Dear Chi State Members,
I have gotten way behind in adding to this blog! So much has happened since I last wrote an entry. I've been able to visit Chapters and Areas and partake in the fellowship of members throughout the State. What a joy it is to meet our members and learn from them!
Perhaps the biggest happening since my last entry was the outstanding Chi State Convention at the Hyatt Regency in Santa Clara. Every year I think the convention can't get better---but it does! The local arrangements committee, chaired by Janice Allen of Alpha Kappa Chapter, did an
incredible job. Everything was seamless due to their fantastic organization. What a team!
General Session I, on Friday evening, began with a panel of young DKG members sharing their views of balancing teaching, home, and membership.Their thoughts and insights were inspirational. Be sure to go to the Chi State website and view the video of these outstanding women educators. The video would make a great Chapter program.
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Young DKG Panel at the 2014 Chi State Convention.
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| The THAT check!! |
General Session II, the annual business meeting, gave members a chance to participate in Chi State business. Members of the Executive Board (Chapter Presidents, elected officers, Past Chi State Presidents) voted on several issues affecting the business of Chi State. All members present voted on changes in the Bylaws and Standing Rules of the State. At the end of the meeting, the convention heard from Dr. Marine Avagyan, Chairman of the Early Career Educators Committee. The committee shared a "check" that shows the monetary equivalent of the THAT hours donated by our members throughout California. DKG members have saved the State of California almost $2 1/2 million by the hours they have donated to help other teachers!
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Members participate in the business of Chi State
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| Treasurer, Marylu Mesa, gives her report. |
During
General Session III, we heard from the 2012 National Teacher of the
Year, Rebecca Mieliwocki. What an inspiration she was! Her enthusiasm for teaching is infectious! What a wonderful model she is for all teachers.
We also honored Chapters who are celebrating significant anniversaries as well acknowledging this year's scholarship recipients who are working on advanced degrees.
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| Alpha Delta members celebrate 75 years as a Chapter! |
General Session IV was the traditional banquet. This is traditionally a time when convention attendees "put on their finest" and enjoy an evening of entertainment and honoring individuals. This year the entertainment was provided by the Alum Rock Middle School jazz band. What an incredible group of talented young people they were! For the first time in many years, Chi State initiated an honorary member, Assembly Member Joan Buchanan of the 16th District. Joan is a true friend to education--she thinks like a teacher and supports education whenever and however she can. Finally the evening saw the recognition of members who received Chi State Distinguished Service Awards. Marlene Daniels, Eta Chapter, Area XII, received the Outstanding Service to Chi State Award and Marie Medford, Tau Chapter, Area XVII, received the Outstanding Public Service Award.
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| Alum Rock Middle School jazz band |
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| Initiation of Assembly Member, Joan Buchanan |
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| Distinguished Service to Chi State recipient, Marlene Daniels, with Chi State President, Judy Kearns (r) and Assembly Member, Joan Buchanan (l) |
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| Assembly Member Buchanan presents Distinguished Public Service recipient, Marie Medford, with a special recognition from the California Assembly. |
The Convention concluded on Sunday, May 4, with the traditional and moving Celebration of Life ceremony. This is a time to remember those members who have passed away during the last year. The Membership Committee did a lovely job facilitating the ceremony.
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| The white roses from each Area remember those sisters who died this past year. |
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Kathy Bauer was the speaker at General Session V, the breakfast on Sunday morning. She encouraged us to destress our lives with humor and a positive outlook. The convention ended with the traditional singing of the Delta Kappa Gamma song. It was a wonderful celebration of membership and camaraderie!
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| Speaker, Kathy Bauer, urges us to inject humor into our lives! |
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| Chi State President, Judy Kearns (l), and Chi State First Vice President, Julie Drysdale (r) |
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| Members enjoy breakfast while listening to the Chi State choir. |
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| Janice Allen, 2014 Convention Chairman, receives a well deserved standing ovation for her hard work. |
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| Linda Guelfo, 2015 Chi State Convention Chairman, invites all to the San Francisco Airport Hyatt for next year's convention with the theme---Communicate, Collaborate, Celebrate!! |
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Plan now to be a part of the next Chi State Convention! You won't be disappointed!!
Until next time,
Judy Kearns,
Chi State President, 2013-2015
