“Pathways of Possibilities” Thirty-Second Annual International Convention
Highlights of 2021 International Convention “Pathways of Possibilities” was the theme of the thirty-second in the wonderful times ahead. annual International Convention, and what an amazing path it was The keynote guest speakers brought much to each day. World from planning to reality. Sue Whelan, KAPPAN staff and a member of Understanding Speaker Avril Benoit was the 2021 A∆K Jacquethe Convention Action Committee shares the highlights. line Lougheed World Understanding Lecturer. Dr. Bertice Berry he virtual International Convention with 1852 registered inspired everyone to recognize the infinite possibilities in their stuattendees convened on July 5, beginning with Regional dents and themselves. And Mary Anne Radmacher told her audiMembership Training for S/P/N presidents, presidentsence that we never know which intersections we will encounter elect, immediate past presidents and vice presidents for memberin life, but we have to keep growing to become lifelong learners ship. The theme “Good Ship Membership” was displayed devoid and be eager to learn and to explore life’s infinite possibilities. The of sails. One sail was added for each of the key focus areas: 1 reviDueling Pianos provided a rousing Evening of Entertainment, raistalization, 2 recruitment, retention and reinstatement, and 3 proing over $4000 for the A∆K Foundation. grams. SPN leaders were told to constantly work on these areas to As the names of the sisters who joined Omega scrolled down be successful with growing their chapters. the screen during the service on Friday, memories of shared tears Each day the Educational Symposium kicked off with a pleand laughter came to mind. nary session focusing on the topic of the day: Diversity, LearnMembers used the chat box frequently to greet friends and to ing, Leading, and Sisterhood. Seventy-eight learning sessions comment on the beautiful music that played throughout the consupported these topics. Each day closed with a lively, interactive vention. Linda Hoffman, TX Beta Omicron, and her committee activity engaging members to the last minute. of Texas sisters found pieces to match the mood of each session. A The ICP Meeting on July 13 could have been “Share the Good moving musical moment was the cello solo of “Amazing Grace” News!” Mollie Acosta, International President-Elect, welcomed played by Audrey Pilafian, FL Chi. Another musical highlight president, president-elect and past president from each State, Provwas “The Dreamer in Me” by PinkZebra sung by the virtual Chilince and Nation, and asked them to share one thing they could celdren’s Honor Choir of Coppell, Texas. Technology synchronized ebrate about the first year of their biennium. As each region shared, the voices submitted by each child so that it sounded as though the list of celebrations grew. S/P/N they were in the same room singing leaders celebrated wonderful possitogether under the direction of their Intersections bilities that had happened with sisters teacher. A surprise awaits at an intersection. An intersection creates something unexpectedly other from the two in their S/P/Ns. At the First Timers The final day ended with the distinct roads (ways, things, ideas) that cross paths. event, the presenters did a ‘skit’ on introduction of President Judy GanWill you live in the mundane, between potential and what is in the suitcase that they take zert by her colleague, mentor, and practical, between you and me? to conventions, explaining things like sponsor for membership in A∆K, Infinite possibilities dwell in the places where things badge holders and appropriate dress. Florence Bishop, VA Zeta. Judy’s that matter intersect. The business meetings started reflections of the biennium showed Poem by Mary Anne Radmacher, writer, artwith an inspiring Thought for the her pride in sisters’ ability to overist and motivational speaker, written for her keynote Day from International Chaplain come obstacles and to see the infinite speech at the International Convention. Paula Davis. International Sergeantpossibilities in all they faced. Internaat-Arms Julie Kidd brought order tional Executive Board Chairman and announcements to each day. But it was International President Sandy Wolfe installed the officers for 2021-2023. The theme for the Judy Ganzert who truly reinforced the Infinite Possibilities of Alpha ceremony was “Among the Stars.” Each new officer was presented Delta Kappa as she thanked the many sisters who had overcome virtually with a bouquet of flowers and stars, which seemed to leave obstacles of virtual meetings and social distancing to continue the one screen and appear in the hands of the officer to be installed. work of the organization. Committee reports showed the positive International President Mollie Acosta introduced her theme “Share progress made during the biennium. the Love of Alpha Delta Kappa.” To share is the focus for the next Michele Davis, DE Epsilon, received a burst of virtual applause two wonderful years. when she was named the Excellence in Education Award recipient. Recordings of symposium workshops and convention proceedings On Wednesday, regional celebrations focused on the can be found on the International website. Convention credentials are accomplishments of the biennium and encouraged all to take part required to access the recordings.
T
26
K A P PA N • S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 1
