and activities outside Delta Kappa Gamma when such activities further the purposes other useful information.
of the Society.
4. No person may receive the award a second time. However, nominees who were not If you have any questions or
selected one year may be offered for consideration at another time. problems, you may contact
Michelle Steen at
Chapters or members may submit nominations by completing the application that is mnsteen@bellsouth.net.
posted on the Xi State web site. The deadline is April 1.
12 Xi State News November 2009
The DelTa Kappa Gamma SocieTy inTernaTional
Xi STaTe ScholarShip proGram
A. International -- 27 scholarships for pursuing the doctoral degree are granted. Each carries a stipend of $5000.
Contact the Executive Coordinator at International Headquarters for more information (P.O. Box 1589, Austin, TX 78767-1589)
or visit http://www.deltakappagamma.net/International/committees/scholarships/
1. To qualify for a scholarship at the international level, the applicant must
• be an active member of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International for a minimum of three years;
• provide evidence of active participation and of demonstrated leadership in The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International;
• have completed a master’s degree or the equivalent;
• be accepted and enrolled in a graduate program of a nationally accredited institution of higher education, preferably pursu-
ing a doctoral degree;
• have not received an international scholarship previously;
• provide evidence of excellence in scholarship; and
• provide evidence of service to the community;
2. The deadline for application is February 1 of each year.
B. Xi State--Eight scholarships awarded, each carrying a stipend of $1250 to $3000.
1. Scholarships awarded:
Special (Stipend of $3000) for pursuing a doctoral program.
Isabel Wheeler (Stipend of $3000) for pursuing a doctoral program.
Maycie K. Southall (Stipend of $3000) for study beyond the Master’s Degree,
Mary Hall (Stipend of $3000) for study beyond the Bachelor’s Degree,
Evangeline Hartsook (Stipend of $1250) for study beyond the Bachelor’s Degree.
Lottye McCall (Stipend of $1250) for study beyond the Bachelor’s Degree.
Louise Oakley (Stipend of $1250) for study beyond the Bachelor’s Degree.
Eleanor Osteen (Stipend of $1250) for study beyond the Bachelor’s Degree.
2. Eligibility: All applicants must have been members of a Xi State chapter for at least three calendar years.
Service to Delta Kappa Gamma is an important criterion in the selection of a recipient.
3. APPLICATION PACKET REQUIREMENTS:
Submit the original and six copies of the application packet. Each packet must include the following:
a. The application form (see page 8 of this issue) with an attached, original photograph suitable for publication;
b. A written account of applicant’s proposed program plans. This should include institution, major, degree, beginning date,
anticipated completion date, courses completed, and professional goals to be accomplished as a result of this program;
c. A written account of applicant’s service to Delta Kappa Gamma. This should include offices and committee appointments
at the chapter, state, and international levels; attendance at Delta Kappa Gamma conferences and conventions; participation
in training sessions and legislative and/or leadership seminars; and other services rendered to Delta Kappa Gamma. Please
include dates of service or participation;
d. The following letters of recommendation:
(1) President of applicant’s chapter;
(2) A supervisor or administrator familiar with applicant’s professional work; and
(3) A university or college professor familiar with applicant’s academic work.
5. A transcript, or transcripts, of the applicant’s undergraduate and graduate records are to be sent by the college or university
directly to the State Scholarship Chairman.
6. Due Date: All applications are due ON or BEFORE February 1 of each year.
7. Send all applications to the Xi State Scholarship Committee Chairman :
Mrs. Janice Sorsby
Xi State Scholarship Committee Chairman
127 E. Lawnwood Drive
Collierville, TN 38017
Updated September 2009
Xi State News November 2009 13
State News
ScholarShip applicaTion Form
Xi STaTe, The DelTa Kappa Gamma SocieTy inTernaTional
Please Print:
NAME BIRTH
(First) (Middle/Maiden) (Last)
ADDRESS
(Street and Number) (City) (Zip)
DELTA KAPPA GAMMA CHAPTER INITIATION
(Month and Year)
TELEPHONE: (Home) (Work)
E-MAIL ADDRESS:
PRESENT POSITION:
(Institution) (Number of Years) (Grade/Subject/Area)
EDUCATIONAL CREDENTIALS:
INSTITUTION DEGREE EARNED YEAR
__________________________________________ _________________ ______________
__________________________________________ _________________ ______________
__________________________________________ _________________ ______________
__________________________________________ _________________ ______________
HAVE YOU APPLIED FOR AN INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP THIS YEAR?____________________
HAVE YOU RECEIVED A XI STATE SCHOLARSHIP PRIOR TO THIS YEAR? WHAT YEAR?
Carefully follow all directions/requirements listed on the preceding information page. All required components except official tran-
scripts must be included with application when it is received. Official transcripts must have been received before application can be
considered.
You will receive notification of receipt of your application. If you do not receive such notification by February 1, please contact
Mrs. Janice Sorsby
901.853.4379
Jsorsby2@comcast.net
Updated September 2009
14 Xi State News November 2009
FROM: Xi State Research Committee
TO: All Xi State Members
SUBJECT: Local chapters need your help!
Members from all areas of the state are needed for The Xi State Speakers and Musicians List. The Research Committee is com-
piling a list of members who are willing to share their talents and interest with chapters in their areas to enrich chapter programs.
Both vocal and instrumental musicians are needed.
Interested? Please check the appropriate box and fill out the following:
Speakers List Musicians List
Name: Chapter Area
Speakers List Topic:
Musicians List: Vocal Instrument Both
Email to: nharris@memphis.edu or
Pat Satterfield
7338 Napa Valley Way, Knoxville, TN 37931-8000
When was the last time your chapter had
an Order of the Rose recipient? Xi State Seers
Isn’t it time you nominated a person for this honor?
T he Order of the Rose recognition is for members who have made outstanding con- By Xi State Historians Audrey Doak (Alpha Alpha),
Edna Clemons (Beta Zeta), and Betty Only (Alpha
tributions to chapter and community, but who have not received recognition at the
Sigma)
F
state level through other means.
lora Rawls, fourth president of Xi
State and co-founder of two chapters
• The nominee shall have been an active, participating member for at least 15 years.
of Delta Kappa Gamma, became Dean of
• Only one member may be nominated per chapter.
Women at Memphis State University in
• Each chapter is responsible for including a picture with the nomination.
1947.
• Applications are available on the Xi State Web site (www.deltakappagamma.org) with
She worked tirelessly in the best inter-
directions to where they are to be sent.
est of the girls and women on campus,
• Applications are due on March 15, 2010.
doing extensive counseling herself and
• 12 nominees will be selected from the applications.
setting up programs to meet the needs of
• Honorees are recognized at the annual Xi State Convention.
incoming female students.
Among her accomplishments were
NOTE: To help defray part of the cost for the Order of the Rose pin guard, chapters
the replacement of local social clubs with
must include a check for $10, made out to Xi State, with the application. This will be
national sororities, the plan for the Panhel-
refunded if applicant is not selected.
lenic building and the regulations that
governed its use, and the organization of
Contact the following Awards Committee members if you have questions:
Alpha Lambda Delta, freshman honorary
Cindy Lynn, Chairman (ohgosh@netzero.net) East Division
society for women.
Chris Zeigler (chris@meigsboe.net) East Division
For her contributions to education,
Bonnie Fussell (fussellb@comcast.net) Middle Division
women, and Delta Kappa Gamma, Xi
Carole Ivey (theiveyfam@aol.com) Middle Division
State salutes Flora Rawls as A Xi State
Jenny Miller (jennymiller402@hotmail.com) West Division
Seer.
Delise Teague (deliseteague@yahoo.com) West Division
Xi State News November 2009 15
Chapter News
Marketing and recruitment--viable strategies?
By Susie Westbrook, Alpha Phi Chapter President
F or how long has the battle cry “Bring in the young teachers!”
been heard from International down to chapter level? All have
agreed that in the interest of staying alive as an organization,
chapter members on hand to explain the purposes of the Society
and the benefits of membership.
Upon being apprised of these benefits, many of the attend-
attracting the younger generation of educators is a must for The ees eagerly give email addresses to receive information about
Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. specific chapter meeting programs, tips for
Why not dare to go directly to the front classroom management, and workshops
lines with the purpose of marketing Delta We can no longer assume designed to help the beginning teacher.
Kappa Gamma to first-year and newly The tempting attraction of free homemade
transferred teachers? Such a pro-active ap- the younger generation cookies is also a draw to the display table!
proach at the very least allows the Society
to put itself on the radar screen of that new
knows who we are. The key strategy is to keep a high
profile with these young educators. They
group of teachers. As brand new educators, are wading through so much as they begin
they are eagerly searching for any resource that will put and keep to set priorities as they analyze all policies, programs, and poten-
them on the track to success as they begin their careers. tially helpful resources. Once the proverbial foot is in the door, it
With motivation in mind, Alpha Phi Chapter has for the last is necessary to maintain frequent and effective communication.
two years made efforts to attract the newest teachers by partici- Because of their fast-paced schedules and the myriad choices
pating in the local school system’s New Teacher Orientation Day. of areas in which to invest their energies and time, we can no lon-
Along with vendors such as the teachers’ credit union, investment ger assume the younger generation knows who we are. We need
firms, and businesses hoping for field trip consideration, Alpha to sound the battle cry as we forge ahead into the future with the
Phi Chapter provides a visual display promoting the Society with knowledge that to do so will secure a stronger membership base
for the Society as a whole.
(Above, left) Gamma
chapter held its initiation
ceremony on September
29. New members pictured
left to right are Darla Dye, Pat
Williams, and Amy Martin.
(Contributed photo)
(Above, right) Beta Omega
Chapter in Weakley County
celebrated its 25th an-
niversary in the spring.
Incoming State President
Dee Dee Rives and Regional
Director Susan Woods were
on hand for the celebration.
Pictured are (seated) Chapter President Phyllis Brasher, Peggy Finch, Mary Jo Connell, (standing)
Mary Elizabeth Bell, Rives, Betty Henderson, Cathy Carroll, Carol Bowlin, and Pam Copeland.
(Contributed Photo)
(Below, left) Alpha Pi Chapter awarded $500 grants-in-aid to Ashley Benae Bowen (left), a
2009 graduate of Tullahoma High School, and to Holly Hatchett (right), a 2009 graduate of Coffee
County High School. Both young women began studies this fall to become teachers. (Contributed
photo)
(Below, right) Kappa hostessed Xi State President Dee Dee Rives (back row, center) at a
potluck dinner meeting in September. (Contributed photo)
16 Xi State News November 2009
Beta Lambda members Linda Cullity, Ashlee Ritzko, Janice Eberhart, Teresa Cowleyhold some of (Above) Melissa Nolen (past
the many stuffed animals the chapter collects for local Police, Fire, and Emergency personnel to president) and Beta Xi Pres-
use in situations involving children. (Contributed photo) ident Bonnie Fussell (left)
look on as chapter member
Project of the month Jennifer Lusk present gift
cards and a check totaling
$650 to Sumner County At-
recognized by school board tendance Supervisor Grace
Oliver for needy children in
the school system. (Con-
B
tributed photo)
eta Xi Chapter’s September service project addressed con-
cerns for needy children in Sumner County. (Left) Susie Westbrook (on
left), president of Alpha
Board of Education Attendance Supervisor Grace Oliver Phi Chapter, congratulates
Katie McConathy (first-year
spoke at the September meeting about the school system’s newly elementary teacher on right)
formed No Child Left Without Committee that alerts the commu- for receiving the chapter’s
2009 $500 grant-in-aid.
nity to the many children in need and in transition. Oliver spoke (Contributed photo)
passionately about the plight of these children and how the public
can help supply their needs.
In response, chapter members brought store gift cards and
monetary donations to assist the work of the committee. The
total of $650 in cards and money was acknowledged by Sumner
County Board Member Ted Wise, chairman of the committee, at
the September school board meeting.
Member News
IUP teaching award goes to Harrington Alumni Association, character and per-
sonal life, professional achievement and
A nna Harrington, Beta Eta Chapter, was awarded the Thomas Farrell Language
Arts Teacher Award at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where she is a Ph.D.
candidate in their Composition & TESOL program, thanks to Xi State and DKG Interna-
success in chosen endeavor and communi-
ty service on local, state or national level.
Payne has been a member of Alpha
tional scholarships. Tau Chapter since 1977 and is a retired
The award recognizes instructors who use reflection and action research to improve teacher and Principal at the Tennessee
their teaching. In addition, her essay, “Through the Looking-Glass: Using Reflection to School for the Deaf.
Gain Student Perspective” will also be published this September in Working Papers in After retirement she worked as a
Composition & TESOL. mediator for the State Department of
Education and as a parent advisor for the
Tennessee Infant Parent Services.
Payne recognized as distinguished alumna by
University of Alabama
Kudos!!!
A lpha Tau member Ann Patton Payne was recently conferred the 2009 Distin-
guished Alumna Award by the University of Alabama National Alumni Association.
The award is based on loyalty and service to the University of Alabama and the National
Xi State News November 2009 17
Member News
Finley selected for Warwick cruises Eastern
International Cornetet
county honor Mediterranean
Professional
B eta Zeta mem-
ber Sammye
Finley was selected
C roatia, Turkey, the Greek Isles, the
Amalfi Coast, Venice, Rome, Athens?
A dream vacation, you say?
Development Award
Recipients
as the Senior Ms. Elaine Warwick, Rho, along with
five travel companions, spent 16 days May 2009
Sequatchie County
exploring the Michelle England ($600)
in August.
ruins of Ephesus, Rhonda Richards, Alpha Iota ($500)
The honor is
based on family, the Acropolis of
church activities, Rhodes, and other
sites from classical September 2009
and community Sammye Finley
Greek and Roman Dr. Freddie Bowles ($700)
service. In addition to her activities with
times. Suzanne Rushworth, Alpha Xi ($250)
Delta Kappa Gamma, Finley is active
Her favorite April Crout ($500)
with church youth, juvenile court, and the
county’s Truancy Review Board. event from the trip?
Asked what she tells young people, Eating gelato at
Finley replied, “Be true to yourself, to Elaine Warwick
least once a day!
God, your family and your country. Never
stop learning. Knowledge is happiness. Be Maddox teaches English/computers in India
a life-long learner.”
Athletic Hall of Fame D r. Teri Maddox, Beta Eta, spent a month in Hyderabad, India’s fourth largest city,
teaching English, computer skills, and Western educational methods at a Muslim
school.
inducts Householder Except for the heat, getting to live and work with a community which values God,
family, and education was one of her life’s most rewarding experiences, Maddox said.
J ulia Householder, Gamma Nu charter
member, was recently inducted into the
Sevier County Athletic Hall of Fame. She
A Jackson State Community College history professor coordinated her trip through
the United States-India Basic Education Foundation, which seeks to “reverse the process
of radicalization and extremism in some Muslim societies and communities….to help
is the first educator to be inducted. reduce the exponential growth of religious terrorism.”
Householder and husband, James, Maddox was the first American and Christian most of her students had ever met and
have missed only two high school football Maddox reports that they had many frank discussions about cultures and the need for
games in a 22-year span and continue better communication.
to attend home games 20 years after her
retirement.
Steen beta tests Society’s online social
networking website
A t Southeast Regional Convention in Little Rock, AR, Michelle Steen, Theta, was
selected by International President Carolyn Rants to participate in the beta-testing
of the Society’s new social networking website.
Steen, a member of the “GenX” generation, was selected while attending a discus-
sion group meeting of the Society’s members in that age group. The testing will begin
in November and should be available for all Society members by the end of the school
year.
Bill Robertson, second from right, called “Chief” in his MTSU
athletic days, sponsored Julia Householder, second from left,
Community relations grant awarded to Lockwood
into the Athletic Hall of Fame. Pictured with them are Gamma Nu
member Elaine McIntosh, left, and Gail Reeder, right. Both are
Householder’s daughters. (Contributed photo)
We are sad to announce that Dr. Isabel
Wheeler, past state president and Inter-
national Program/Membership Services
B onnie Lockwood, Alpha Tau, has been awarded a $2000 Target Community Rela-
tions grant. Called “Where the Wild Things Read” emphasizes early reading skills
and the importance of family involvement in the development of those skills.
Administrator, retired, passed away on
October 22, as Xi State News was going
Because of the award, Lockwood’s school library will be open before and after
to press. A tribute will be in school, featuring different books for early readers. She will also adapt an ALA bro-
the next edition. chure with reading tips and suggestions for best books for home libraries.
18 Xi State News November 2009
Welcome to New and
Reinstated Members!
Gamma Alpha Sigma
Darla Dye Kay Aldridge (R)
Amy Martin Martha Baker
Libby Ledford (R)
Monica Ward, Gamma Zeta, Pat Williams
recently attended the news- Kim Louis
letter and website training Tricia Marshall
camp held at North Carolina
Pamela McPherson
Center for the Advancement
of Teaching. Pictured are
Zeta Judy Rhodes (R)
Becky Brown
Judy Cross, website instruc- Trish Stephenson (R)
tor, Beta Beta, and Ward. Joanna Hood
Crystal Yoder
Also attending the website Jessica Horton (R)
camp, but not pictured, is Dr.
Nancy Bibler, Alpha Xi. (Photo Diane Scarborough
by Jensi Souders) Myra Sowder (R) Alpha Phi
Maryjo Baughman
Ward, Bibler attend NCCAT web camp Alpha Beta Katherine Benefield
Rachel Price
Betty Fraley (H)
Kim Printz
M
Carlotta Jones
onica Ward, Gamma Zeta, and Dr. Nancy Bibler, Alpha Xi, were among 13 par- Kathy Knies
Erin Richardson
ticipants in the fifth annual Newsletter/Website Camp held in Cullowhee, North Tina Ware
Celeste Shibata
Carolina. Instructors included Xi State’s Judy Cross and Dr. Jensi Souders. Elizabeth Stiefel
Ward said that, when asked to attend the Newsletter and Website Camp at NCCAT, Beta Omega
her first thought was “Oh great! Another conference to be bored to death!” She contin- Becky Belew
Alpha Mu Jamie Doster
ued, “However, when I arrived at the conference, I was greeted by the most wonderful Christine Furman
Delta Kappa Gamma members from six different states. Much to my dismay, I was Doris Moreland
involved in a grammar class, photography session, and an in-depth training for develop- Jessica Seaton
Carole Wolfe
ing websites. I learned so much, and I know that all of the information shared will help
my chapter to be our best. I will always treasure the memories made. I look forward to
my next Xi State event with Dr. Jensi and Mrs. Judy!
In Memoriam, continued from page 20
Anabel Jones Virginia Duff Mary Ruth Hall
June 30, 2009 July 30, 2009 August 19, 2009
Ms. Jones taught 41 years in Obion Mrs. Duff was initiated into Alpha Alpha A member of Alpha Beta since 1962, Ms.
County and was inducted into Alpha Eta Chapter in Bristol in 1993. She taught Hall served as chapter president in the
Chapter in 1961. choral music at all levels, working most 1982-1984 biennium.
of her 52-year career in the Bristol School
Nellie Ruth Bingham System. She served her chapter as music Idell Payne
July 24, 2009 representative for several years. August 20, 2009
Beta Beta inducted Mrs. Bingham in 1973. A 45-year Sequatchie County teacher and
She taught 30 years in Morgan County principal, Ms. Payne was inducted into
Schools. Beta Zeta Chapter in 1982.
Mary Lane Conger
Patricia E. Crabtree August 13, 2009 Mary Nance Huggins
July 24, 2009 Mrs. Conger, an elementary educator for September 19, 2009
Mrs. Crabtree was an eighth-grade history 30 years, was a charter member of Beta A Society member for 60 years, 40 of
teacher for 20 years, department chair and Kappa Chapter, inducted in 1953. She them in Alpha Phi Chapter of Xi State,
yearbook sponsor. A member of Alpha directed Lincoln County’s Head Start Mrs. Huggins served the chapter as of-
Phi Chapter, she chaired the committee for Program and was one of the first women ficer, committee chair and member over
the hand-made cross-stitched bookmark elected to the Lincoln County Commis- the years. She was a supportive mentor to
favors that were given at the Tennes- sion. many younger members. She started her
see Night reception at the 2001 regional teaching career in Cohutta, GA, but spent
conference. many years as an elementary teacher in
Chattanooga.
Xi State News November 2009 19
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Xi State News Permit No. 2
7622 Twisting Creek Lane Rossville, GA
Ooltewah TN 37363-9753
In Memoriam They lived and brought a bit of beauty, love, and faith. And now their
lives will ever be reflected in our hearts.
Debra Bridges Georgia Walker Mary Virginia Van Hook
December 18, 2008 March 20, 2009 June 12, 2009
Initiated in 2007, Ms. Bridges was a Ms. Walker transferred to Rho Chapter Mrs. Cheatham’s first teaching job was in
resource teacher at Tellico Junior High in from Irving, Texas, where she was initiat- a one-room school in Cheatham County,
Monroe County. ed in 1986. After retiring from El Centro teaching grades 1-12. She became a
Jr. College in Texas, Ms. Walker volun- member of Alpha Chi Chapter in 1964 and
Nancy Henry teered in Williamson County Schools. attended her last meeting at age 97. She
January 21, 2009 missed celebrating her 100th birthday by
A member of Alpha Xi Chapter since Annie Maude Brown less than four months.
1972, Mrs. Henry was a guidance coun- March 24, 2009
selor for Chattanooga Public Schools and Initiated into Eta Chapter (MS) before Dorothy Butler Genung
co-president of the Freedoms Foundation. transferring to Theta Chapter, Mrs. Brown June 19, 2009
She served Alpha Xi as president and first taught home economics for 43 years, retir- Inducted as a charter member of Alpha
vice president, and Served Xi State on ing in 1977. She regularly attended Theta Phi Chapter in 1961 in Chattanooga, Mrs.
several committees. She was an Order of chapter meetings until age 94 and, during Genung began her career at Tyner High
the Rose recipient. her active years, served the chapter as School in 1941 as a trigonometry and
committee member and officer. physical education teacher for 11 years.
Margaret C. Jennings She then taught 6th grade for 26 years at
February 15, 2009 Lilburne M. Vollmer East Brainerd Elementary. Her daughter,
Initiated in 1955 in Phi Chapter, Ms. April 2, 2009 Marcia Brown, is a member of Alpha
Jennings was a charter member of Beta A vocational teacher for 31 years, Ms. Chapter.
Kappa Chapter. She served both chapters Vollmer became a member of Beta
as treasurer and was on the state Finance Gamma Chapter in 1978. She was Shelby Sara Louise Bennett
Committee. She taught English and Latin County Vocational Teacher of the Year in June 22, 2009
and was a school librarian. 1979. Ms. Bennett was a beloved member of
Alpha Beta Chapter who was initiated in
1973.
Continued on page 19