South Carolina State Organization

V O L U M E 6 7 I S S U E 3
The Digest
Delta Kappa Gamma Society International J U N E 2 0 2 3

At the 2023 State Convention, which was held on March 24-25 at the
Hilton DoubleTree Hotel, Dr. Jill Branyon received the 2023 SCSO
Achievement Award, considered the highest state award a member can
receive. Jill served as the 43rd President of the South Carolina State Or-
ganization. She began her career as an educator in the public schools of
Lexington, South Carolina; she ended her long journey as a distin-
guished professor of education at North Greenville University in May
2023. Between the two, Branyon served as a missionary teacher in Ken-
ya for 23 years. Jill’s heart has always been tender for those needing
assistance, and she has kept ties with friends in Kenya. She earned her
Doctorate from USC and was immediately employed at NGU. Her prima-
ry teaching subject has been math education. Dr. Marianne Holland (right) pre-
sents SCSO Achievement award to
Jill was a charter member of the Beta Kappa Chapter in 2007. She Dr. Jill Branyon (left).
st
served as Chapter 1 Vice President and President. Currently, Branyon
serves as a chapter treasurer, a member of the WRENS Committee,
and the Immediate Past President of SCSO. During her presidency of SCSO, she stressed the TEAM
approach to leadership and encouraged many younger educators to join the Society.
Jill attended the Golden Gift Seminar in Austin, as well as many regional conferences and internation-
al conventions. Jill has presented at State and International conventions and published articles in DKG
publications. Congratulations to this year’s SCSO Achievement Award winner, Dr. Jill Branyon!
Article written from presentation notes of Dr. Marianne Holland who presented the award to Dr. Branyon.

At the 2023 State Convention new state officers

and district directors were elected and installed.
President: Elizabeth Vance, 1st Vice-President:
Melanie Cook, 2nd Vice President: Nancy Cowart,
and Secretary: Karen Walton. The new district di-
rectors are #1 Marian Coggins, #2 April Ware, #3
Debbie Purvis, #4 Lisa McKenzie, and #5 Lynn
Mack. These new leaders will begin their two-year Left to Right: Nancy Cowart, Melanie Cook, Elizabeth
term on July 1, 2023. Vance and Karen Walton

Inside This Issue: EEC Matters - P 6 International News - P 10

President’s Message - P 2 Walton’s Appointment- P 6 Order of the Rose– P 11
New Members - P 4 State Committees - P 6 Chapter News - P11
Necrology - P 5 Convention - P 7 Calendar - P16
 Message From the President
Dear DKG Sisters, as I look back at the past bi-
ennium, I want to thank you for allowing me to be
your SCSO President. It has been an honor and a
2021-2023 privilege to serve you in the state and to represent
Officers and Staff you at International.
From the beginning, it has been a whirlwind of
Susie Epps
President meetings, Zooms, emails, phone calls, texts, and
susieepps@gmail.com fun! We broke out of Covid with the 2021 SCSO
Susie Epps
Convention and didn’t look back. I want to tell you
Elizabeth Vance
1st Vice President that I couldn’t have done this job without the help of
vnclb@aol.com my wonderful officers, my Alpha Iota chapter members, Janis Blocker,
Karen Faulkenberry, and our Executive Secretary, Dr. Kathy Carter.
Melanie Cook
2nd Vice President
Every time I asked for help, it was given. If I needed someone to
myjcook@yahoo.com cover a chapter meeting across the state, it was covered. If I needed
help editing an article I was writing, Janis Blocker and my friend from
Jane Farmer Alpha Iota, Jeni Smallwood, were right there sending their corrections.
Secretary
jfarm216@hotmail.com And let me tell you, Janis is very precise! Anytime I was about to for-
get about something that needed to be done, I would see an email or
Amanda Cruse text from Kathy or Karen.
Treasurer
amandacrusedkg@gmail.com Anyone reading this article who thinks you can’t be a state officer
just doesn’t understand. You are not in it alone!! You have great peo-
Dr. Diane Stewart ple to back you, show you, and help you with running the state organi-
Assistant Treasurer
dianestewart1@aol.com zation.
I want to commend our Executive Secretaries. I don’t think most of
Dr. Kathy Carter you realize their importance to SCSO. I have worked with the past
Executive Secretary
kcarter@csssc.com three; they are all excellent at their job and just the nicest ladies. Linda
Heckle helped me write our previous state history, Regina Spell as-
Linda Smith
Assistant Executive Secretary
sisted me when we hosted SERC at Myrle Beach, and now, I’ve had
And House Manager the pleasure of working with Dr. Kathy Carter! They have kept our or-
lbsmaddog@gmail.com ganization running smoothly. Every time we install a new president,
Janis K. Blocker there is a learning curve and a period of questioning; but these ladies
Parliamentarian have been here to keep everything together while the new officers get
janisblocker@gmail.com adjusted.
Dr. Jill Branyon Dr. Annie Webb Blanton sent a letter to all the chapters on DKG’s
Immediate Past President 10th Anniversary. She said, “As the ‘Mother’ of the Delta Kappa Gam-
jillbranyon@gmail.com ma Society, I would say this to you. It is not the number of our mem-
Karen Faulkenberry bers, nor the degrees and titles which they hold, that really count-it is
DIGEST Editor the quality of these members-their leadership, their ideals, and their
SCSOEditor@gmail.com spirit that have made Delta Kappa Gamma what it is today.”
Pamela Oliver I want to congratulate the Executive Board on electing officers of
Webmaster such high quality. I have worked with all of them, and they are excep-
oliverpb@yahoo.com tional! Dr. Annie Webb Blanton would have been pleased.
He Being your state president has given me the opportunity to know many
ladies from across South Carolina, and I can call them my friends. It
has also given me a chance to meet with the other state presidents
from the SE, from Florida to Virginia, out to Kentucky and Tennessee,
and down to Mississippi and Alabama. We have shared our questions,

PAGE 2 THE DIGEST

perceived failures, as well as our successes every month during our Zoom meetings these past
two years. We have helped each other with problems, which, once shared, seem to diminish in
size and intensity. It helped to get all the suggestions and solutions from the other state presi-
dents.
I had the opportunity to help with the planning and execution of The SCSO Convention of
2023. I feel that it was a great success. We had a large number of attendees, and a large per-
centage of SC chapters were represented. We paid our expenses to the hotel and managed to
raise money to support Headquarters and SCSO scholarships. I want to thank Nita Scott, Execu-
tive Director of DKG International, for meeting with us. She shared some valuable insights and
imparted much-needed information. I am sure some of our chapter presidents and WRENS
members are already planning how to use her ideas. We need to work on the convention's regis-
tration and payment process and its promotion. Still, overall, the actual convention went over
very well, and I enjoyed seeing so many SC members!
DKG is not only a society for furthering the position of professional women educators and ed-
ucation; it also nurtures you as an individual and allows you to grow and reach your full potential.
Once again, I thank you for giving me this opportunity to serve as your SCSO President and for
this gift of personal growth. I want to challenge you to continue to “GROW the DKG Rose! “

108 Wexford Place,Greenwood, SC 29649 (864) 344-0029 susieepps@gmail.com

From the Executive Secretary, Dr. Kathy Carter

I want to thank all our S.C. DKG Sisters who attended this year's State Con-
vention. Eighty-eight percent of our chapters were represented, and two of the
chapters that could not send representatives sent items to support the Silent
Auction or favors for tables. A BIG thanks to all of you for making the conven-
tion successful. I would be remiss if I didn't offer a special thank you to our con-
vention chair Linda Smith, our registrar Dr. Diane Stewart, and President Susie Dr. Kathy Carter
Epps, who planned the entire program. These ladies did an amazing job.
Chi member Carolyn Wall painted a beautiful watercolor print of our DKG Headquarters in
Columbia. It was unveiled at the banquet during the state convention. Note cards with a minia-
ture version of our print are available in packs of 4 for only $12.
Chapter Achievement Awards are due to President Epps by June 1. Meeting this deadline is
important because you get extra points for your chapter just by turning it in on time. You can find
the form on our state website at scso-dkg.weebly.com. Go to the menu and click on President's
Corner. Next, click on President's Notebook for 2022-2023. The chapter Achievement Award
form is on pages 28-30.
Chapter presidents need to plan an executive board session during the coming months to
plan for 2023-2024 year. It's important to get as many people as possible in your chapter in-
volved in this process. Chapters realize their full potential when everyone has a role.
It's an honor to serve as your executive secretary. I have met so many amazing sisters as I
have traveled around the state to visit your chapters. Thank you for all you do for your chapter,
our organization, and our state. A true sister bond exists in our state, and I'm proud to be affiliat-
ed with each of you. Enjoy your summer, and we'll see you at our fall training on September 30
at Shandon Presbyterian Church in Columbia

kcarter@csssc.com Phone: (803) 401-5345 Headquarters

(803) 467-6587 Cell 19 St. Andrews Place, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

VOLUME 67 ISSUE 3 PAGE 3

 From the Treasurer, Amanda Cruse
Our 2022-2023 fiscal year will end on June 30, 2023, and will conclude my first
year as your SCSO State Treasurer. It has been a pleasure serving as your state
treasurer for the past year and working with the SCSO DKG
state officers-State President Susie Epps, State Executive Secretary Kathy Carter,
State Digest Editor Karen Faulkenberry, Wrens' chairperson Martha Horton, chapter
treasurers, chapter presidents, and Headquarters Manager, Linda Smith. I have Amanda Cruse
learned much this year and loved meeting many new and old friends. I also have en-
joyed working with the past State Treasurer, Eunice Rowell. She has been a wealth of information and
a great mentor. I owe her many thanks!
The 2023 State Convention, held on March 24-25, was a great success and was well attended. I
reported to the Executive Board and the Headquarters meeting. Many members enjoyed the Friday
night banquet and other delicious meals.
I hope all chapters have begun collecting 2023-2024 dues. Neither the International dues nor our
State dues will increase for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. The International portals are open, and the
chapter treasurers can begin creating invoices and submitting dues. Dues are due to International by
June 30. Chapter treasurers can also start sending state dues to me; however, I can't deposit any
checks until July 1. When you send state dues, don't forget to enclose a check for the scholarship fee
(s). My goal is to have one hundred percent of our chapters' dues into International and our state by
September 1.
Another reminder is that your chapter 990N is the number one priority after July 1. Please get this
completed as soon after July 1 as possible so that our "dear Uncle Sam" will be happy. Another goal
for me is to have one hundred percent completed by September 1. If you need any assistance, please
reach out to me. I will be more than happy to help you.
Remind your chapter presidents to make sure that I have any changes made in treasurer positions
as soon as possible. I need a new treasurer's full name, address, phone number, and email.
Once again, it has been a pleasure getting to know all my treasurers this year, and I hope to see all
treasurers at the Fall Meeting on September 30 at Shandon Presbyterian Church-9:30-12:30.
Best wishes for a restful summer!
I welcome your questions. Please call at (803) 917-7625 or email amandacrusedkg@gmail.com.
My address is PO Box 1837, Lexington, SC 29072.

Welcome New Members Into DKG

Carol Knup - Alpha Psi Chapter
Sarah Swauger - Alpha Upsilon Chapter
Susan Adams - Beta Beta Chapter
Diane Boyd - Beta Beta Chapter
Denise Duke - Beta Beta Chapter
Kristen Eubanks - Beta Beta Chapter
Amy Ritter - Beta Beta Chapter
Kristy BrownHammett -Beta Kappa Chapter
Holly Ann Rhodes - Epsilon Chapter
Donna S. Phillips - Mu Chapter

List compiled using the DKG International database on May 19, 2023.

PAGE 4 THE DIGEST

 From The House Manager
Happy Spring from the Auld-Murdock Headquarters House! It is a perfect time to
plan a visit. The new painting of the house is a lovely addition to the main sitting ar-
ea. The pansies and Lenten roses are still blooming, and the roses are beautiful.
Day lily fans will be bringing color to the backyard soon. Call or text me at 803-361-
1208 to schedule your visit. It is not too soon to reserve a date for meetings next
year.
At our recent convention, the Board of Trustees approved one change to over-
Linda Smith night stays. A minimum donation of $40 will be the new overnight fee. Chapter
House Manager meetings and any meeting that conducts the business of the organization will still
have the $25 fee. This change reflects the increased costs of expenses. The new
overnight rate is still undoubtedly the best bargain for any overnight visit to Columbia.
Thank you to everyone who helped to support the house through the plant sales and notecard
purchases. The funds will support our headquarters and office needs.

Necrology
By Lynn Covington, Necroloy Committee Chair
At the state convention, we held our Celebration of Life Ceremony to remember and honor
our deceased members since the last convention. Collecting the names of our deceased mem-
bers is an ongoing project. If a member of your chapter dies, please remember to file a Form 6.

Send Form 6 (Report of the Death of a member) ASAP after a member's death to:
1. Membership Services Administrator, P.O. Box 1589, Austin, TX 78767-1589, Email:
mem@dkg.org
2. State Organization Treasurer, Amanda Cruse Email: amandacrusedkg@gmail.com
3. State Organization Necrology Chair, Lynn Covington, 2026 Hebron Dunbar Road, Clio, SC
29525, Email: lynnisapirate@gmail.com

When sending Form 6 to the Lynn Covington, the Necrology Chair, please include a one-page
narrative including the member's DKG activities and the member's picture (if available). The
chapter representative responsible for sending Form 6 may also include a copy of the obituary
to provide additional information.

We remember…….
Lena Mae Vance Horton Alpha Gamma
Mary Elizabeth Thompson Alpha Gamma
Agnes Louise Love Gamma
Jane Moore Bolen Epsilon
Mary Eleanor Wood Smith Phi
Drucilla “Drucie” Fallaw Long Alpha Tau
(This list was compile from the reports of member death (Form 6) received since January 2023.

VOLUME 67 ISSUE 3 PAGE 5

 EEC Matters EEC
EEC By Elizabeth Vance, 1st Vice President

Did you attend the 2023 SCSO Convention in March? If you responded yes, you
were part of an exciting time to honor our members with various awards. The Per-
sonal and Professional Growth Committee received several nominations for the Dis-
tinguished Service Awards. Thank you to all chapters who submitted a nomination.
During the General Session on Saturday morning, Dr. Lisa Stockdale, Chair of the
Personal and Professional Growth Committee, presented an award to the winner in
each of the four categories. The names of the award recipients are printed on page 7
of this Digest. Congratulations to all!
The International Educational Excellence Committee has recently started an infor-
mational newsletter entitled The EEC Umbrella. Each edition will be emailed bi-
monthly
Captionto the state EEC Chair for distribution to their state and chapter committee Elizabeth Vance
describing
chairs. They also welcome our suggestions, needs, and interests for articles. The
picture or graphic.
newsletter includes Educator Tips, Mentoring Moment, Recent Activities, Global Facts, EEC Booklist,
and Featured Blogs and Articles from the DKG website. You will find the Blogs section on the new
website, www.dkg.org, under the “DKGIEF” tab. The Educational Excellence, Leadership Develop-
ment, and Membership/Expansion Committees post the blogs. I suggest using this relevant information
“To catch the reader's attention, place an

from the newsletter and Blogs for future chapter programs and projects. To be sure every chapter re-
interesting sentence or quote from the story

here.”

ceives a copy, I will email the March Newsletter to all chapter presidents. If your chapter did not receive
The EEC Umbrella newsletter for February, or you have any questions concerning the EEC, please let
me know. My contact information is listed below.
It has been an honor to serve as SCSO 1st Vice President and EEC Chair during the 2021-2023 bi-
ennium.
Elizabeth Vance, SCSO 1st Vice President
Educational Excellence Chair 2021-23
31 Wild Strawberry Lane, Bluffton, SC 29909
vnclb@aol.com 304-890-1881 (c)

Walton On International Committee

Karen Walton of Alpha Chapter received a phone call from International
President Debbie LeBlanc inviting her to join the International Membership/
Expansion Committee as the Southeast representative. "I was very excited and
Caption
honored to be asked. I love my chapter and our State Organization and will do
describing
my best to represent you and the Southeast,” stated Walton. Walton has been
picture or
the Southeast Representative on US Forum and will be the SCSO Secretary
graphic.
this next biennium.
Karen Walton

Committee Interest
If you would be willing to serve on a state committee for the 2023-2025
biennium, contact Dr. Kathy Carter. Her email address is
kcarter@csssc.com and her phone number is (803) 467-6587. Tell her
your name and chapter and what committee you would like. Thank you for
taking a leadership role on the state level!

PAGE 6 THE DIGEST

 The South Carolina State Organization Convention was
held on March 24 and 25, 2023, at Doubletree Inn, Co-
lumbia, SC. President Susie Epps presided at all meet-
Dr. Jill Branyon ings and Birthday Luncheon. The International representa-
SCSO Achievement Award tive was Nita Scott, Executive Director of DKG. 106 mem-
bers and 5 guest were in attendance.
On Friday, Dr. Jill Branyon led a workshop for first-time at-
tendees and young professionals. Carol Bullinger presented a workshop
on safeguarding the mental health of teachers and educators. Later, at the Executive
Board meeting, state committee chairs gave reports, and the executive board voted
on recommendations.
On Saturday, the Celebration of Life Ceremony was held at 8:30, followed by the
General Session. Members voted on two state-level positions. Linda Navorska will
be our webmaster, and Dr. Dianne Stewart will continue as Assistant
Treasurer. Attendees had the option of choosing one of four work-
shops. The convention concluded with the Birthday Luncheon

Chapter
Achievement Award Legacy Membership
Superior Recognition
Jenny Trombley
Alpha Iota 50 years
President Award
Alpha Alpha Linda Heckle, Beta Beta
Xi Mary Redfearn, Omicron
Phi Dohnree Cribb, Pi
Outstanding Sara Gibson, Iota Headquarters’ Challenge
Beta Beta 50 years in 2022 Alpha Alpha Mu
Beta Epsilon Amanda Ray, Iota Alpha Alpha Psi
Alpha Omicron Betty Ray, Alpha Zeta Alpha Iota Zeta
Alpha Rho 60 years in 2022 Alpha Lambda Gamma
Alpha Omicron Nu
Excellent Virginia Atkinson, Delta
Alpha Psi Chi
Chi 65 years in 2022 Alpha Rho Eta
Gamma Mary Francis Edwards Alpha Sigma Tau
Lambda Alpha Gamma Beta Beta
Alpha Psi Beta Delta
Alpha Pi
Iota
Nu Personal and Professional Growth Awards
Phi Distinguished Service to Chapter Award
Betta Kappa Megan Rodriguez (Kappa Chapter)
Alpha Beta Distinguished Career/Professional Service Award
Alpha Lambda Nancy Gregory (Beta Beta Chapter)
Omicron Distinguished Service to SCSO
Honorable Mention Elizabeth Duncan (Chi Chapter)
Epsilon Distinguished Public Service Award
Zeta Merita "Rita" Allison (Lambda Chapter)

PAGE 7
VOLUME 67 ISSUE 3
 Pat Huggins, Fontaine Knox, and Janice Graham
work the Silent Auction Room.
Carolyn Wall unveils the watercolor
of SCSO Headquarters she created.

Annie Webb Blanton

(Treva Wagner) makes
a surprise appearance
at Birthday Luncheon.

Canisha Fletcher presents the Communication Workshop.

Catherine Spragins demonstrates

how to trim a plant at her workshop.

Priscilla Watson
and Marian Coggins
announce the new
History Book. Karen Walton and Jane Farmer rest between sessions.

Angel Neil plays the recessional.

Caption
describing
picture or
graphic.

Linda Gooding chats with members

before the Birthday Luncheon. Headquarters Trustee meeting before the convention.

PAGE 8 THE DIGEST

 Sandra Widejko, Lynn Convington, and Fran Lewis
show the items for sale at the Alpha Beta booth in
the Vendor Room.

President Susie Epps gives President Award to Jenny

Trombley.

Processional for the Celebration of Life Ceremony

Melanie Cook sings “All Is

Well” at the Banquet.
Karen Faulkenberry
and April Ware take a
selfie.

Dr. Marianne Holland, Linda Heckle and Dr. Muriel

O’Tuel

First-timers Bobbie
Wilke and DJ Wiltse

Chi Chapter members volunteered to man

Elizabeth Vance is installed as president by Susie the HQ Fund table in the Vendor Room.
Epps and Nita Scott.

VOLUME 67 ISSUE 3
PAGE 9
 From International
International Conferences
July is the month of the International Conferences. Members can choose from three locations.

Detroit, Michigan July 11-16

The Detroit Conference will focus on how to enhance mental and physical
well-being. Shop, learn, and have fun at the Society’s Expo, and attend ses-
sions with speakers, workshops, and panel discussions. Museums, nightlife,
and shopping surround the Westin Book Cadilac Hotel. Detroit is the place to
be.
Phoenix, Arizona July 18-22
The Phoenix Conference will showcase the diversity of our Society and offers
three keynote speakers, 52 workshops, and a unique location, Sheraton
Grand at Wild Horse Pass. Come and experience the native culture at the Gila
Caption describing River Community. Phoenix is calling!
picture or graphic.
Tampere, Finland July 26-29
The Tampere Conference will feature five outstanding keynote speakers
and 40 workshops. The website, https://dkgtampere2021.weebly.com, has up-
to-date information on the conference. This conference will feature discus-
sions ranging from the latest educational research to DKG updates worldwide.
Finland is waiting for you!

From the International Nominating Committee

Building the Next DKG Slate of Nominees Begins With YOU
Your invitation to DKG membership highlighted your leadership. Are you ready to apply for an
elected position at the international level, or can you encourage another member to do so?
Applications will be accepted by the International Nominating Committee (INC) in the summer of
2023. The time to plan and recruit is now! As a DKG member, you may self-nominate or nominate
another DKG member. Leadership in our organization is key to our future, so please consider this
important task carefully.
All qualifications and recommendations for applicants for each position are listed in the Interna-
tional Standing Rules (ISR) 8.82.f. These are the only qualifications considered when the INC evalu-
ates the applications.
Caption
Please ignore commonly assumed rumors. Applicants need not have
describing
 Earned a doctorate
picture or
 Attended Leadership Management Seminar (Ignite)
graphic.
 Participated in a prescribed number of international conferences/conventions
 Held a certain number of specific state positions
 Been a member for a minimum number of years
The duties and responsibilities of the elected INC members are outlined in the Constitution Article
VIII Section B.8.b. INC members MAY NOT...
 Recruit applicants
 Assist applicants in any way with the application process
 Discuss any application with anyone other than another INC member
 Support or advocate for any nominee in any way
Act now! Evaluate your interests and skills with the qualifications listed in SR 8.82.f noted above.
Guidelines and applications are on the DKG website. The deadline to submit is September 15.

PAGE 10 THE DIGEST

Order of the Rose
At the SCSO Convention, Catherine Spragins announced two inductees to the
Order of the Rose. The first inductee was Mary Lou Stroup Ulmer, born 110 years
ago in Beaufort County. Mrs. Ulmer completed her undergraduate education at
Berry College in Rome, Georgia, and her M.A. in 1957 from the University of South
Carolina. For 33 years, she taught English and home Economics at Bluffton High
School and was the school guidance counselor and librarian.
While actively teaching, Mrs. Ulmer accepted the invitation to join Iota Chapter.
In 1962 she became a charter member of Chi, serving as their treasurer from 1969
to 1975. Mary Lou Stroup Ulmer
After retiring from teaching, Mrs. Ulmer worked in administration for the Beaufort County Board of Ed-
ucation. She worked tirelessly to get a Mental Health Center in Bluffton and Hilton Head Island. She also
served on the Blufton Library Board and helped to start a Meals on Wheels program.
In later years, she enjoyed living in Black Mountain, NC. She later resided at Presbyterian Home in
Summerville, SC, where she died in 2011.
Chi chapter member, Elizabeth Duncan, gave this honor in memory of her aunt, a special DKG lady in
Elizabeth's life.
The second inductee was Dr. Marianne Holland. She was born in Pickens, SC,
and took piano lessons in the first grade. She sang her first solo, "God Bless Ameri-
ca," in the second grade at a school assembly to honor the music teacher and prin-
cipal leaving to fight in WWII.
After graduating from Picken High School, she earned a B.A. in Music Educa-
tion, Piano, and Voice from Limestone College. In 1968 she was the first student to
receive the Master Of Music Education degree from the University of South Carolina
in 1987. For the next 40 years, her life was always focused on music. She taught
choral music at several Columbia area schools, spent summers at Winthrop Univer-
sity, and from 1995 to the present she was a professor at North Greenville Universi-
Dr. Marianne Holland ty. While at NGU, she organized both the Bachelor's and Master's degree pro-
grams in Music and served as Dean of Graduate Music Education. After retire-
ment, she continued to teach as an adjunct professor in the graduate program at NGU.

Chapter News
Alpha Rho Chapter
By Virginia B. Bartels
On February 21, 2023, Alpha Rho spon-
sored a tea to honor their grant-in-aid recipient Attendees at the Grant-In-Aid Tea
Sydney Baker, an elementary education major.
The tea was held in the College of Charleston Education Building. Dr. Fran Welch and Dr. Tracey Hunter-
Doniger from the College of Charleston spoke at the gathering and praised Sydney as an outstanding Teach-
ing Fellow and student teacher. Susan Cebulka, president of Alpha Omicron and Alpha Rho’s WREN repre-
sentative, spoke about Delta Kappa Gamma as an international honorary organization for women educators.
Also present were Mr. and Mrs. Baker, Sydney’s parents, from Pawley’s Island. Sydney presented a Power-
Point about the impact of COVID-19 on students. The refreshment committee provided delicious food and
drinks. President Virginia Bartels explained the process of selection, which uses a multifaceted application;
she presented Sydney with a check for $1,000 and a certificate regarding her award.
After our business meeting on April 4, 2023, members of Alpha Rho practiced various exercises incor-
porated into “chair yoga.” Using instructions from former DKG member and personal trainer Melissa Ward
Durinsky, president Virginia Bartels led the group in stretches and movements to benefit feet, hips, arms,
waists, muscles, lungs, and hearts. Two other chapter members who attend yoga classes—Judy Manzi and
Lucy Dunlap--also demonstrated some moderate exercises. Our handout stated that chair yoga reduces
stress, pain, fatigue, and arthritis. It promotes balance, joint lubrication, and overall good health. Learning
was made fun.

VOLUME 67 ISSUE 3 PAGE 11

 Xi Chapter
Chapter News By Jane Farmer
Chapter sisters met at the Lamar
Library in February for the DKG orien-
tation/ reorientation PowerPoint pre-
sented by our special guest Linda
Navorska. Xi sisters brought gift cards
to donate to Very Special Prom, a
prom designed for teens with various
special needs in the Florence area. L to R Melinda Wilfong, Patricia Boat-
Linda Navoska wright, Sharon Byram, Jane Farmer, Deb-
Secret sisters were also revealed. bie Purvis, and Ann Elizabeth Owens
Xi sisters visited SCSO headquarters in Columbia in
March to do yard work. We raked piles of leaves to place on the curb for pickup and filled five
large lawns and trash bags with leaves. Cleaning supplies and gift cards collected by the Xi
sisters were donated to headquarters.

Alpha Upsilon Chapter

By Sandra Cassell
Located in the Irmo, Chapin, and Dutch Fork areas, Alpha Upsi-
lon Chapter awards scholarships for Early Educators for educational
advancement. Young educators teaching in Years 1-5 use these
funds to offset the costs of a Master's or Master's +30 degree. This
year the Alpha Upsilon chapter is awarding a $1,000 scholarship.
The Alpha Upsilon chapter is pleased to award Ms. Rossi Sloan the
2023 Education Scholarship. Rossi is in her third year as a fifth-grade teacher
at Seven Oaks Elementary. Rossi graduated from Dutch Fork High School in
2015.
Rosa Sloan
Ms. Sloan continues to be a motivated student herself. She holds an As-
sociates of Arts degree from Midlands Technical College and a Bachelor's in Elementary Education
with a minor in Counselor Education from the University of South Carolina. She is currently enrolled in
the USC Master's of Arts program for Language & Literacy with an anticipated graduation date of
Spring 2024. Her future aspirations include teacher leadership opportunities as a classroom teacher,
eventually pursuing the role of literacy coach, and someday working as a university instructor teach-
ing future educators.

Beta Beta Chapter

By Beth Busbee
For our October meeting, members brought a variety of items to fill “Blessing Bags” for local police officers,
which included water, Gatorade, hand sanitizer, Clorox wipes, mints, gum, crackers, pens, and gift cards to
local restaurants. Members filled 30 bags adorned with a special poem of appreciation. In November, two of-
ficers from the Forest Acres Police Department presented a program on “Safety in Today’s Times.” After a
question and answer session, the 30 “Blessing Bags” were handed over to them to take back to their local
precinct to show our gratitude and appreciation for their service.

Forest Acres
police officers Chapter members show
are presented off the bags they have
“Blessing Bags. made.

PAGE 12 THE DIGEST

Beta Kappa Chapter
By Dr. Marianne Holland
Three Tigerville/Greer chapter members attended the SCSO Convention,
March 24-25, at the DoubleTree Hotel. Marianne Holland, Co-president, at-
tended the Board meeting and served as Music Coordinator for the state
meeting. Dr. Holland was also inducted into the Order of the Rose on Satur-
day. Dr. Jill Branyon, immediate past state SCSO president, worked with first From L-R Dr. Melissa nd Cruver, Secre-
tary; Dr. Chris Eddy, 2 Vice President
-time convention attendees on Friday afternoon. Dr. Branyon received the and chair for Tigerville unit; Dr. Nancy
2023 SCSO Achievement Award on Saturday. Dr. Patricia Mercier, first vice Caukin, Assoc. Dean of College of
president of Beta Kappa, also attended the convention and, as Membership Education andst new inductee; Dr. Patri-
cia Mercier, 1 vice president; and Dr.
chair, attended workshops related to increasing membership. The chapter Kristy Hammett, new inductee,
donated two baskets to the Silent Auction, benefiting the Headquarters Fund and teacher in College of Education,
and State Scholarships. NGU .
The Tigerville unit held a meeting on April 5. Sally Black, Counselor at
NGU, presented a program on "Mental Health of our Students." Two new members, Dr. Nancy Caukin and
Dr. Kristy Hammett, were inducted into membership at this meeting. The year's final meeting will be a social
event in late May or early June.

Lambda Chapter
By Judy Parham
Our chapter has been active this spring! In Feb-
ruary, The Honorable Rita Allison, Former South Caroli-
na State Representative, summarized current issues in
education. A chili and soup dinner in March, held in the
home of Kate Johnson, included a short business meet-
ing followed by a discussion of Lisa Wingate’s historical
fiction titled Before We Were Yours. This book describes
the real-life Tennessee Children’s Home Society orphan- From L to R: Janice Pickett, Judy Parham, Mollie
age, run by Georgia Tann, where indigent children were Wheeler, and Kate Jenkins
trafficked and sold to wealthy families during 1920-1950.
The book provoked lively discussions of adoption, dementia, nursing homes, and family secrets.
Mollie Wheeler, Janice Pickett, Kate Jenkins, and Judy Parham attended the State Convention in
March, where they got recruitment ideas from Nita Scott, Executive Director of DKG International, as well as
enjoyed fellowship with other chapters at the Silent Auction, the Ceremony of Life, and Birthday Luncheon.
For Lambda’s spring project, members collected clothes and personal items for the SAFE Homes
Rape Crisis Coalition, a nonprofit organization that serves Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union counties.
After attending an Orientation meeting covering the DKG mission, purposes, history, and honors of
membership, four prospective members expressed interest in joining Lambda. Following an Induction Meet-
ing in April, Lambda will ease into summer with an ice cream social in June.

Alpha Lambda Chapter

By Marcia Bethea
Our chapter is located in Dillon County.
Members kicked off the new year in January
with well-attended a luncheon meeting at The
Olive Garden restaurant in Florence.

Linda Heckle has new contact information. She would love to hear from you.
700 Davega Dr., #90, Lexington, SC 29073 Cell 803-445-6294

VOLUME 67 ISSUE 3 PAGE 13

 Chi Chapter
Chapter News By Dr. Kathy Carter
Twelve DKG members from Chi
Chapter visited the Auld-Murdock
Headquarters on February 18. Linda
Smith shared the rich history of our
DKG Headquarters. Members donated Shutters on left are the before col-
various office supplies, over $100 in or. Shutters on right are the newly
gift cards, two rolls of postage stamps, painted shutters using the paint
donated by Chi Chapter.
and paint for the outside shutters. Chi Chapter members on the
In April Chi Chapter inducted Sherri front steps of Headquarters.
Westby. She’s a special education
teacher named “Teacher of the Year” twice, and works at Michael C. Riley Elementary School in
Bluffton.

Alpha Alpha Chapter

By Marian Coggins
Pi Day (3/14) took on a whole new look for our chapter
this year. We have found a home for volunteer work at
Creative Advancement Center. Kim Higdon, our chapter
Vice President, led this project. We provided dinner, books
Chapter members who helped at the stations
to take home, and Bingo for 52 students at the center ranging from L to R: Priscilla Watson, Kim Higdon, Gail
Kindergarten to 9th grade. Our sisters made sandwiches and pro- Clifton, Jan Tyson, Joan Britton, Ann Lit-
vided cheese curls, mini cupcakes, and juice boxes for dinner. tlejohn, Sara Utsey, Marian Coggins, Margie
They also offered prizes for Bingo, but most of all, books for each Crowley, Carol Scudder
student at their grade level, along with a book bag! It was a won-
derful experience, and the students were most appreciative.

Alpha Beta Chapter

By Fran Lewis
At their chapter meeting on March 16th, the members of the Alpha Beta
Chapter celebrated the birthday of the SC Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma
International with yummy birthday cake, ice cream, and a game of “Trivial Pur-
suit of our SC DKG Sisters.” Team Supernovas (bright stars which came into
existence through explosions)and Team Gemini (stars of brilliance) competed
against each other for trivia bragging rights. Each team had access to a state
committee chair (Lynn Covington-necrology, Marvella Easterling-Bylaws as
well as Sandra Widejko-District 3 coordinator) to act as lifelines for help with
only one of the questions the teams may struggle with about our SC State Or- Team Gemini won the Trivia Game.
ganization. Each team’s trivia questions were weighted equally with a bonus
question in case there happened to be a tie. Team Gemini pulled out the victory! The victors received prizes, but the
greatest reward was learning about our state organization through fellowship, fun, and delicious refreshments.

Alpha Theta Chapter

By Amanda Cruse

Our chapter celebrated the 94th birthday of the Delta Kappa Gam-
ma Society with a celebration meeting at Flight Deck Restaurant in
Lexington on Thursday evening, May 11. The actual Founder’s Day
was on May 11, 1929. The group enjoyed birthday cake after dinner
and door prizes with a red and gold theme. The chapter members
made to meet forthcoming on the third Thursday of each month so that
members look forward to the next meeting on June 15.

PAGE 14 THE DIGEST

Alpha Psi Chapter
By Catherine Spragins
All of us know that “key women educators” in Delta Kappa Gamma have many outstanding qualities. One of
those qualities, adaptability, comes into play at unexpected times. Two days before our February chapter
meeting, my co-president, Dr. Carolyn Briscoe, and speaker for the meeting, phoned me to say she had
COVID! What to do for a last-minute speaker? Rise to the occasion and be the substitute speaker on “My
Teaching Journey.”
Carolyn will have her chance to speak at our final chapter meeting this spring on April 22, 2023. A report on
the SCSO State Convention will kick off our first meeting in September. Patricia Huggins and Catherine
Spragins attended the state convention.
The treasurer collected dues on April 22 for the upcoming year, and the idea of a summer potluck lunch was
discussed.
Although Dr. Eunice Rowell now resides in Wesley Commons Retirement Center in Greenwood, she chose
to keep her DKG membership in Alpha Psi Chapter in the Clemson area. We stay in touch with Eunice with
calls, cards, and a DKG red rose bud on special days. She would love to hear from Sisters across the state
and loved the messages from State Convention! (Dr. Eunice Rowell, Wesley Commons,1110 Marshall Rd,
Greenwood, SC 29645, cell: 864-993-2375).

Beta Epsilon
By Dr. Joanne K. Brogis
Members participated in Read Across America at
Brookgreen Gardens on March 4, 2023. Members initially
toured the Rodin exhibit, followed by a luncheon meeting at
the Harvest Café. Afterward, they toured the beautiful gar-
dens while interacting with young children. Members also LtoR Mary Templeton, Dottie Kin-
law, LuAnn Cogliser, Linda Bar-
worked at stations where children visited to hear a book tholomeo, and Diane Stewart
read to them. Chapter member, Luann Cogliser, acquired
many children’s books that were donated to the visiting chil- Photo Left: Joanne Brogis reads
dren. The experience was enjoyed by the children as well to a child at Read Across America
as the Beta Epsilon members.

Alpha Iota Chapter

By Jeni Smallwood
President Lynn Mack hosted the Executive Board at
her home for dinner and planning for the remainder of this
year in January. Ana Galaviz reported on an acquaint-
ance whose home had recently burned, so members de-
cided to collect clothing, shoes, etc., to help as one of our
projects. Programs were planned for the March and May
meetings as well. The audit committee audited the treas-
urer’s books.
At the March meeting, Takiyah Woolridge demonstrated
yoga moves that can help teachers de-stress themselves
or aid students when they need a break from sitting too
long or getting “antsy in class. Members also got to partic- L to R Susie Epps, Tory Miller, Carlotta Chapman, and
ipate in the yoga poses. Members Carlotta Chapman, cur- Jeni Smallwood at the SCSO Convention.
rent corresponding secretary, and Tory Miller, former re-
cording secretary, were recognized for their contributions to Alpha Iota and were presented with teacher-
theme decorated water bottles.
We had four members attend the SCSO Convention in Columbia on March 24 and 25. They were SCSO
president Susie Epps and members Carlotta Chapman, Tory Miller, and Jeni Smallwood. Our chapter donat-
ed two baskets to the Silent Auction at the convention. Alpha Iota was recognized for meeting the Headquar-
ters Challenge and being one of only three chapters with a Superior Rating for 2021-22.
The speaker for the May meeting will be Dr. Sandra Calliham McMullan, the former special education direc-
tor for Greenwood School District 52 and McCormick School District. Two members will be recognized with a
certificate and token of appreciation for their contributions to Delta Kappa Gamma.

VOLUME 67 ISSUE 3 PAGE 15

SCSO Calendar
June
30 Chapter treasurers send dues to International and SCSO Treasurer
Amanda Cruse
July
1 Chapter treasurers send Form 15 to SCSO Treasurer Amanda Cruse
1 First day treasurers can complete 990
11-16 Detroit International Conference
18-22 Phoenix International Conference
26-29 Tampere International Conference
September
11 Digest submissions due to Karen Faulkenberry
30 SCSO Fall Meeting at Shandon Presbyterian Church-9:30-12:30

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