International President’s Message

Share the Love

2021-2023

Alpha Delta Kappa

The Spirit of Alpha Delta Kappa is alive and doing very well. This year has brought many challenges; sisters have stepped up to help one another in times of need and in times of joy. We’ve seen record-setting hurricanes and tornadoes, flooding, fires, and severe storms - 59 declared disasters by FEMA, leaving many of our sisters literally out of their homes or with damage to their property. The pandemic continues and we have adjusted to the new normal. Many have lost loved ones and dear friends or faced health challenges.

While there has undoubtedly been heartbreak, there has also been joy. Sisters have literally danced in the aisles this past summer, celebrating being together in person. Here are some instances where the Spirit of Alpha Delta Kappa has been proudly displayed.

Alpha Delta Kappa’s Regional Excellence in Education recipients are amazing; read statements from their applications in this issue. Here are tidbits. WOW.

“Each student is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring, and stimulating atmosphere to grow and mature emotionally, academically, physically and socially.” Karen Robertson, Gulf

“Providing students with opportunities to be successful, take pride in each other’s success, and be part of a classroom family are necessary to promote learning.” Annette Card, NCR

“...assisting students with their mental health needs so they can remain in school and be ‘available’ for learning is the most significant difference I make daily.” Lisa Caccamise, NER

“Teaching is a process of learning from everyone -- parents, students, custodians, administrators, as well as the community, and I savor every second I can learn new ideas, share strategies and continue to grow as an educator.” Melanie Kelly, NWR

“True equity is giving people the opportunity to be heard, loved, and valued for the unique person that they are, and I am honored to be in a profession where I can do that for so many people.” Helen Arceneaux, SCR

“We collectively believe when every child is nurtured emotionally, socially, physically and academically, they will demonstrate a passion for learning and maximizing their potential towards educational excellence.” Allyson DeYoung, SER

“I have resolved that it is vital to bring the joy of engagement, the rigor of discipline, and the opportunity for mean-

ingful and relevant discourse into my classroom.” Alohilani Okamura, SWR It is no secret that Alpha Delta Kappa sisters are amazingly generous. This past summer, sisters supported the following regional conference altruistic projects: Gulf: Jacksonville (FL) Ronald McDonald House has served children and families for over 30 years. NCR: Stony Lake Therapeutic Riding Center provides progressive equine therapy to serve, encourage and promote growth in individuals with physMollie Acosta ical, mental, social and emotional challenges, and Mittens for Detroit, an organization that collects, purchases, and distributes new mittens and gloves to children, teens and adults in need in Detroit, MI and other underserved cities. NER: Girls on the Run of Central New Jersey provides programs that inspire all girls to build their confidence, kindness and decision-making skills through lessons that instill valuable life skills, including the critical connection between physical and emotional health. NW/SW: HUGS (Help, Understanding & Group Support), whose mission is to strengthen Hawaii's families and improve their quality of life as they face the emotional and financial hardships of caring for a seriously ill child. SCR: Wichita’s Littlest Heroes, providing care and support for children with chronic and life-threatening medical conditions in KS. SER: Kids Making It, a youth woodworking program that teaches valuable vocational, entrepreneurial and life skills to atrisk, low-income and disadvantaged youth. Over $50,000 was donated to these worthy projects, plus an additional $18,000 inkind donations. Another WOW! A∆K sisters continue to support World Understanding. We have raised well over $40,000 for Project C.H.E.A.R (making a Children's Home with Education and Agriculture a Reality) and are on our way to our goal of $50,000.00. Project C.H.E.A.R.'s mission is to empower disadvantaged children and youth in Babati, Tanzania, through education. Now, let’s look forward to 2023 and coming home to Kansas City, Missouri, July 13-16 for our International Convention and celebration of more than 75 years of making a better world. We will undoubtedly Share the Spirit - I look forward to being with you.