Summer 2016

ETA STATE NEWS
Published by
The North Carolina State Organization
Volume 75, Number 4
Summer 2016
2016 Convention Recap
P
Rising Stars for 2016
Leslie Black Nu
Deborah Christensen Alpha Zeta
Debra Clayton Gamma Chi
Jamie Davis Gamma Lambda
Meredith Pope Fychok Omicron
Deidre Lee-Grier Eta
Dr. Misty Hathcock Beta Tau
Tina Higgins Delta Chi
Wendy Bryant- Motley Delta Rho
Lindsay H. Walker
Delta Tau
Tonya Welch Chi
Melinda WillisonKappa
reconvention: A group of members met at the
Reynolda House Museum of American Art for a tour
of the renowned home of R.J. Reynolds, founder of R.J.
Reynolds Tobacco Company. Docents lead the tour of the
home, providing a grand idea of family life in the early
1900’s. The estate was given nonprofit status in 1965
and became affiliated with Wake Forest University in
2002. After the home tour, the participants spent more
time in the gardens and viewing the Ansel Adams: Eloquent Light exhibit. The business of Eta State NC called,
and the tour ended with members returning to the hotel.
Thank you to Sharon Frazier, Alpha Kappa, First VicePresident, for planning the excursion.
2016 Convention: President Sheila Groves, Beta Delta,
rapped the gavel to call to order the 2016 Eta State NC
Convention in Winston-Salem, NC. The Executive
Board met on Friday afternoon with board members
hearing from some of the officers and committee chairs
continued on page 6
Golden Key Class of 2016
Region I
Region II
Region III
Region IV
Region V
Region VI
Region VII
Region VIII
Region X
Region XI
Mary Alice Chapin
Alpha Omega
Beatrice Harriett
Gamma Epsilon
Margaret H. Bingham
Gamma Theta
Thommi Stammer
Delta Iota
Geraldine Gilmore Larson Delta Gamma
Emily F. Lucas
Delta Rho
Rachel V. Scott
Alpha Delta
Margaret “Peggy” Granger
Beta Tau
Patricia F. Gibson
Nu
Dr. Barbara H. Capps
Alpha Iota
Table of Contents
President’s Message
NC at Work
Convention 2016
NCDKGEF Chapter & Member News
International News
Convention Photo Gallery
2
3-5
6-9
10
11-13
14
15-16
“Voices of Influence Empowering North Carolina Women Educators”
2015-2017 Eta State Theme:
Create the Future - Imagine, Inspire, Ignite
2015-2017 Eta State
Executive Board
President
Sheila Groves
1804 Huntington Road
Greensboro, NC 27408
336-274-1079; 336-337-8409 Cell
svgeta97@gmail.com
Will You Accept Your Responsibility?
Across North Carolina DKG chapters
are celebrating their accomplishments, inviting
outstanding women into membership, and
installing new officers. As part of each officer
installation ceremony, the membership is given
a charge: In order to ensure chapter success
Sheila V. Groves
this biennium, you must cooperate with and
Eta State President
2015-2017
support these new leaders. Will you accept your
responsibility?
We are all eager to say “Yes we will.” Each one of us cares
about our chapter and we want to support our leaders and contribute to
chapter success.
In a recent issue of DKG NEWS, International President Dr.
Lyn Schmid suggests being a “thought partner.” Be a listener, give
thoughtful, honest feedback to state and chapter officers. Create a
positive environment that supports innovative thinking, where leaders
are free to try something new.
No matter how good our leaders are, they cannot do it all.
Members play an important role. It takes the talent and support of many
to accomplish goals. What are some other ways we can support our
chapter leaders as they begin their biennium?
Be informed members. Attend meetings, read newsletters, visit
chapter, state, and International web sites regularly. This provides a
valuable perspective on important DKG issues and events. Gathering
suggestions and insight from a variety of knowledgeable members can
be most helpful as our leaders ponder options and make plans.
Be reliable members that our leaders can count on to get the job
done in a timely manner. Share experience and special talents. Take the
initiative to join in when help is needed. Be part of the team.
Be a little forgiving. Our new leaders do not need to know
everything today. Even missteps are learning opportunities. Be patient.
Give ideas time to work. Allow our leaders time to grow.
In June new chapter presidents, treasurers, Educational
Excellence Committee chairs, and Membership Committee chairs will
come together to share ideas, to learn new strategies, and continue
growing their leadership skills. They will be encouraged to share
responsibilities and promote teamwork in their chapters. You have
promised to cooperate with and support these new leaders. Will you
accept your responsibility? Yes, I will! I am excited to work with
chapter officers and committee chairmen in their new biennium as they
create the future of DKG in North Carolina. sheila
Page 2
Eta State News - North Carolina
First Vice President
Connie Savell
206 North Roxford Road
Kings Mountain, NC 28086
704-477-0450 Cell
mcdpm59@gmail.com
Second Vice President
Sharon Frazier
23167 NC Highway 48
Enfield, NC 27823
704-445-3522
jpfskf@aol.com
Recording Secretary
Hilda Parlér
1035 Lake Royale
Louisburg, NC 27549
919-357-4649 Cell
hildagammatau@gmail.com
Immediate Past President
Patricia Taylor
5904 Sandford Road
Wilson, NC 27896
252-243-7349; 252-883-4193 Cell
eta1315pt@gmail.com
Treasurer
Ruth Jones
3607 Wyneston Road
Greenville, NC 27858
252-756-0136; 252-258-6704 Cell
rjonesdkg@gmail.com
Executive Secretary
Dr. Barbara Perry-Sheldon
183 Emory Mitchell Road
Zionville, NC 28698
828-297-3375; 828-964-5340 Cell
etaexecsecretary@gmail.com
Editor
Suzanne Roberts
314 Basswood Court
Lake Wylie, SC 29710
704-488-8352 Cell
suebetatau@comporium.net
Webmaster
Beth Winstead
1307 Holland Road
Greenville NC 27834
252-752-5154; 252-717-4686 Cell
winsteade@ecu.edu
Parliamentarian
Betty Marshall, RP
6212 Dresden Lane
Raleigh, NC 27612
919-844-0313; 919-593-4671 Cell
bettymarshall6751@gmail.com
Please insert Eta State in the
subject line when sending an
email to state officers.
Thanks!
Summer 2016
Corrections to the 2015-2016 Leadership Directory
Eta State NC at Work
New Chapter Leader Training
The summer leadership training sessions will be held
between June 24-28 for new incoming presidents,
treasurers, Educational Excellence Committee chairs, and
Membership Committee chairs. Send in your form by
the deadlines listed below.
June 24 in Wilson - Deadline June 8
June 25 in Asheboro - Deadline June 8
June 28 in Black Mountain - May 20
The registration form is on the Eta State Website under
the tab Calender of Events.
Page 2
Dr. Sherry Willis, Alpha Nu
sherryalphahnu@gmail.com (no h)
email should read: sherryalphanu@gmail.com
Page 3
Patricia Taylor, Past President
eta11315pt@gmail.com (extra 1)
email should read : eta1315pt@gmail.com
Page 3
Judy Carlson
Street name in address should read
Laurel Hill Drive, not Laurel Hill Road
The Editor extends apologies to these members.
http://www.deltakappagamma.org/
NC/2016ChapterLeaderTraining.pdf
CHAPTER TREASURERS, TAKE NOTE!
P
hyllis Hickey at Delta Kappa Gamma International
has announced beginning March 2016; the IRS
has a new 990-N filing procedure. It is critical for all
chapter treasurers (both new and experienced) to attend
workshop training sessions in June where further details
will be given on the new procedures. The training will
be in Wilson June 24, in Asheboro June 25, and in Black
Mountain June 28. More information on site locations is
in this newsletter and Eta Data.
Thanks,
Ruth Jones, State Treasurer
Cornetet Individual Professional
Development Award
K
athryn Parker of Eta State NC Delta Rho
Chapter has received a Cornetet Individual Professional Development Award in the amount of $1250.00.
She plans to use her award for the National Board Certification Renewal program. Congratulations to Kathryn as
she prepares to enhance her teaching credentials.
Next Eta State News Deadline:
July 10, 2016
Page 3
In Memoriam
~White Roses~
Betsy Nichols Cranford
Alpha Nu
Bobby Jean English
Gamma Omega
Mavis Boston Hedrick
Gamma Phi
Shirley Leona Henkle
Alpha Xi
Joan Horne
Delta Upsilon
Danielle W. James
Delta Zeta
Mary Jordan Long
Alpha Xi
Margaret Phillips
Alpha Zeta
Annie C. Salter
Gamma Zeta
Barbara Timberlake
Beta
PatriciaTyndall
Theta
January 26, 2016
March 4, 2016
February 24, 2016
January 30, 2016
February 18, 2016
February 8, 2016
February 16, 2016
January 25, 2016
January 15, 2016
January 30, 2016
January 8, 2016
Reporting the Death of a Member
Chapter presidents are to report the death of a member immediately
to International and to Eta State. The updated interactive report
form (Form 6) is available at www.dkg.org under Forms. It may be
completed online and sent to the Membership Services Administrator
or mailed. A copy is to be sent to Eta State Treasurer, Ruth Bell Jones,
rjonesdkg@gmail.com, Eta State Membership Chair, Carol Maidon,
carol.maidon.dkg@gmail.com, and State President, Sheila Groves,
svgeta97@gmail.com
Eta State News - North Carolina
Summer 2016
Eta State NC at Work
Educational Law & Policy Committee
Susan Phipps, Committee Chair
Heads Up!
Alert! T
he General Assembly in Raleigh is contemplating
major changes to the NC Teachers and State
Employees’ Retirement Plan. Under consideration is
the discontinuation of the Defined-Benefits Retirement
System and the introduction of a Defined-Contributions
System. The difference is stark and has implications for
North Carolina’s ability to attract high-quality educators
and other workers to our state in the future.
The current Defined-Benefits System has state
employees contributing 6% of their salaries and the
state contributing another 9.15% for retirement. These
funds are invested and monitored by the state treasurer
and results in a guaranteed pension based on a standard
formula of service time and money invested. The
Defined-Contribution System, on the other hand, has no
guaranteed benefits and all the risks and benefits of any
investment are shouldered by the employee instead of the
state. Retirement benefits will fluctuate with market ebbs
Scholarship Committee
Dr. Kim D. Pemberton, Committee Chair
T
Congratulations Eta State Scholarship
Recipients!
he Scholarship Committee is proud to announce
the awarding of scholarships to four very deserving
young ladies during the 2016 Eta State NC Convention
President’s Banquet. The 2016 scholarship recipients are:
Meredith Fychok, Omicron, received a Special Projects
Scholarship of $500.
Meredith passed part of the components for
National Board certification, and this scholarship will
allow her to complete the final component.
and flows. (During the stock market crash of 2008 this
retirement system would have been very debilitating for
retirees.) Money invested by an employee would also be
subject to management fees.
Please do all you can do to head this idea
off before it can get any traction. Contact your
Senator and Representative to urge their support for
a Defined-Benefits Retirement System. To find your
representatives’ contact information, go to www.ncleg.
net and click on “Who represents me?” at the top right
side of the homepage. Find your District numbers
for House and Senate on the map, put in the numbers
and see your representatives’ contact information. Committee meetings happened before the 2016 session
began on April 25, so NOW is the time to act!
UPDATE: Although this new law would only
pertain to educators hired after the system is changed
to a Defined Contribution Plan, it has dangerous
ramifications for educators on the current Defined
Benefits Plan. When the new system begins, no more
contributions from new educators or state contributions
for new hires will flow into the state retirement fund
because these funds will be directly invested in the
stock market by the new employees. As time goes by
there will be less and less in the retirement fund to pay
the Defined Retirement Benefits owed to retirees who
worked under the old plan.
Lindsay Walker, Delta Tau, received the $4,000 HunterMoore Doctoral Scholarship.
Lindsay is currently pursuing an Ed.D. at
Gardner-Webb University in Educational Leadership.
Congratulations to all of our 2016 Eta State NC
scholarship recipients and thank you for your dedication
to education. Your Eta State NC sisters recognize your
potential to excel, encourage others, and forge new paths
in education. So continue to dream big and create a
future that many can only IMAGINE.
Elisabeth Harrell, Tau, received the $4,000 GilbertMcNairy Doctoral Scholarship.
Elisabeth is in the doctoral program at UNC
Wilmington pursuing an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership
with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction.
Malinda Pennington, Mu, received the $4,000 Emmons Flintom Doctoral Scholarship.
Malinda is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at North
Carolina State University in the area of Curriculum and
Instruction with an emphasis in Special Education.
Page 4
L-R Malinda Pennington, Dr. Kim Pemberton, Lindsay
Walker, Meredith Fychok, and Elisabeth Harrell
Eta State News - North Carolina
Summer 2016
Eta State NC at Work
Rules Committee
Emily Lucas, Committee Chair
T
he Rules Committee would like to thank everyone for
reading and studying the 2016 proposed changes to
the Eta State Standing Rules. The entire set of proposed
Standing Rules changes was adopted at the convention
as printed in the Spring edition of Eta State News and are
listed below. The updated version (4/23/16) of the Eta
State Standing Rules are posted on the Eta State website.
I also want to extend a special thank you to the Rules
Committee members for making sure that the proposed
changes were clear and easy to understand.
SR 4 Finances B.6 (c)
A one-time fee of $49.50 is paid to International for each
honorary member.
SR 4 Finances C.2
(a) cost of printing convention programs and reports;
(b) meeting site technology equipment and services as
needed for general sessions and board meetings
(c) lodging and meals for the international representative;
SR 10 Activities A.4 (b)
(b) Scholarships may be awarded to members for
post-baccalaureate work in two categories: (1) academic
graduate work for which first priority is given those
seeking master’s degrees, and (2) non-degree activities
such as special projects, research, special studies and/or
add-on certifications, national certification renewal, or
similar projects at master’s or post-master’s levels.
SR 10 Activities D.
Headquarters Building
(d) as a meeting and storage place for the North Carolina Delta Kappa Gamma Educational Foundation
APPENDIX IV B. AND C.
B. To be considered for a scholarship to support work
toward a master’s degree, an applicant must document
that she is accepted and enrolled in a master’s program at
a nationally accredited college or university.
C. To be considered for scholarship funds non-degree
support (e.g. National Board Certification), an applicant
must be engaged in special projects in research or study
at post-baccalaureate, master’s, or post-master’s levels
and must document involvement in such an endeavor.
SR 4 Finances D.5
…A memorial gift of $100 shall be presented to a state
or international fund in memory of state officers and
appointed personnel, regional directors, or state committee chairmen who pass away during their term of
office. The Eta State Treasurer shall send a letter to
the family of the deceased in notification of the gift.
Mark Your Calendar
The Delta Kappa Gamma
Society International
North Carolina State Organization
Suzanne Roberts, Editor
suebetatau@comporium.net
Eta State News
A publication of Eta State – North Carolina
The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International
Published quarterly
Next Deadline: July 10
Our Mission
The Delta Kappa Gamma Society
International promotes professional
and personal growth of women
educators and excellence in
education.
Page 5
2016
June 24, 25, 28
New Officer Trainings
July 5 - 9 DKG International
Convention,
Gaylord Opryland Resort, Nashville, TN
September 10
Elon Fall Executive Board Meeting
2017
April 28 - 30 Eta State Convention,
Wilmington, NC
Region IV
June 23 - 25
Eta State Leadership
Development Seminar,
Asheboro, NC
July 19 - 22
SE Regional Conference
Myrtle Beach, SC
Eta State News - North Carolina
NOTICES:
Send address and email changes
IMMEDIATELY
to your chapter treasurer and to
International Office.
Log in to www.dkg.org
to change your personal information.
Don’t miss a single DKG publication!
All photos used in this issue were submitted to
the editor for use in Eta State News. With the
lighting at the convention hotel , photos are
difficult to edit. Please enjoy the photos and
forgive the quality in many of them.
Headquarters painting on page 1 used with
permission of Dianne Garner, Alpha Epsilon
Thank you! Proofers for this issue are: Sheila
Groves, Connie Savell, Sylvia Eaglin, Susan
Kuenzel, and Judy Gruebmeyer.
Summer 2016
Eta State NC Convention
2016
Continued from page 1
reporting on the committee activities of the past year.
The evening session opened with greetings from the
Honorable Allen Joines, Mayor of Winston-Salem.
Harmonious Highlights: Kristine “Kiki” Neale,
Beta Tau, Eta State NC Music Representative summed
up the WSSU performance by saying, “The highlight for
many was the harmonious inspiration provided by the
Winston-Salem State University Singing Rams, under
the very capable direction of Maestra D’Walla SimmonsBurke. The chorus treated the group to an extensive
variety of music, from gospel to opera and back again,
performed with specialized precision and deep emotional
feeling. What unbelievable talent these young men and
women possess – and it did not go unnoticed that they
sacrificed a college Friday night to come sing for us!”
The concert was made possible in part by a donation
from Gamma Zeta Chapter in memory of Annie Coward
Salter. The next musical sensation was a performance
by the Steel Magnolias of Ashe County. Gamma Delta
members Maurene Blackburn, Becky Burgess, Judy Dancy, and Barbara Miller have performed together for 14
years. It is easy to see why the group is considered Ashe
County’s Favorite Female Quartet. Kiki Neale praised
the Convention Chorus by saying, “Congratulations to
the 2016 Convention Chorus for making beautiful music,
for having a willing spirit to work hard, learning together, and for bringing me great joy in your cheerful camaraderie. I’m looking forward to seeing you all next year
in Wilmington!” The chorus presented several selections
throughout the weekend. Kiki orchestrated a sing-along
on Friday; the chorus joined her as they sang a spiritual
at the Saturday President’s Banquet,
Page 6
performed two soothing hymns at the Ceremony of
Remembrance, and led a rousting version of “I’d Like to
Teach the World to Sing” at the Sunday Brunch. On Saturday night, Thomasine Hassell, Alpha Psi, performed a
beautiful solo, which took our breath away. The Ceremony of Remembrance featured a solo by Johanna Owens,
Gamma Lambda, and handbell artist Marcia Wooten, Beta
Delta, playing the Prelude and handbell intervals during
the responsive reading. Kiki accompanied the selections
on the piano.
Awards: Edris Glover, Alpha Pi, presented the
prestigious Golden Key Award to 10 members. The
list and photo are on the front page of this newsletter.
Congratulations to each of the Golden Key winners
who work tirelessly for their chapters. Nancy Tunstall,
Gamma Chi, Chair of the Communication & Publicity
Committee, bestowed 60 newsletter and 44 website
awards to North Carolina chapters for the 2015-2016
award cycle. How thrilling for so many chapters to be
recognized for outstanding communication within their
chapters and other chapters in the state. Congratulations
to the editors and webmasters for their continued
diligence to deliver the information members need. Edris
Glover, chair of the Awards Committee, took the stage to
acknowledge 28 chapters for Distinctive Achievement, 11
chapters for Excellent Achievement, and three chapters
for Superior Achievement. 39 chapters in all met and
exceeded the goals set by Eta State NC for outstanding
achievement. Congratulations to each chapter for their
well-earned recognition. See the chapter listings on page
8. As part of the Birthday Brunch Celebration to honor
our 12 founders, A Rising Star Award was given to 12
outstanding members who exhibit the leadership skills
to carry on the DKG traditions and goals in the future.
Connie Savell led the cheers for the newly selected Rising
Eta State News - North Carolina
Summer 2016
Eta State NC Convention
2016
Stars at the final Sunday Brunch. See our Rising Stars on
page 1.
Eta State NC Business: The International
Report was given by the International Guest Barbara
Whiting, DKG Administrative Board Member-at-Large.
Barbara issued a personal invitation from Dr. Lyn
Schmid, International President, to attend the
International Convention in Nashville, TN, July 5-9,
2016. Each member of the Executive Board and
Appointed Board members reported on their activities,
and committee chairs gave reports on the committee’s
activities. Several committees have reports beginning on
page 3 of this issue. As noted by the Rules Committee,
all proposed changes to the Standing Rules passed and
are now part of the official Standing Rules document.
The Revised Standing Rules are posted on the Eta State
NC website. Tommi Stammer, Delta Iota, and Judy
Busick, Theta, issued an invitation to the 2017 Eta State
NC Convention to be held in Wilmington, NC. Watch
for more details in future Eta Data and Eta State News
issues. The Saturday President’s Banquet honors state
Chapter Presidents. Sheila Groves, State President, was
pleased to honor the outgoing 2014-2016 Chapter
Presidents in a PowerPoint showing the president’s
photos and three words that describe their chapter. Dr.
Kim Pemberton, Beta Delta, proudly announced the 2016
Scholarship Winners. See page 4 for the details of how
the winners plan to further their educational goals with
the scholarship funds. The convention project for 2016
was Dreams and Kitestrings of Wilkes County. The
organization provides financial assistance to students and
teachers, funds classroom grants, and sponsors
educational events. It is a volunteer-lead non-profit, with
all donations going directly to support projects. Tina
Higgins and Dr. Susan Blackburn, convention co-chairs,
presented Tathel Miller, Executive Director of Dreams
and Kitestrings, with over $2,000 in donations, books,
and other gifts.
Speakers: Past President Linda Little, with humor and
pride, introduced her son, Dr. Gregory Little, as Saturday
evening’s guest speaker. Dr. Little is Superintendent of
Mount Airy City Schools, soon to be Superintendent of
Lexington County School District One in Lexington,
SC. He entertained and enlightened the attendees with
stories of life in the Little family and later making the
decision to follow in his parent’s footsteps to become
an educator, and is now an appreciated leader in North
and South Carolina education. Dr. Little’s vision on
“Imagine What Could Be” left the members to ponder
what can be done with a vision and the will to achieve
the vision. Elaine McRae, Beta Delta, with the flair of
a professional, introduced the Sunday Brunch speaker,
Carol Andrews. If you ever wanted to try out different
career choices, speak to Ms. Andrews. She has served
as a twenty plus year television anchor. After having
a son, Ms. Andrews wanted to spend more time with
him, so staying at home, but not idle, she published two
children’s books, conducted talks and workshops for
business and non-profits organizations and maintained
audio equipment in her home. She briefly returned to
the television anchor desk when her son was older, only
to switch careers again. Ms. Andrews is now training
business and non-profits to navigate social and traditional
media. She is a sought-after keynote speaker and acting/
voiceover talent for different forms of media. In her
spare time, Ms. Andrews released a series of inspirational
greeting cards. She operates all of her business interests
from her home in Winston-Salem.
Miscellaneous Highlights: Convention
attendees enjoyed: Twenty-Six different Breakout
Sessions; Many vendors with luscious goods and
services; Education Foundation Raffle; Leadership
Committee Silent Auction Baskets; outstanding planning
and execution of every aspect of the convention by
Region IX hosts, especially Dr. Susan Blackburn and
Tina Higgins, Co-Chairmen and Carolyn Coram,
Convention Registrar, who wrote a personalized note
to every registered member setting the tone for a very
inviting convention; Souvenir Convention Booklet
worthy of a professional print artist done by Nancy
Eta State NC Convention
2016
Tunstall; Convention Treasurer Chris Waters who has
banker’s skills; Beth Winstead for media presentations;
and special thanks to the 317 registered attendees
including 65 first-timers and 19 attendees with 40+
years membership in DKG. The passing of the house
netted $1,835 for headquarters funding. Every member
was invited to attend the President’s Reception, held
before the Saturday Banquet, to enjoy food, drink, and
fellowship.
What a fantastic convention; thank you to each and every
planner, participant, and attendee!
Dear Ladies,
It’s hard to put ink to paper when words of
gratefulness just doesn’t seem adequate. As founder
and spokesperson for Dreams and Kitestrings, we want
to extend a heartfelt thank you to each and every one
of you for your gifts to support our literacy projects
and your kindness shown at Eta State Convention 2016
Breakfast Brunch. For every monetary gift, every book,
every gift card, every bookmark--we are elated and so
appreciative. I know these gifts will encourage and touch
many children and their families and inspire literacy
in their lives. As teachers, educators, and members
of Delta Kappa Gamma, I want to also thank you for
the countless hours and sacrifices you have given and
continue to do so for our children. A teacher is one who
touches many generations to come even though you may
never see the fruits of your labor, they are sown and will
grow. As the school year comes to a close, it often comes
with sadness...but always know your students will walk
away with assurance that someone cared and someone
believed in them. This is the gift which cannot be found
in textbooks, but comes straight from a teacher’s heart. And your heart is truly like none other. May God bless
each of you.
With a grateful heart,
Tathel Miller
Founder, Volunteer Director
Dreams and Kitestrings
Bowman Waters first Eta State NC Convention!
Beth Winstead
Webmaster and Media Whiz!
Thank you, Beth
See more photos on pages 15-16
Silent Auction
Baskets
Page 8
Eta State News - North Carolina
Summer 2016
Three Chapters Earn Presidential Award
for Superior Achievement 2015-16
Eta State NC Convention
2016
Newsletter and Website Awards for 2016
Region I - Newsletter - Mu; Pi; Alpha Kappa; Alpha Omega;
Beta Upsilon
Website - Mu; Gamma Lambda; Delta Zeta.
Nu
Region X
Alpha Lambda Region XI
Alpha Phi
Region XI
Amanda J. Moose, President
Julia Keyse, President
Michelle Taylor Benigno, President
Region II - Newsletter - Iota; Omicron; Alpha Psi; Gamma
Epsilon; Delta Xi
Website - Sigma; Alpha Psi; Beta Alpha; Gamma Epsilon
Region III - Newsletter - Alpha Beta; Gamma Theta; Gamma
Iota; Gamma Omicron; Gamma Tau; Gamma Chi
Website - Alpha Beta; Gamma Tau; Gamma Chi
Region IV - Newsletter - Theta; Upsilon; Omega; Delta Mu
Website - Theta; Upsilon; Delta Mu
Region V - Newsletter - Eta; Alpha Pi; Delta Gamma
Website - Eta; Alpha Pi; Beta Iota; Delta Gamma
Region VI - Newsletter - Lambda; Tau; Gamma Gamma;
Gamma Kappa; Gamma Sigma; Delta Omicron; Delta Rho
Website - Tau; Psi; Alpha Tau; Gamma Sigma; Delta Omicron;
Delta Rho
Region VII - Newsletter - Alpha; Chi; Alpha Delta; Alpha
Upsilon; Beta Beta; Beta Gamma; Beta Delta; Beta Xi; Beta
Omicron; Gamma Alpha
Website - Chi; Alpha Delta; Beta Beta; Beta Delta
Michelle Taylor Benigno, Marilyn Yoder accepting for Julia Keyse, and
Amanda J. Moose
Congratulations to each chapter!
Eleven Chapters Earn Excellence Award
for Excellent Achievement
Region VIII - Newsletter - Epsilon; Alpha Zeta; Alpha Mu; Beta
Sigma; Beta Tau; Delta Pi
Website - Kappa; Alpha Zeta; Beta Tau; Delta Pi
Region IX - Newsletter - Alpha Gamma; Gamma Psi
Website - Zeta; Alpha Theta; Beta Nu; Gamma Psi; Delta Chi
Region X - Newsletter - Nu; Alpha Nu; Gamma Beta; Delta
Sigma; Delta Tau
Website - Nu; Alpha Nu; Gamma Phi; Delta Sigma
Region XI - Newsletter - Gamma; Alpha Iota; Alpha Lambda;
Alpha Phi; Gamma Upsilon
Website - Gamma; Alpha Iota; Alpha Lambda; Gamma Upsilon
Congratulations to these excellent communicators!
Excellent Chapter Achievement
Mu - Region I
Chi - Region VII
Alpha Zeta - Region VIII
Alpha Iota - Region XI
Alpha Nu - Region X
Alpha Psi - Region II
Distinctive Chapter Achievement
Region I - Alpha Omega;
Region II - Omicron; Pi; Beta Alpha;
Gamma Epsilon;
Region III - Alpha Beta; Gamma Iota;
Gamma Omicron; Gamma Tau, Gamma
Theta
Region IV - Upsilon; Delta Mu
Page 9
Eta State News - North Carolina
Beta Delta - Region VII
Beta Omicron - Region VII
Beta Tau - Region VIII
Gamma Phi - Region X
Delta Sigma - Region X
Region V - Eta; Alpha Pi; Delta Beta;
Delta Gamma
Region VI - Tau; Delta Rho
Region VII - Alpha
Region VIII - Kappa; Alpha Delta; Alpha
Upsilon; Beta Beta; Beta Xi
Region IX - Alpha Gamma
Region X - Beta Epsilon; Delta Tau
Region XI - Gamma
Summer 2016
geographical diversity and would love to represent the
west as a board member. Teresa stated “I was on the
original task force, helping lay the groundwork to make
this Foundation a reality.” Thus, the Foundation means a
great deal to her.
D
r. Judith B. Carlson, chair of the NCDKG
Educational Foundation Board of Directors,
presided at the First Annual Meeting held at the Eta
State NC Convention last month. Dr. Carlson reported
on the first year of operation, presented the financial
report, and announced a capital campaign to begin in
2017. Representatives of the first four grants given by
the Foundation spoke about their projects and Maxine
McCall, chair of the Grants Awards Committee,
announced that plans for the second round of grants
would be released soon. The slate of members for the
Board of Directors, as presented by Dr. Mary Cauley,
chair of the Nominations Committee, was elected. The
majority of the Board members were appointed in 2014
by then President Patricia Taylor. The twelve member
board will serve rotating terms beginning July 1, 2016.
Newly elected members Dorothy L. Carter, Margaret
L. Church, Dr. Teresa Cowan, and Susan Kuenzel join
Dr. Judith B. Carlson, Chair, Dr. Mary M. Cauley,
Vice Chair, Maxine McCall, Secretary, Betty Marshall,
Treasurer, Dr. Barbara B. Leonard, Louise Lomick, Dr.
Patricia Wood, Sheila Groves, ex officio and Sharon
Frazier, ex officio.
Dorothy L. Carter - Omicron - Sims, NC
Dot is currently serving on the Foundation
Board’s Grants Committee as a volunteer.
Dot moderated a Foundation Grants
Committee workshop at the Eta State
Convention recently. She is currently
serving as president of Omicron Chapter.
Margaret L. Church - Alpha Nu - Drexel, NC Margaret
is already serving as a volunteer on the
Foundation’s Communications Committee.
She is currently a member of the Burke
Women’s Foundation. Margaret has
familiarized herself with Foundation
materials and the website. She said, “It
is exciting to me that this Foundation
can provide opportunities to various
educational groups who otherwise may not be able to
have their dreams turn into reality.”
Dr. Teresa Holt Cowan - Alpha Phi - Asheville, NC
Teresa is currently serving on the Finance
Committee of the Board as a volunteer and
is interested in assisting the fundraising
team. Teresa said that she is comfortable
with doing fundraising, while often others
are not. Teresa also stated that she would
like to ensure that the Board maintains
Page 10
Susan Kuenzel - Delta Chi - Millers Creek, NC. Susan is
currently serving on the Communications
Committee of the Board as a volunteer
and is interested in continuing that service
as a director of the Board. Susan stated,
“I feel we have started good work and
would like to be a part of continuing to
advance the awareness of the Foundation
to all DKG members and non-members
across the state and region. We need to continue the
work of defining the roles of the committee and deciding
how to best communicate with each other and how to
get the word out about the wonderful opportunities the
Foundation offers.”
Emily Weigel - Alpha Psi - Havelock, NC
Emily is particularly interested in
working with nominations on the Board.
Emily stated, “. . . I have the honor
of knowing many members statewide
and remain a participant in state and
International gatherings annually.” She
also noted that she has served in a wide
variety of roles at state and chapter
levels in three states and has also served as president and
treasurer of her discipline’s supervisory organization. She
has also been on boards of directors twice for NCSHLA
and on a variety of committees as well.
Congratulations to the new Board members!
The Foundation announcement of the
raffle winners was much-anticipated at the Sunday
Birthday Brunch. The raffle raised over $2,600 for
the Foundation! The winners are: Susan Phipps - the
Crystal Vase; Melinda Willison - the May NASCAR
tickets; Patricia Pemberton - the other NASCAR tickets;
Gwen Simmons - the Olde Beau package; Mary Cauley the Autumn candle mat; Maxine McCall - the Valentine
candle mat; Tanya Brumfield - the week at the mountain
cabin; and will the person who won the Biltmore Estate
tickets, please notify Eta Data Editor Susan Kuenzel?
etadataeditor@gmail.com
The Board thanks everyone who bought raffle
tickets, gave donations, volunteered time and resources,
and helped the Foundation get off to a rousing first year.
Eta State News - North Carolina
Summer 2016
Eta State NC Chapters at Work
Alpha Gamma Chapter Holds an Education
Forum for Members and the Public
A
lpha Gamma Chapter (Avery and Watauga Counties)
decided during planning meetings last summer
that the public needed to have a clear picture of what is
happening in our public schools, both the successes and
the roadblocks. To address that need, members began
working to host a Regional Education Forum on the ASU
campus on March 17, 2016, with a distinguished panel of
educators from all levels of public education. Panelists
who answered the call were: Dr. June Atkinson, NC
Superintendent of Public Instruction and DKG member;
NC Teacher of the Year, Keana Triplett; Dr. Robin Groce,
Interim Dean of ASU’s Reich College of Education; Dr.
Scott Elliott, Watauga County Schools Superintendent;
Dr. David Burleson, Avery County Schools
Superintendent; Caleb Marsh, Caldwell Community
representative; Allison Sparks, Watauga County Teacher
of the Year; and Michelle Dellinger, Avery County
Teacher of the Year. Former Eta State President Linda
Little was the moderator of the discussion and current
president Sheila Groves was in attendance along with
hundreds of others.
Response to the Forum, entitled “A Snapshot
of Public Education in North Carolina,” was uniformly
positive with informative articles in local papers for
citizens who were unable to attend. Chapter president
Susan Phipps praises the team spirit and hard work of
the chapter in preparing for the event. She hopes other
chapters that are located near UNC system campuses will
consider holding similar educational discussions for the
public.
Beta Gamma’s Initiative for Beginning Teachers
Submitted by Laura Hines and Nancy Teague, Beta Gamma
Chapter Co-Presidents
D
uring this biennium, Beta Gamma wanted to find
more substantive ways to support new educators.
For the past two years, we invited a group of new teachers
to our November meeting. Before the meeting, we had
members share “Five things I wish I had known as a new
educator.” Our Educational Excellence Chairman collated
these ideas into a document to share with the young
women. At the meeting, members verbally shared one
piece of advice which generated a lively discussion. The
chapter gave each new teacher a goody bag of items, from
sticky notes to chocolate, then raffled off a gift certificate
to a local educational supply store. Time was allotted for
the new teachers to ask questions and pick the brains of
the experienced members. It was an enjoyable evening for
all of us, and this year, two of the beginning teachers were
initiated into Beta Gamma Chapter. We are excited about
the enthusiasm and energy they will bring to the chapter.
New initiates in Beta Gamma Chapter
AnJanette Hunt and Nina Fuller
L-R Ereka Williams, AnJanette Hunt,
Nina Fuller, Kimberly Erwin
Page 11
Eta State News - North Carolina
Summer 2016
D
elta Chi member Susan
Kuenzel, has been honored with
the highest award for National Board
work in North Carolina through the
NBCT Caucus of NCAE. Susan was
presented a leaded crystal star with the
inscription “In Recognition of Outstanding Contributions to the NCAE National
Board Certification Support Program in
North Carolina.” The award is named for Karen Garr,
a former president of NCAE, who was instrumental in
helping create National Board support programs across
NC, worked for NBPTS, and was the first recipient of
the recognition later named in her honor. This is only the
fifth year the award has been given.
Eta State NC
Chapters & Members Shine
D
elta Kappa Gamma members of Region V served as
ushers for the Seventh Annual Duke Regional Spelling Bee. This event was hosted by the Office of Durham
and Regional Affairs and held at Duke’s Baldwin Auditorium, Saturday, March 19, 2016. Fifty-nine spellers
from Durham Public Schools, Orange County Schools,
and local charter, private, parochial, and home schools
participated. Barbara Baker of Beta Iota Chapter coordinated DKG’s
ushering of this annual event.
D
elta Rho member Sue Cox is the recipient of the
Dave Jones Award for the Advancement of Youth
Readership. The North Carolina
Press Association gives the award
to an educator who uses newspapers
to create lesson plans to “advance
reading, writing and civic learning.”
The annual NCPA Awards
Ceremony was January 25 on the
campus of UNC-Chapel Hill. Dave Jones was the
former president of the Journalism Foundation at UNCChapel Hill and president of the NCPA.
Source: Sanford Herald
Send member and chapter
achievements to
Sue Roberts, Editor
suebetatau@comporium.net
Page 12
T
he DKG Arts & Humanities Jury is pleased to
announce the selection of the following North
Carolina artists and their works for the May DKG
Gallery of Fine Arts:
Carol Bostian, Nu: Riding the Rails, Swiss Farm Still
Life, and Dramatic Denali – photographs;
Lynne K. Nadel, Kappa: Multicolored Bowl, Lidded
Container, and Green Gold Coffee Cup – pottery;
Patricia T. Pemberton, Delta Rho: Rag Woven Wall
Hanging – textile;
Amy Winston: Gamma Upsilon :Garet – watercolor;
Rejoice in the Lord Always – sculpture;
Congratulations to Carol, Lynne, Patricia, and Amy! See
these and works of other artists at the following link:
http://www.dkg.org/DKGMember/DKG_Gallery_of_
Fine_Arts.aspx
C
ongratulations to Sue Roberts, Beta Tau for having an article published in the Bulletin: Collegial
Exchange. The article titled, “Bringing DKG Purposes
Alive at Eta State (NC) Conventions: A Challenge to the
Other State Organizations,” is in the 2016, Volume 82-4
issue. See page 28-29 of the edition.
http://www.dkg.org/DKGMember/Publications/Bulletin/
Magazine/82-4/Bringing_DKG_Purposes_Alive_at_Eta_
State_NC_Conventions.aspx
Eta State News - North Carolina
Summer 2016
Eta State NC
Chapters & Members Shine
Chapter Members Achievements
Nu (Region X, Catawba) Kerri Wimberly has
been asked to present the Tribute for past International
President Dr. Dorothy Johnson at the International
Convention in Nashville. The Tribute will take place
at The Celebration of Life ceremony. Dr. Johnson was
Kerri's great aunt.
Sigma (Region II, Lenoir) Coleman Becton,
Agriculture Teacher at Kinston High School, has been
awarded a $2,400 grant from the AgCarolina Fund for
Rural NC. This grant will enable Kinston High School to
purchase a hydroponic growing system for its agriculture
program which will help provide hands-on experience in
the horticulture industry. Congratulations Coleman!
Chi (Region VII, Guilford and Davidson) Tonya
Welch received the President’s Award at GTCC. This
award is given to eight candidates nominated by their
peers. The President’s Awards are for employees who
make outstanding or innovative contributions to the
college.
Alpha Gamma (Region IX, Avery and Watauga)
Lori Tyler was awarded a $10,000 Delta Kappa Gamma
International Scholarship for her doctoral work at Appalachian State University. Congratulations Lori, Alpha
Gamma is thrilled for you and proud of you!
Alpha Iota (Region XI, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain) Congratulations to Suzanne DesLauriers, who has been re-elected
as program coordinator for the Southern Appalachian
Artist Guild.
Beta Iota (Region V, Durham and Person) Congratulations to Jenny Umbarger, co-president of Beta
Iota Chapter of DKG! Region V is very proud of her for
being named Employee of the month for Durham Public
Schools!
Gamma Chi (Region III, Warren) Congratulations to Erin Simons, an exceptional resource teacher,
who spear-headed efforts to establish a program to allow
educators at her school to develop stronger relationships
with students and their parents through home visits. She
and co-worker Lauren Konicki wrote a grant proposal
and received a $5,000 National Education Association
Student Achievement Grant to enable them to establish a
Home Visit Project at Vaughan Elementary School.
Delta Mu (Region IV, Sampson, Wayne, Harnett)
Bridgett Wise has been named teacher of the year for
Hargrove Elementary School for 2016.
Delta Rho (Region VI, Lee) Kathryn Parker,
NCDPI’s School Library Media Consultant in the Division of Digital Teaching and Learning, has been named
president of the Council of State School Library Consultants (CoSSLC). This organization is composed of statelevel school library professionals as well as retirees of
those positions. As of December, 2015, Amanda Bullard
completed all requirements and was granted her doctoral
degree at UNC Wilmington. Amanda was a recipient of
an Eta State scholarship and Delta Rho’s scholarship.
The UNC School of Education honored Lisa M. Chapman with an Alumni Achievement Award at their 14th
Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner. Lisa is the senior
vice president and chief academic officer of the 58 Community Colleges in North Carolina. She is in charge of
Programs and Student Services. Lisa was the executive
vice president of Central Carolina Community College.
Delta Sigma (Region X, Lincoln) Delta Sigma is
very proud to claim the 2015 Lincoln County Woman of
the Year as one of its very own! Jill Eaddy received this
prestigious honor at the Chamber of Commerce Banquet
in November, 2015.
Alpha Lambda Receives Superior Chapter
Achievement
Submitted by Marilyn Yoder
S
heila Groves presented the President’s Award to
current Alpha Lambda president, Julia Keyse, at the
chapter’s annual spring luncheon. Julia was unable to
attend the 2016 Eta State NC Convention in WinstonSalem. Alpha Lambda has received the superior rating
for the Chapter Achievement Award for the past 5 years.
A “point” person facilitates the chapter’s efforts to reach
the superior level each year.
President Sheila Groves and Julia Keyse
Page 13
Eta State News - North Carolina
Summer 2016
DKG Educational Foundation Hosts Nashville
Event at the Wildhorse
International at Work
D
International Convention
Nashville, Tennessee
July 5-9, 2016
Hotel and Convention Registration is open.
Go to dkg.org then click on Events and then Convention
You must be registered on the member portal to gain
access to the convention registrations.
Why Wait??
June 5th is the deadline for early registration
When you register, be sure to let Barbara Perry-Sheldon
know you are going.
Barbara Perry-Sheldon <etaexecsecretary@gmail.com>
The International Scholarship Committee awarded
$182,000 this biennium.
If you are studying for a master’s or doctoral degree, be
sure to check out the scholarships, you might qualify!
The Eta State NC Organization also offers
scholarships.
ust off your western wear and boots as you pack for
Nashville this summer! The DKG Educational Foundation
(DKGEF) will sponsor Call Me Country at the world-famous
Wildhorse Saloon during the 2016 DKG International
Convention. All DKG members and their guests are urged to
purchase tickets when registering for the convention, either
online (www.dkg.org) or using the registration form found in
the Jan./Feb. issue of the DKG News.
Plan to spend Thursday evening, July 7, in the
Wildhorse Saloon located in the heart of Nashville’s
entertainment district. This three-level historic warehouse
has been converted into a 66,000 sq. ft. country music
dance hall, restaurant, concert hall, and TV production site.
Horse sculptures and murals dominate the décor with many
positioned for optimal “selfie” opportunities! The extensive
“all-you-can-eat” buffet on levels two and three features
award-winning BBQ selections and numerous side dishes.
The first floor features space for performances by
a live band and a DJ, as well as line dance instruction for
those wanting to kick up their heels. Besides dining seating,
the second and third floors include cash bars and a variety of
entertainment venues ranging from billiards to shuffle board
to big screen TVs. Use your visit to the Wildhorse as an
opportunity to wander in and out of all the famous clubs and
shops located in the area – with a ride home to the Opryland
Hotel provided at your convenience.
Your ticket ($165) includes:
• transportation (buses will run every 20 minutes between the Wildhorse Saloon and the Opryland Hotel)
International scholarship information:
•
access to all levels and activities
•
entertainment – DJ, live band, line dance instruction,
dance floor
Eta State NC scholarship information:
•
dinner buffet
http://deltakappagamma.org/NC/scholarship.htm
•
a tax deductible donation to the Foundation
http://www.dkg.org/DKGMember/Committees/Society_
Mission_Purposes/Scholarship.aspx
R
Amazon Smile Gives Back to DKG
emember as you shop on Amazon, you can
earn 0.5% of your eligible purchase price for
DKG Supporting Corporation by shopping at smile.
amazon.com—same Amazon, same deals, but DKG
benefits too.
Page 14
Purchase tickets for the DKGEF Call Me Country
event on the Convention Registration Form and join your
friends for a “get-down good time” at the Wildhorse in
Nashville!
Eta State News - North Carolina
Summer 2016
Photos from 2016 Eta State NC Convention
Photos from 2016 Eta State NC Convention