March 2026 KAPPAN

KAPPAN MARCH 2026

EVOLVING TOGETHER

ALPHA DELTA KAPPA

Alpha Delta KAPPAN VOLUME 55 NUMBER 1 MARCH 2026

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25

Features & Departments

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1

International President’s Message

2

The Power of Genuine Conversation

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Your Donations Make a Difference in Members’ Lives

5

Making a Better World Initiative

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Grant Money Supports Inquiry-Based Learning

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Classroom Grant to the Rescue

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Bytes & Pieces

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Chapter Anniversaries

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Building a Welcoming and Supportive Alpha Delta Kappa Sisterhood

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Feeding Hunger One PORCH at a Time

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Fraternity Education Explains the Whys and Wherefores

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Chapter Co-Presidents: Yes or No?

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Growth on Both Sides of the Mentoring Relationship

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State and Province Conferences Dates and Locations

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Three is the Magic Number

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Why We Use Cvent (and Why You’ll Love It!)

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Candidates for Regional Offices

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Developing a Library Collection to Meet Curriculum Needs

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Amazing Members

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Altruism

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#A∆K

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Omega Chapter

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A∆K Dates and Deadlines

Bees represent hard work, unity and community. They are considered messengers of good fortune and important change. “It was the bees and the butterfly that survived, not the dinosaur,” Meridel Le Sueur, American author.

KAPPAN EDITOR Joanne Grimm, CA Alpha Alpha KAPPAN TEAM Susan Pelchat, CT Mu Shannon Lorenzo-Rivero, TN Chi Betty Sherrod, VA Gamma Omicron Susan Whelan, NJ Kappa Julie Kinder-McMillan, TN Alpha Gamma Gwen Steele, NE Kappa Judy Barnhill, TN Beta Zeta Daniel LaBorde, Digital Communications Coordinator, Int'l HQ KAPPAN EDITORIAL BOARD Conway Blankenship, International President Mary Ey, International President-Elect Ann Marie Brown, Immediate Past International President Christi Smith, Executive Director KAPPAN PHOTO EDITOR Betty Sherrod Alpha Delta Kappa empowers women educators to advance educational excellence, altruism and world understanding.

The KAPPAN magazine is published quarterly

by Alpha Delta Kappa, International Honorary Organization for Women Educators.

Find the KAPPAN Publishing Guidelines online at www.alphadeltakappa.org.

Alpha Delta Kappa International Headquarters: 1615 W. 92nd St., Kansas City, MO 64114-3210 (816) 363-5525, (800) 247-2311, Fax (816) 363-4010 email: headquarters@alphadeltakappa.org www.alphadeltakappa.org The opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and are not necessarily in conformity with those of Alpha Delta Kappa or the editor.

Submitting Items for the next KAPPAN The deadline for the June issue is April 1, 2026. Please include your name, chapter, state, province or nation, your office and a way we can reach you if there are questions or more information needed.

To submit articles/photos, go to the A∆K website >About>Publications>Submit to the KAPPAN. Follow submission guidelines on the submission form.

International President’s Message

W

elcome to Spring! While I enjoy all the seasons here in Virginia, I especially enjoy our Spring season because Spring is a reminder of how beautiful change can be.

I enjoy walking through the yard, noticing flowering bulbs poking up through the soil, new leaves beginning to uncurl on trees, and, through the windows, Conway Blankenship observing the variety of birds working hard to build their nests in the houses we have provided them. It’s a time when nature comes alive again.

Visit our schools, and you can experience change there, too.

Regardless of the grade level, both students and teachers are reflecting on changes that have taken place. There is evidence of physical and mental growth. Mastered skills are reflected on state testing, and plans are revised to help struggling students meet their goals.

Teachers and administrators continually evaluate what’s working and determine changes needed to guarantee a positive experience for everyone.

Each of our chapters, states, provinces and nations is experiencing change. In many areas, members are volunteering to serve, and nominations are being made to offer a ballot of officers for the 2026-2028 biennium.

However, this is not occurring everywhere. I am aware of chapters that do not have members willing to take a leadership role. Unfortunately, I am learning of some S/P/Ns lacking applications for various officer positions. I am concerned and do not entirely understand the reasons WHY. The greatest danger to our future is apathy. Why are some members apathetic• When members do not attend meetings?

• When chapters disband before seeking help with various problems?

• When no one steps up to fill a leadership role?

• When there are complaints about using technology, which makes communications easier, and yet have no interest to learn the necessary skills?

• When hearing, but we’ve always done it this way, and then objecting to any new ideas?

How can we combat it? In the last biennium, our members passed Bylaws to allow for flexibility in leadership across all levels.

Co-officers and fewer required offices are examples. Chapters have the ability to plan their meetings in ways reflective of members’ needs. There is flexibility in how business is conducted, and much has been shared from our International Membership Committee concerning strengthening relationships between members. Current members of the International Executive Board, International

Committees and Boards, as well as regional leaders, are always available to respond to questions and comments.

The values we have as Alpha Delta Kappa members have not changed. Take a few minutes to think back to when you were initiated. Why did you accept the invitation? What were you hoping to experience, and what were you hoping to achieve?

Recently, our members ranked supportive sisterhood and altruism as most important to them. At every convention and conference, we celebrate the collective efforts made altruistically.

Together, we make a difference for so many. Our individual lives are enriched by the meaningful relationships we have with our sisters. Yes, even though our world continues changing, the values we had when we first joined are still valued today. Members who take advantage of other opportunities Alpha Delta Kappa offers receive so much more from their membership. The more involved you become, the more you benefit. “Evolving Together” encourages us to contemplate new ideas and take risks with the intention of strengthening not just ourselves but our organization.

Jane Goodall, a British primatologist, anthropologist and animal rights activist, said, “Lasting change is a series of compromises and compromise is alright, as long as your values don’t change.” We are entering a busy season. Over the next few months, our chapters, our S/P/Ns and our regions will install new officers.

There will be changes, some subtle and some necessary, to allow for important traditions to continue. As our sisters step up and accept new leadership roles, when you are asked, “Do you pledge your support to the newly installed officers?”, please respond, “We pledge our support” with feeling and then back it up by showing your support at meetings and regional events. Offer to serve on committees and be willing to share your experiences in positions you have previously held. Be supportive by listening and giving input whenever asked. Encourage each other to accept and adapt to change.

While I celebrate nature’s changes taking place in my yard, celebrations are occurring in our schools and in our chapters, too.

Many A∆K sisters are being named Teacher of the Year and being awarded scholarships and grants across all levels. Others anticipating retirement are being acknowledged for dedicating many years to educating thousands of children. What an honor to be selected by colleagues and acknowledged for hard work that has been done both in and out of the classroom! Be sure to celebrate all member accomplishments at your chapter meetings.

Looking towards our next season, we have three specially designed conferences this summer. Regional leaders and staff members have been planning for months to welcome you to new venues, to provide special meals and numerous opportunities to greet International President, continues on page 3

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MEMBERSHIP MESSAGE

HOW BETTER QUESTIONS BUILD STRONGER CONNECTIONS

The Power of Genuine Conversation

By Kathy Beatty, International Vice President for Membership

W

e have all had that polite but forgettable exchange: “How are you? Where do you live? What chapter are you in?” Kind. Friendly. And gone from memory within minutes.

In organizations like Alpha Delta Kappa, relationships are the heartbeat of sisterhood. Yet too often, our conversations start and end with small talk. We ask questions on autopilot and walk away without truly learning anything meaningful about the other person.

So, how do we move beyond small talk and build genuine connections? The answer lies in the kinds of questions we ask, and how we listen.

not just what they do. The magic isn’t in the question; it’s in the moment of connection it creates.

Another tenet of relationship-building conversations: after asking, listen. Really listen. The person asking the question should speak only about 20% of the time. When we allow space for others to share, we send a powerful message: You matter.

The Science of Connection Researcher Vanessa Van Edwards, in her TED Talk “You Are Contagious,” discovered that connection begins with curiosity and that our energy is contagious.

Her research found that common questions like “How are you?” or “Where do you live?” produced the lowest energy in conversations. People’s voices dropped, smiles faded, and their bodies leaned away. Those questions don’t connect us; they just maintain politeness.

Even asking “Been busy lately?” can backfire, because it makes people think about what is stressful and overwhelming. If you ask, “Have you been working on anything exciting lately?” the brain searches for positive memories instead.

It literally makes the person happier and makes you more memorable.

Vanessa calls it a “mental Post-it note.” Wouldn’t that be wonderful? For prospective members to walk away remembering your warmth and curiosity? Positive questions light up the brain and make you unforgettable.

Connection grows when there’s no agenda and no rush, just genuine curiosity.

Why Small Talk Falls Short We have all heard members say, “Our chapter holds events for prospective members, but no one joins.” Often, the problem is not the event; it is the conversations.

When we ask questions like, “What role do you have in education?” or “How long have you been teaching?” we are gathering facts, not building relationships. Those questions don’t invite curiosity or reflection; they simply fill silence.

Would you want to join an organization where the only questions feel like a checklist? Sisters stay in Alpha Delta Kappa because of connection, community and belonging. Those bonds form one conversation at a time.

The Power of Better Questions Over the past year and a half, the International Membership Committee has offered ”Educators are Heroes” grants to help chapters host events for prospective members. While the funding has been helpful, the training, focused on relationship-building conversations, has been truly transformative.

One essential element of these conversations is the reflective question: questions that help people think, share and reveal what matters to them.

Imagine how a simple shift can change the tone of a conversation. Instead of: “Where do you live?” or “What chapter are you in?” Try: “What is something you are working on right now that is exciting to you?”

The energy changes instantly. The person lights up, shares something meaningful, and you get a glimpse of who they are, 2

Five Questions That Build Relationships Vanessa offers conversation starters that help move beyond small talk. Each one invites a story, not a summary.

1. “Tell me about you.”

• Simple yet powerful. This gives the other person control over what to share and reveals what truly matters to them.

2. “What’s your story?”

• This question bridges generations. An older member may share wisdom and experience; a younger one may reveal what shaped her path.

3. “What personal passion project are you working on right now?”

• This question takes us beyond titles and tasks to purpose, creativity, and enthusiasm.

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4. “What was the highlight of your day today?”

• It is simple but sparks positivity and gratitude.

This is one more from my own experience with student teacher interns: “On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the worst day ever and 10 being the best, how was your day?”

It is a gentle way to gauge how someone feels—and an easy way to invite meaningful conversation.

Each question builds a bridge. The magic isn’t just in asking; it’s in listening. When we ask with genuine curiosity, and our body language says, I want to know you, we invite trust.

Bridging Generations, One Conversation at a Time In our organizations, schools, and even families, invisible walls can exist between generations. Younger members sometimes feel unheard; older members may feel unappreciated. Relationships across generations don’t just happen—they’re built intentionally, one conversation at a time.

Imagine these moments: • A new teacher asks a seasoned educator, “What’s your story?” and discovers the passion that brought her into the profession.

• A Golden sister asks a prospective member, “On a scale of 1 to 10, how’s your school year going?” and learns about her pride in how her classroom management system is working.

These moments may seem small, but that is exactly where transformation begins, with one intentional question and one authentic exchange.

Making Space for Connection These kinds of conversations do not happen by accident.

They do not happen in the middle of a teacher fair or while someone grabs a snack in the teacher’s lounge on the way to class.

We need to create time and space for them over coffee, during a social outing, or while volunteering side by side.

Connection grows when there’s no agenda and no rush, just genuine curiosity. When members take the time to ask thoughtful questions and truly listen, they strengthen not only their relationships but also their chapter.

A Challenge Real connection does not come from grand gestures. It begins with genuine curiosity, one question at a time.

So here’s a challenge: have one meaningful conversation this month with someone you do not know well, whether that’s a prospective member or a sister in your own chapter. Ask one of these questions. Listen deeply. Be present.

When we ask better questions, we build better relationships.

When we build better relationships, we build stronger chapters.

Connection isn’t complicated. It simply starts with curiosity.

ALZ Yearly Fundraiser is On

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he “Do what you love to end ALZ” fundraising campaign, formerly known as “The Longest Day,” is underway. Alpha Delta Kappa has set a goal of $250,000 to be reached by the campaign’s end on June 30.

Last year, sisters contributed $305,521 raised through individual donations and team and chapter events.

Information about how to donate and have the donation credited to either The National Alpha Delta team or a state or chapter team is located at https://events.alz.org/fundraisers/alphadeltakappa. Donations may also be made at the Foundation table at the regional conferences.

According to an announcement from the Alzheimer’s Association, the change in the campaign name was made to give more flexibility, personalization and emotional connection to the fundraising events. Donors are urged to make their passion, whether it be hiking, quilting or hosting a purple party, into a fundraiser. The Association feels that the new name provides it with the “opportunity to grow our impact and engage communities year-round.”

Foundation Chair, A∆K Team Leader and Past International President Mollie Acosta encourages provinces and nations to create or join teams and take part in the campaign as much as they like, “ Our provincial and national sisters have generous and loving hearts, she says. Ontario, Canada, sisters “Walk for the Cure” in May. In 2025, they raised over $8,000.

In December 2025, the UN Member States recognized Alzheimer’s as a leading non-communicable disease.

International President, continued from page 1 old friends and meet new friends. Additionally, our members will inform you on a variety of subjects as you attend learning sessions.

Officer training will also be available. For the first time in our history, each conference will consist of more than one region. Attendees will experience traditions they have come to expect, and they will also experience some differences. Certainly, new traditions will get their beginnings in 2026. Invitations and details are available in regional newsletters and regional communities on CONNECT. See page 16 in this KAPPAN issue for information, too.

As you go about the next few months, take time to take care of yourselves. Get outside, take a walk, and notice seasonal changes.

Self-care makes quite a positive difference to your well-being.

I hope to see you either virtually or in person somewhere soon.

Evolving Together,

Conway

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Your Donations Make a Difference in Members’ Lives

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By Ellen Roderick, A∆K Foundation Board Member, MD Beta

t the 2025 International Convention, five members described how they or their state benefited from donations to the Alpha Delta Kappa Foundation. Here are excerpts from their presentations.

Michelle Roosma, AZ Psi: Graduate, Leadership Academy “Participating in the Academy was instrumental in my growth as an educator and leader. The program deepened my understanding of effective leadership practices, improved my ability to collaborate across teams, and gave me tools to better support students and colleagues. It helped me become better at problem-solving, more confident in decision-making, and more intentional in fostering an inclusive and growth-minded environment. In AΔK, the skills and insights I gained have allowed me to take on leadership roles more effectively. I am contributing more meaningfully, recruiting new members, and supporting the organization’s mission with a clearer vision and stronger organizational impact.”

Sara Kelly, MA Mu: Co-Sponsor, International Teacher Education Program “The ITE Program has allowed me to personally enrich my knowledge about the cultures and customs of the countries my ITE scholars have come from on a very personal level. It has given me the opportunity to share my culture and traditions with them and expose them to experiences and opportunities they might not be exposed to in their home countries. It has enabled me to garner friendships that might not have been possible without the ITE Program, the scholars themselves, but also other sisters who are sponsors, and the ITE Board members.”

Melanie Kelly, WY Gamma: Recipient, Excellence in Education Award at S/P/N, Regional, and International Level “I donated a portion of the award funds to our Student Council, a committed group of young leaders. With this support, they enhanced school life by organizing a prom, hosting student incentive activities and providing breakfast to the school. This funding allowed them to dream a little bigger and reach more of our student body and staff with meaningful events that build community and school pride. These efforts build connection, boost morale, and create a sense of belonging that can make all the difference in a student’s school experience. I also used the award to enrich my classroom library, adding a wide range of books that reflect diverse voices and interests, as well as resources that enhance these literary 4

choices. Students deserve access to literature that excites, challenges, and represents them.”

Mandy Tribe, VA Zeta: Recipient, Scholarship and Grants Program-Mini Scholarship “For 18 years, I had the privilege of being an educational consultant in the hematology-oncology clinic, physical medicine rehabilitation program, and neuromuscular clinic in a VA hospital. Hospital Educators and Academic Liaisons (HEAL) is an organization that meets the needs of educators in medical settings. I attended HEAL’s conference, where I benefited from sessions on current practices in education within medical settings, and networked with like-minded educators. If not for the scholarship, I would not have attended this informative and supportive conference. After returning to the hospital, I utilized those new skills and practices. I shared my new knowledge with educator colleagues at the hospital and with the person who succeeded me.”

Caroline Gilmore, FL Alpha: Disaster Relief Program “The year 2024 brought its share of not-so-good things to the Sunshine State. Three hurricanes made landfall. The FL Executive Board voted to assist those states affected. We utilized the AΔK Foundation site, where donations can be made for any disaster that affects a member. As relief was provided, our state funds began to be depleted. Our state treasurer received a call from International. They wanted to transfer funds from the Foundation to our FL Disaster Relief account. This was great news. Not only had individuals and states been sending money to our FL treasurer, but donations were coming through the Foundation.”

Other members commented on the impact of donations to the Foundation on their lives.

Michelle Roosma , AZ Psi: Leadership Academy Graduate “At the time I took part in the Leadership Academy, I had no idea that the AΔK Foundation funded the program. I’m grateful to AΔK for providing this opportunity and to everyone who donates to the Foundation.”

Caroline Gilmore, FL Alpha: Disaster Relief Program “For me, being able to donate through the Foundation makes supporting others simple. I encourage you to visit the Foundation on our website and find the DONATE drop-down

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Speaking at the Foundation presentation at the International Convention in Austin (L to R) Immediate Past International President Mollie Acosta, Mandy Tribe, Melanie Kelly, Caroline Gilmore, Sara Kelly, Michelle Roosma and Foundation Board Member Ellen Roderick.

menu. There are many ways you or your chapter can provide support for the many programs the Foundation supports.”

Melanie Kelly, WY Gamma: Recipient EIE Award at S/P/N, Regional and International Level

“To the donors and Foundation that make this award possible, thank you. Your support reaches far beyond the classroom.

It affirms the work we do, uplifts students, and encourages educators to keep pushing forward with creativity and heart. Thank you for believing in educators and the communities we serve.”

Making a Better World Initiative

By Joyce McAloon, International World Understanding Committee Chair

T

he World Understanding Committee encourages chapters to share ways members spread their generosity and support in their communities through the annual recognition program, “Making A Better World Initiative.”

This program promotes and recognizes Alpha Delta Kappa members, chapters, states, provinces and nations for outstanding contributions to cross-cultural learning, relationships, awareness and involvement in global issues. The program encourages chapters to share ways their members get involved in their communities by lending a helping hand, volunteering hours and making donations, from food to monetary support.

If you ask a sister what brings her to A∆K, one of the reasons is how the organization spreads altruism throughout the world. Members bring love and support to others in their communities as well as the world around them.

When sisters start to plan their activities for the year, the area of altruism is addressed by all chapters. Sisters ask, “How can we help?” They spend time determining the needs of their community, or the needs in a program in a different country, and set a path for how to move forward.

Chapters throughout all regions have supported so many altruistic efforts. Here are a few ways sisters have reached out: • Sisters participated in collecting gently used shoes, which were sent to micro-entrepreneurs worldwide to sell in

local markets, helping them lift themselves out of poverty. This program offers people a hand-up, rather than a hand-out.

• In addition, sisters have made significant impacts by volunteering their time to support students and families in need.

• One chapter launched an environmental sustainability initiative to address climate change and encourage responsible waste management. Their goal was to promote stewardship through education, action and collaboration with local organizations.

• Sisters addressed the problem of food insecurity by providing food to nine local food banks.

Alpha Delta Kappa sisters do make a difference in the world. And altruism is one of their greatest strengths.

These are just a few of the projects in which chapters have engaged. The World Understanding Committee is aware that there are many wonderful altruistic programs that connect well with the Making A Better World Initiative. Share them with your sisters.

Information regarding this program, eligibility and how to submit a program can be found on the Alpha Delta Kappa website under the dropdown FOUNDATION and under the tab Making a Better World Initiative.

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Grant Money Supports Inquiry-Based Learning

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By Heidi Schramm, MD Sigma

sometimes find it tough to reach students in World History, and I was looking to increase my students’ reading and critical thinking abilities. I wanted them to learn the skills historians use. With Alpha Delta Kappa Classroom Grant funds, I purchased “Inquiry-Based Lessons in World History” by Janet Kirchner, Ph.D., and Andrew McMichael, Ph.D. I used this book for lesson activities to build critical-thinking skills. I did direct teaching of the critical thinking skills, and the activities gave my students an opportunity to practice them. I used a graphic organizer to visually show my students skills like causation, contextualization, chronological thinking, comparison and contrast, and so forth. Students were responsible for learning the definitions.

I had previously received a three-year classroom grant from MetLife, in which I conducted classroom research on student motivation and retention. During the time of this grant, I was interested in how students became inspired to remember their teacher’s lessons. History has not been a topic that many students enjoy, so what would it take to put a smile on their faces in history class? I learned through the in-class research that students wanted to see themselves as successful. An ‘A’ was not motivation enough. They needed evidence. I allowed the students to use a camera purchased for the classroom. We agreed on five rules for the use of the camera. Students were able to use it with specified lessons that involved the teaching of critical thinking skills.

Overall, the students used the camera almost every third lesson.

They put the photos in their notebooks, on keyrings and in lockers. These photos brought them smiles. I had designated a time period for students to use the camera and had purchased enough film for the targeted class. I chose my least motivated class to use the camera and inquiry-based lessons. At the end of the baseline, I compared that class’s data with my honors class. I found that the baselined class was becoming almost as successful as the honors class. Why was this important? For this generation of students, the results were reciprocated from the original grant, closely aligned. Grades came up with a mean of 1 grade per student, though three students came up with two grades, and one student moved from an E to a B. I was thrilled. The current data collection was through the school district-approved gradebook only. I kept my own data collection on a separate Excel sheet with student initials.

While I used the inquiry-based lessons and activities, I developed teacher-written questions for formative and summative assessments. These tests were based on World History documents in which students needed to use at least two critical thinking skills to respond. Students were graded on the accurate use

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of the skills as well as the accuracy of the examples used. This was important to assess the depth of the analysis the student provided. Overall, the lesson, plus students seeing themselves being successful with difficult concepts, increased their motivation, and the assessments showed that students were able to generalize the critical thinking skills outside of the activities.

For further information or to ask questions, Heidi can be contacted at the email address listed in the Member Directory on the International website.

Classroom Grant to the Rescue

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By Michele Bezio, GA Beta Theta

was very blessed to be chosen as a recipient of an AΔK Classroom Grant. I am a first-grade teacher in a Title 1 School in Columbus, Georgia. My first-grade students are so eager to learn to read, and over the past several years, I have worked on a variety of projects to instill in them a love of reading. I have spent the past few years working to make my classroom library a place where my students are not only excited to go to, but also are actually learning to read as well. It was important to me that it be both comfortable and cozy for reading and a place where they can read independently and safely. The storage that I had for my classroom library consisted of old, rundown shelves that were wobbly and unsafe. I have been wanting to invest in a new bookshelf for my classroom for the past few years. I have been able to acquire a good number of books for a variety of reading levels. The last thing that I needed was a safe and sturdy bookshelf to hold the many books that my students are so excited to access. With this grant, I was able to purchase the bookshelf that I’ve been looking for that is convenient for my little readers to safely obtain their books. They love the new addition to the classroom library, and they go into it as often as they can. I am so very appreciative and thankful for the opportunity to improve my classroom library.

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Bytes & New KAPPAN Guidelines

AZ Collegiate Club

Nine members of the University of Arizona at Tucson Collegiate Club attended the AZ Southern District Founders’ COLLEGIATE ____________________ Day event. AZ Omicron was – CLUBS – the host with Filomena Brooks as the chairman of the day.

Pictured (L to R) are Suzanne Maly, Sophia Culbertson, Carly Cantos, Ella Joy Henning, Kameryn Robinson, Anne Tuhy, Gabriella Kostiew, Faith Wolfley, Anna Marie Perez and Frances DeBaca.

pieces

A New Committee? Not!

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By Pat Valle, WA Alpha Delta, ABC Committee Chair

s there a new standing committee in Alpha Delta Kappa?

The answer is no. The Access, Belonging and Community Committee is not new. It has been a standing committee since 2021 and, while the name has changed, the goals have not.

The ABC Committee members strive to bring greater diversity to our membership and leadership so that A∆K reflects the communities we support. Through professional development opportunities, the committee creates conditions where sisters nurture connections and broaden their understanding of each other’s perspectives.

The Committee develops presentations for conferences and conventions that foster and deepen a sense of belonging. The presentations are designed to encourage open-mindedness, communication and compassion among active and retired educational professionals. Presentations such as “Peel the Onion” and “Microaggressions and Me” give sisters time to carefully listen to each other and promote self-worth.

Access, belonging and community are words that define the purposes not only of this committee, but also of Alpha Delta Kappa.

The International Executive Board has adopted new guidelines for KAPPAN submissions. Articles are to be submitted in Arial font. The Guidelines can be found on the International website.

Leadership Good Reads

How to hone or develop leadership skills is a popular topic in self-help books. The KAPPAN asked correspondent Sue Whelan to share excerpts from three of the popular titles recommended

by Alpha Delta Kappa Executive Director, Christi Smith.

Two of the books were written by Ed O’Malley, the founder of the Kansas Leadership Center.

“Your Leadership Edge: Lead Anytime, Anywhere,” by O’Malley and Amanda Cebula, according to a review on Amazon, offers “powerful and provocative ideas to help you mobilize groups around what matters most. It’s a practical, comprehensive guide designed to help the reader hone the behaviors, attitude and mindset necessary to create lasting impact for yourself, your organization or your community.”

“When Everyone Leads the Toughest Challenges Get Seen and Solved,” also by O’ Malley with Julia Fabris McBride, explains that “leadership is an activity—small actions taken in moments of opportunity.” Leaders, the authors say, can help others find these opportunities. “Everyone can lead, and the real power to solve our most important challenges is when everyone leads.”

“Dare to Lead: Brave Work, Tough Conversations: Whole Hearts.” Brene Brown, an academic, podcaster and researcher, has written several books on leadership. In this book, she says, “Leadership is not about titles, status, and wielding power. A leader is anyone who takes responsibility for recognizing the potential in people and ideas and has the courage to develop that potential.” Brown points out that leadership is a collection of skills that can be taught.”

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Chapter Anniversaries Chapter anniversaries as recorded at International Headquarters

Happy Anniversary! These chapters have reached milestones in their history.

10 Years

60 Years

70 Years

Missouri Gamma Zeta

Florida Beta Tau

Alabama Delta

North Carolina Delta Eta

Florida Beta Phi

Alabama Epsilon

Nebraska Alpha Xi

Hawaii Beta

Alabama Zeta

Idaho Mu

Arkansas Nu

Maryland Xi

Arkansas Xi

Virginia Gamma Lambda

Michigan Beta Theta

Arizona Beta

Virginia Gamma Mu

Michigan Beta Iota

California Lambda

Michigan Beta Mu

California Xi

Minnesota Psi

Colorado Epsilon

Minnesota Alpha Alpha

Georgia Gamma

North Carolina Alpha Chi

Georgia Delta

North Carolina Alpha Psi

Georgia Theta

Alabama Beta Phi

North Carolina Beta Alpha

Georgia Iota

Connecticut Alpha Alpha

Nebraska Nu

Georgia Kappa

Georgia Beta Psi

New Mexico Lambda

Iowa Zeta

New Jersey Alpha Kappa

Ohio Alpha Theta

Idaho Beta

Ontario Psi

Ohio Alpha Iota

Michigan Delta

South Carolina Alpha Psi

Pennsylvania Mu

Missouri Alpha Beta

Virginia Alpha Phi

South Carolina Pi

North Carolina Epsilon

Virginia Alpha Psi

South Carolina Rho

North Carolina Zeta

Tennessee Alpha Mu

New Mexico Gamma

Texas Beta Upsilon

New Mexico Delta

California Gamma Lambda

Texas Beta Chi

Ohio Gamma

Delaware Eta

Virginia Psi

Oregon Epsilon

Florida Delta Gamma

Wisconsin Nu

Pennsylvania Gamma

Hawaii Kappa

West Virginia Alpha Epsilon

South Carolina Delta

Indiana Alpha Psi

West Virginia Alpha Eta

Texas Nu

Maryland Sigma

Wyoming Epsilon

Texas Xi

20 Years

30 Years North Carolina Gamma Phi

40 Years

50 Years

Maryland Upsilon

Texas Omicron

Maryland Phi

Wisconsin Delta

Minnesota Alpha Upsilon Mexico Eta New Jersey Alpha Alpha South Carolina Alpha Mu Tennessee Beta Theta 8

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A SISTER’S THOUGHTS

Building a Welcoming and Supportive Alpha Delta Kappa Sisterhood

By Carol Johnson, South Central Region Vice President for Membership

O

ver the past few years, I’ve been looking for a new church to join. I sang in the choir at one church for almost a year, but I never truly felt like I belonged.

The people were friendly, but I didn’t feel included. Eventually, I realized it wasn’t the right place for me and decided to leave. Recently, I visited another church and was welcomed and included right away. It made a big difference in how I …we create felt. a caring As Alpha Delta Kappa sisters, whether in our chapters, environment S/P/N or region, we need to where everyone be welcoming and friendly to all. The International website feels valued says, “Alpha Delta Kappa builds Educational Excellence, Altruand included. ism and World Understanding through Fellowship.” Everything we do in AΔK is about fellowship and sisterhood. Building strong relationships through mentoring and everyday kindness helps new and veteran members feel valued. Strengthening our sisterhood starts with small, intentional acts of kindness and reaching out to others.

We can invite sisters we don’t know well to join activities and share our stories to help everyone feel understood and trusted.

By listening and supporting each other, we create a caring environment where everyone feels valued and included. The stronger our bonds, the stronger our chapter will be.

When we take on leadership roles, our primary goal should be to support and strengthen the organization, rather than seeking personal recognition. True leaders inspire others to step into leadership positions themselves, encouraging them to grow and take on new challenges. By welcoming and mentoring new leaders, we help our organization become even more resilient and dynamic.

Look at the logo for the 2025-2027 biennium: it’s an open circle—open to new sisters, new ways to serve, and new possibilities.

Ask yourself these questions: • Am I opening my circle of friends to let new people in?

• Am I welcoming and approachable?

• Am I working for the good of the chapter, S/P/N or region?

• Am I serving as a leader?

• Am I encouraging new leaders?

If you answered YES to all these questions, you are helping to strengthen our sisterhood.

So, let’s act today: reach out to a member who hasn’t been involved lately, invite someone new to join an upcoming event or offer your support to someone considering a leadership role. Your encouragement could be the catalyst that helps our sisterhood thrive.

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

Helen Keller.

Carol is the Membership Chair of TX Beta Omicron.

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Past CA State President and Beta Rho member Susan Raffo enjoys a moment of sisterhood with Pam Burris from CA Gamma Nu.

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Feeding Hunger One PORCH at a Time

By Stefanie Fowler, VA Lambda

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“

om, could you please make me an extra tuna fish sandwich to take to school?” That question, posed by young Matthew Cotton to his mother in 2010, led to the founding of PORCH Communities, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting food insecurity at the grassroots level. Across 15 states, 75 chapters of PORCH Communities have delivered over $15 million in hunger relief, feeding thousands of neighbors in need. In 2025 alone, more than 900,000 meals were provided for those in need, which translates to 1.1 million pounds of food.

Matthew’s story of asking for a sandwich for a hungry classmate resonates with me because food insecurity has always nagged at me. My mom never got over the severe hunger she and her family experienced in World War II Germany. Too often, a student would approach my desk with downcast eyes, asking to “borrow” lunch money. News stories of growing lines at food pantries kept me awake at night. It is why my husband and I joined PORCH Roanoke.

PORCH Communities combat food insecurity through the power of neighbors helping neighbors. The basic model of PORCH is simple: neighborhoods are partnered with food pantries. The pantries provide a customized wish list reflecting the needs of their clients, and a neighborhood coordinator shares the wish list with neighbors. Those choosing to donate simply leave a bag of food on their porch, which is then collected, weighed and delivered to the pantry. It’s that simple. The genius of PORCH is that it provides an uncomplicated way for people to help, and the pantry receives a reliable donation each month. Often, a PORCH chapter supplies as much as 40% of a pantry’s yearly food supply.

Because of the simplicity and accessibility of the PORCH model, starting a PORCH chapter in my own community made sense to me. Roanoke, VA, has a poverty rate of 20% for the overall population, but the poverty rate for children stands at 26%. Matthew’s mother, Christine Cotton, who is now the CEO of the movement she began, provided a support team and 10

all the materials to get me started. We know that in Alpha Delta Kappa, we are never alone; in PORCH, I feel that same consistent level of support.

PORCH Roanoke started with one neighborhood partnered with one pantry. My husband and I serve as neighborhood coordinators for our condominium community. We collected the food, weighed it on our bathroom scales, and dropped it off at the food pantry. After a few months, two more neighborhoods joined us, and suddenly we were up to three groups supporting three pantries!

In the summer of 2025, massive federal funding cuts in grants, the roll-back of SNAP benefits, rising food prices, and layoffs led to a food crisis in our country. Local food pantries saw increases in need as high as 50%, with a sizable percentage of participants being first-time visitors. In 2025, PORCH Communities added 30 new chapters and expanded into three additional states in response to this crisis.

Growth of PORCH Roanoke was no exception. Thanks to a television spot, social media sharing, and, primarily, word of mouth, PORCH Roanoke has mushroomed to 18 neighborhoods serving 9 pantries, donating over 20,000 pounds of food. One of our pantry managers said, “We are so blessed by PORCH. I can’t even put it into words.” Another said, “Thank goodness for today’s delivery. We were down to our last two boxes of cereal.”

After presenting PORCH at the 2024 Virginia Alpha Delta Kappa State Convention, two Virginia sisters started chapters in their own communities. Jennifer Thomas manages PORCH Middlesex, and Betty Sherrod manages PORCH Orange. Betty said, “I felt compelled to be part of the solution. Stefanie, along with the PORCH staff, guided me through every step of becoming a PORCH community.”

Mother Teresa said, “If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” Being the program manager for PORCH Roanoke has been life-changing for me. It has opened my eyes to so many aspects of food insecurity and has connected me

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with many like-minded people whom I now call friends because of our shared mission and values. It reminds me in many ways of my involvement in Alpha Delta Kappa.

PORCH is based on the values of integrity, respect, belonging, community and accountability. The vision is to have a PORCH in every community in the United States, mobilizing and supporting local volunteers to create sustainable, neighborhood-based hunger relief programs. Will you be the next Alpha Delta Kappa sister to start a PORCH in YOUR community?

Stefanie, a member of VA Lambda, is a Sapphire Sister and currently serves as State Chaplain. She just retired as a Senior

Adjunct Lecturer of German at Roanoke College, VA, and is a family mentor for the Roanoke Refugee Partnership and a Program Manager for PORCH Roanoke.

Above, Roger and Stefanie Fowler pass out information about Porch. Left, neighbors fill car trucks with donations. This trunkful is headed to the Presbyterian Community Center in Roanoke.

Fraternity Education Explains the Whys and Wherefores

By Judy Barnhill, KAPPAN Correspondent

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he English language is often confusing. This is particularly true when it’s the same word or a similar word but has different meanings in specific contexts. For example, fraternal and fraternity are two words with similar letters and similar, yet different, meanings. Fraternal refers to a love for someone or something, like loving a sister or a friend. Fraternity is more about a group of people with common interests. The dictionary even defines the word sorority as having the same meaning as fraternity. Alpha Delta Kappa has a standing International Committee called Fraternity Education. The purpose of this committee is well-defined on the A∆K website, with duties and responsibilities. The International Executive Board made this a standing committee in 2023.

Fraternity Education for A∆K is a method of sharing with members to answer questions such as “who are we, what do we stand for, and why do we exist?” Sometimes members use the term fraternal education when they are actually referring to fraternity education. As a member of A∆K, or any organization, would you not want to learn all you could about that organization? I certainly hope your answer is “yes.”

Since Fraternity Education is a standing International committee, it is obvious that leaders feel it is very important to educate all members in every aspect of the who, what, when and why of A∆K. Wisely, the committee has chosen to encourage

innovative, creative ways to share information through interactive activities that excite and motivate members to learn more and do more in A∆K. Fraternity education is far more than a rote lecture on past history. While our history is important, fraternity education encompasses past, present and future knowledge for its members.

States, provinces, and nations at all levels are encouraged to include fraternity education workshops and learning sessions beginning with local chapter meetings. Using the website is one way to find resources to share information and ideas that excite and encourage members to learn more and do more for A∆K. Using the resource tab on the website, followed by the “All Members” tab, will take you to a list of possible presentations for fraternity education. These documents might even be the spark that helps you create a better fraternity education activity to share with your chapter, state, region, province, nation or even at International meetings. You never know how it might inspire another A∆K sister to use her talent to create more innovative activities for educating members about the joys of sisterhood in A∆K. And by the way, since you have “fraternal” love for your sisters, remember that you are all members of A∆K because you have a common interest in the purposes, programs and the future of Alpha Delta Kappa. You know the importance of learning as much as you can to be a better member. It is also a big plus that this kind of education can be so much fun.

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Chapter Co-Presidents: Yes or No?

By Julie Kinder-McMillan, KAPPAN Correspondent

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hen I joined the Tennessee Alpha Gamma chapter in 2001, a pair of wonderful co-presidents (Teresa Ledden and Linda Ousley) welcomed me. Little did I know at the time, but the 2000-2002 biennium actually marked the first time our chapter had been led by co-presidents. Since then, TN Alpha Gamma has elected co-presidents five more times, including the current biennium in which I am serving with my co-president, Sherri King.

Sharing leadership roles, particularly the position of leading a local chapter, seems to have become more common over the years. When International Headquarters provided a list of chapters with co-presidents in the 2024-2026 biennium, the database included 175 chapters. One Canadian province and 44 U.S. states currently have at least one chapter with co-presidents, usually two, but in at least one case, three sisters sharing the role.

With chapters increasingly opting in favor of this paradigm of shared leadership, the KAPPAN editor assigned me to investigate the benefits and drawbacks of having co-presidents at the chapter level. Almost 100 sisters currently serving as chapter co-presidents responded to my online survey with candid responses about the pros and cons of having co-presidents. Several trends emerged as they shared their thoughts about splitting the chapter’s “top spot.” Most of the feedback was positive.

The primary benefits of co-presidency include sharing responsibilities, bouncing ideas between two people, having different perspectives, and checking each other’s work. The phrases “two heads are better than one” and “divide and conquer” appeared in multiple responses.

“We decided to act as co-presidents because it allowed us to have a leadership role and make an impact without having all the work land on one person,” shared Jami Paulman about her partnership with Kathy Perdew in NE Mu. “We were able to make the commitment while working a very demanding job 12

and juggling families.”

About a third of respondents to my unscientific survey stated that having co-presidents was a relatively new situation for their chapters, many attempting it this biennium for the first time.

However, Karen Ellingson-Nonestied reported that NJ Kappa’s first co-presidents served in the 1970s, and others also said the practice goes back several decades in their chapters.

A common theme in the responses revealed that electing co-presidents was the solution when no one wanted to assume the role of president alone. Many sisters stated that having a newer member serving alongside a more experienced member as a mentor is ideal. Indeed, two-thirds of survey respondents have previously served as chapter president.

“When I was approached to be president, I was hesitant. Mary Wagner agreed to continue being co-president so she could show me the way,” said Susan Halliday of FL Gamma Pi. “I am relatively new to Alpha Delta Kappa, and my co-president has been a guide to all the traditions, rules, and responsibilities of the presidency. I have learned so much about the organization, and I have Mary to thank!”

Sue Masley of PA Delta agreed, stating, “As a newer member and not having held an office before, I felt more assured having a Sapphire Sister, Nancy Galasso, to mentor and advise me as my co-president.”

As reported by Kari Melland, ND Beta, Meg Racanelli, VA Gamma Chi, Amy Singletary, NC Alpha Upsilon, and Sherry Vogel, IA Nu, pairing a retired member with someone still teaching or working full-time is also a helpful scenario.

When two people serve together, their skill sets can complement one another as they decide how to split the duties of the president. In addition, having two leaders is helpful when one must miss a meeting or hardship strikes due to health and family issues.

After experiencing several traumatic family situations in a

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row, Laura Cushing of NE Iota admitted that her co-president, Marla Thompson, “picked up the slack for me” in the first year of the biennium. This year, they flipped responsibilities so Cushing could take a larger role and create a balance. “I was one of the few members who had not yet served as chapter president, but being still in the classroom made me very nervous to go it alone.”

Amidst juggling work and life challenges, having co-presidents bridged the gap and allowed an inexperienced member to step into leadership.

Becky Masters, IN Alpha Zeta, concurred that having a partner in presidency is a great safety net to have when “difficult life events hit,” and Kay Yogi, HI Zeta, was so thankful for Jean Suzuki’s “friendship and compassion, assuming the presidency duties and keeping me abreast of things” when health issues took her attention away from Alpha Delta Kappa.

In extreme situations, when one person, unfortunately, must fully step aside, the chapter is not left completely without a leader. This situation occurred in my own chapter when one of our co-presidents chose to resign from the organization halfway through the biennium.

Many sisters agreed that having a co-president to lean on lessens the anxiety and overwhelming feelings sometimes associated with taking on a leadership role in the chapter. Others felt this plan is beneficial for small chapters or situations when recruiting officers is tough in general.

“With our chapter sisters aging and being less mobile, finding one person to serve in this role is increasingly difficult. We want to make all our sisters feel that this is not a daunting task or challenge, but a way to become even more involved and active with our sisterhood,” stated Char Lemons of MI Gamma Zeta.

Having two members serve together, especially if at least one has experience and knowledge of the organization, can boost continuity and smooth the transition between bienniums. Carol Graf of WI Zeta is now serving alongside Priscilla Wiesner, who served as president alone in a previous biennium.

“Being co-president with an experienced chapter president has given me the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of the office,” Graf stated. As a result, she has now volunteered to serve solo as president for 2026-2028.

Obviously, drawbacks are also possible when people are collaborating in any role. Although most of the respondents did not state disadvantages specific to their chapters, they did admit that there could be some potential challenges, such as the need for compromise, difficulty dividing the duties equally, the time required to keep communication channels open, and a lack of clarity about which president should be completing certain tasks.

At least one member declined to respond to my survey but instead emailed me to explain that she was not comfortable answering the questions. Realistically, not every partnership is going to be perfect, and working together can sometimes be more difficult than just doing the job yourself.

Communication is also important to consider and intentionally plan when a chapter has multiple leaders.

“There are so many emails from the state, province, nation, region and International,” said Dawn Robinson of MD Xi. “Sometimes we both get the information, sometimes just one of us. You do need to set up a system so chapter sisters are not getting overwhelmed with even more emails from two presidents.”

Despite the disadvantages, the overall tone of the co-presidents’ responses was encouraging and positive. Some shared that serving together helps build cherished relationships.

Lisa Colvin and Linda Tyson of TX Gamma Iota had been friends for over 40 years before agreeing to lead together.

“With both of us being first-time presidents for our chapter, we decided to take on this role only if the other person agreed to serve as a co-president. I work full-time as a professor at a university, and she is retired and works part-time. We felt that we could do a much better job leading the chapter together rather than solo,” said Colvin. “Sharing responsibilities and collaborating has made us much more effective leaders. I feel that I could be a president on my own now, but it is much more fun to have a co-president, especially one who is a good friend!”

In MN Alpha Alpha, “We believe [co-presidency] evolved because sisters found that by sharing a position, they can use their talents and experiences but with less time and involvement. Another great reason is that it is always more fun to do it with another person,” Mary Abuan and Kathi Treston wrote.

Angee Reed of NC Tau summarized co-presidency well by saying, “Sharing the stress and responsibility helps to prevent burnout for the leaders, which leads to greater longevity and more consistent performance. It’s rare for one individual to possess every skill needed to lead an organization. Co-presidents bring a broader range of expertise to the executive role.”

In today’s world, when many chapters are struggling to fill a full slate of officers, allowing shared positions may be a solution to consider. Mary Wagner of FL Gamma Pi credits co-presidency with helping her chapter avoid disbanding. Lori Chun of HI Kappa agreed, stating that with all the responsibilities that come with the office of president, “having co-presidents/officers/committee chairs may be the only way we can survive as an active, thriving organization.”

Freda Doster of GA Alpha Psi is a 30-year member who has led three different chapters. “I have found that it is not uncommon for us to ‘tag’ newer members for leadership roles that they may not be prepared for. We have also seen a decline in experienced members willing to step into leadership - typically because they have ‘been there, done that’ and are unwilling to serve again. If we are to remain a viable organization, we need to consider alternative options of service, such as co-sharing officer responsibilities. This will allow individuals to have a support system as they navigate through their responsibilities,” said Doster.

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Growth on Both Sides of the Mentoring Relationship

By Susan Pelchat, KAPPAN Correspondent

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entoring has a powerful impact on personal and professional growth, creating a bridge between experience and desired goals. Effective mentorship helps individuals gain confidence, develop new skills, and navigate challenges with guidance from someone who has walked the path before them. As Alpha Delta Kappa increasingly builds supportive relationships, mentorship is a strategic tool for cultivating talent, strengthening connections and building lasting success.

A key example of the mentoring process is at work in the A∆K Leadership Academy. Now in its third biennium, experienced leaders have offered their support to aspiring leaders, whether their goals are Alpha Delta Kappa leadership, educational leadership or community service as a leader. Communications and connections thrive in the mentorship model offered by the Academy.

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Mentors and mentees engaged in shared learning through leadership readings, reflective discussions, and intentional exploration of individual strengths. Together, they examined how those strengths could be applied and developed in future leadership roles. To better understand the impact of these experiences, mentors were invited to reflect on insights and outcomes that emerged from the mentoring process. They discovered the rewarding aspects of meeting and establishing a relationship with mentees. Sharing ideas, making long-lasting connections, building trust and strong friendships, and learning more about themselves as leaders were reflected in their responses.

Mentors experienced challenges, some predictable. A small number of mentees chose to leave the program for various reasons, including time constraints, shifting interests or uncertainty about expectations. Professional and personal obligations sometimes interfered with their ability to meet. Mentors who

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lost their mentees tried unsuccessfully to encourage them to continue in the program. There was a period wherein mentors met with the Academy board separately from their mentees. That practice was altered; including everyone in meetings proved to be a more effective and informative communication process.

Over time, the program has been refined in response to participant feedback. Mentors reported improved communication with mentees, and clearer program outlines helped mentors better understand expectations. Shared learning experiences—such as reading selected books and analyzing survey results—benefited both mentors and mentees.

The Leadership Academy Board demonstrated a strong commitment to continuous improvement by listening to suggestions and implementing changes that strengthened mentoring partnerships. Mentors recommended additional ZOOM sessions, increased training in coaching techniques, and more comprehensive mentor preparation. As Yvette Keel, NC Beta Upsilon, observed, the board’s responsiveness reflected its own evolving leadership, making the program increasingly effective.

Linda Rissel, NJ Lambda, further noted that the thoughtful engagement of fellow mentors, mentees, and the Leadership Academy Board reaffirmed the value of her 50-year membership in Alpha Delta Kappa.

Mentors observed that several mentees possessed exceptional talents and were encouraged to pursue additional Alpha Delta Kappa leadership opportunities. One mentee began mentoring others, while another gained the confidence to take a stand on important issues after engaging in thoughtful discussions of differing perspectives. Through these experiences, she learned that while years of membership may reflect experience—even within Alpha Delta Kappa—they do not always equate to knowledge or leadership ability.

Across the program, those surveyed frequently cited increased self-confidence resulting from the open exchange of ideas among members of diverse ages and levels of experience.

As mentees interacted with seasoned leaders, their strengths were affirmed and their comfort zones expanded, reinforcing the program’s value for both personal and organizational growth.

One mentor expressed her mentee’s excitement to learn and learn more. She said her mentee had the ability to focus and narrow her thinking when creating her capstone project. She learned to delegate, then check, check, check. She had open and honest conversations with the mentor. As chapter president, she tried new ideas; then, she and her mentor would discuss the pros and cons of the results. She decided to step out and step up to a district position next biennium. Leaders training leaders proved to assist in the development of self-confidence.

One mentee was already seeking opportunities both at work and within her community to develop her leadership style when she joined the Academy. Over their two years of working together, the mentor watched the mentee grow in confidence

and skills. In another pairing, the mentor said she was honored that her mentee continues to reach out to her. They visit occasionally and make it a point to connect during times of personal need. They call and laugh about issues that have been resolved.

The mentor said they always end with a positive conversation.

When asked to offer advice for mentors in any capacity, survey respondents shared insights grounded in experience and genuine care. Julie Brown quoted Sarah Sladek, author of the “Next Gen Summit 2025.” Sladek encourages mentors to “be the canvas, not the paintbrush.” Several mentors emphasized the importance of listening and allowing mentees to shape their own questions and growth. As Cheryl Sigel advised, “Listen. Let the participant ask her questions.” Others highlighted the reciprocal nature of mentoring. “The mentor learns as much as or more than the mentee,” noted Joyce Perkins, while Mary Ann Engelhart urged mentors to continue evolving themselves: “Don’t just be who you are. Move, evolve, change, grow, and become better each day.”

Building strong relationships also emerged as essential. Melanie Collins and Pat Hardin stressed that getting to know mentees both personally and professionally, sharing one’s own experiences and offering consistent support are key to successful mentoring.

Mentors also reflected on the broader impact of their roles.

Yvette Keel shared that working with participants from her own state has been a meaningful way to help cultivate future leaders. Linda Rissel described mentoring as “a delicate balance—not creating someone in your own image, but allowing them to create themselves.” Echoing this sentiment, Betty Jo Evers observed that the highest degree of leadership lies in mentoring, which requires trust, respect, authenticity, and modeling collaborative leadership. Across responses, one theme was unmistakable: listening. “Leadership is not a job; it’s a relationship,” wrote Mary Johnson, while Mollie Acosta encouraged mentors to “listen and learn; enjoy every moment.” Carol Johnson summed it up simply: "mentoring is well worth the time and effort."

The Leadership Academy Board members are: Jamie Hawkins, Chair, NV Eta; Emily Costillo, VA Alpha Omicron; and Laura Brown, TX Gamma Theta. ; HQ Liason Phyllis Robinette and IEB Liaison Julie Kidd. The mentorship program continues to evolve as mentors, experienced leaders, and participants provide input for change. Information on how you can participate as a mentor or mentee is on the International website.

Thank you to this articles’s contributing mentors: Joyce Perkins, KS Beta Epsilon; Robin Miller, TX Gamma Nu; Rachel Shankles, AR Alpha Epsilon; Carol Johnson, TX Beta Omicron; Pat Hardin, WV Alpha Epsilon; Melanie Collins, TN Beta Theta; Mollie Acosta, CA Xi; Mary Ann Englehart, IEB; Julie Brown, KY Alpha Eta; Julie Brown, KY Alpha Eta; Yvette Keel, NC Beta Upsilon, Linda Rissel, NJ Lambda; Betty Jo Evers, AZ Iota, Mary Johnson, ON Psi; Cheryl Sigel, KS Iota.

Susan Pelchat was International President when the Leadership Academy was created.

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Good Times Ahead!

REGIONAL CONFERENCES DATES AND LOCATIONS

North Central, Northwest, Southwest June 24-26 ~ Park MGM Las Vegas, NV

Northeast, Southeast

July 13-15 ~ Gaylord Opryland Hotel, Nashville, TN

Gulf and South Central

July 20-22 ~ JW Marriott, Canal St, New Orleans, LA Conference and convention information provided by A∆K Headquarters.

STATE, PROVINCE AND NATION CONVENTION DATES AND LOCATIONS

GULF REGION Alabama Florida Georgia Jamacia Louisana Mississippi Puerto Rico

May 22-24 April 24-26 May 1-3 May 9 March 13-15 April 17-19 April 10-12

Montgomery Jacksonville Atlanta Montego Bay St. James Bossier City Pearl Ponce

NORTH CENTRAL REGION Illinois Indiana Iowa Manitoba Michigan Minnesota Nebraska North Dakota Ontario South Dakota Wisconsin

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April 17-18 April 17-18 April 25 April 24-25 April 24-26 April 24-25 April 11 May 1-2 May 22-23 June 2 May 1-2

Galesburg Plainfield Ames Winnipeg Mt. Pleasant Roseville Norfolk Wahpeton Niagara-on-the Lake Sioux Falls Stevens Pt.

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Embassy Suites Southbank Marriott Perimeter Center Hilton Garden Inn/Homewood Suites Holiday Day Inn Express A Loft

Carol Sandberg Jr. College MADE City Church Member’s home CMU campus /Marriott Courtyard Roseville Lutheran church St. John’s Lutheran church Lutheran church White Oaks Resort and CC Grace Lutheran church

NORTHEAST REGION Connecticut Delaware Maine Massachusetts New Hampshire New Jersey New York Ohio Pennsylvania Rhode Island Vermont

May 2 April 25 April 11 May 2 April 18 May 2 May 15 April 24 April 25 May 20 April 11

Berlin Dover Portland Oxford Manchester Pittsgrove Niagara Falls Columbus Harrisburg Cumberland Barre

NORTHWEST REGION Alaska Idaho Montana Oregon Washington Wyoming

April 18 April 11 June 6 May 2 April 25 May 16

Fairbanks Meridian Dillon Salem Yakima Casper

SOUTH CENTRAL REGION Arkansas Kansas Mexico Missouri Oklahoma Texas

April 24-25 May 1-2 April 18 April 10-11 June 5-6 June 11-14

SOUTHEAST REGION Kentucky Maryland North Carolina South Carolina Tennessee Virginia West Virginia

April 10-12 March 13-15 April 24-26 April 17-19 April 17-18 March 20-22 April 24-26

April 24-25 May 1-3 April 10-12 March 20-21 May 8-9 June 6-7 April 17-19

Wedgewood Resort Meridian Senior Center First Baptist Church of Dillon Comfort Suites Kaminski Conference Center Roosevelt High School

Little Rock El Dorado Mexico City St. Charles Tahlequah League City

Drury Inn Cherokee/Hotel Tahlequah South Shore Harbor Hotel/Conference Center

Shepherdsville Bowie Willmington Columbia Franklin Newport News Pipestem

Paroquet Conference Center Bowie Comfort Inn Embassy Suites Hilton Columbia Center Marriott Newport News Marriott Pipestem State Park

SOUTHWEST REGION Arizona California Colorado Hawaii Nevada New Mexico Utah

Casa Mia at the Hawthorne The Hive 28, Lookerman Doubletree J. Anthony Fratellos Running Deer Gold Club Doubletree Quest Center Best Western Premier Central hotel Angelos Palace PIzza Hedding Congregational church

Mesa Clovis Castle Rock Kane‘ohe Las Vegas Albuquerque Murray

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Immanuel Baptist church El Dorado Senior Center

Marriott Delta Hotel Clovis Veterans’ Memorial Building Parker Hotel, PACE Center, PACE School Windward Community College Doubletree Marriott Courtyard TownePlace Suites 17

Three is the Magic Number

By Paula Henry, A∆K Event Planner and Executive Assistant

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ig things are happening! With Regional Conference attendance down 32% since 2012, it’s time to shake things up—and we’re turning this challenge into an exciting opportunity.

Reimagining Regional Conferences When Headquarters began planning for the 2026 Regional Conferences, it became clear that the old model just wasn’t keeping up.

Hotels couldn’t offer the space we needed for our dynamic meal functions, interactive learning sessions, and bustling altruistic sales. Add in the rapidly rising cost of technology, and the numbers simply didn’t add up.

But instead of scaling back, we’re stepping forward with a bold new approach.

We want to deliver conferences that are vibrant, valuable and financially smart—and that means we can’t commit to contracts that don’t serve our members or our mission. Three Is Now the Magic Number.

The Exciting New Path: Combining Regions

The Advantages of Being There

Here’s where the magic happens. By combining regions for conference planning, we unlock big advantages: • More attendees = more energy, more connections, more impact • Greater bargaining power with hotels and vendors • Better pricing and more value delivered per person • Stronger, more innovative conference experiences And here’s another win: regional presidents will now get the chance to collaborate with fellow leaders from other regions, creating powerful cross-regional partnerships. This opens the 18

door to fresh ideas, shared strengths, innovative problem-solving and dynamic team-building that takes leadership to the next level. It’s a true win–win for our organization and for the future of our Regional Conference experience.

In other words, regions working together means better conferences for everyone—more learning, more networking, more excitement and more unforgettable moments.

As Alpha Delta Kappa looks toward 2026, there has never been a more important — or more rewarding — time for members to attend S/P/N conventions and regional conferences. These events are more than gatherings; they are energizing experiences that strengthen our sisterhood, deepen our purpose, and shape the future of our organization.

Attending is the opportunity to reignite your passion for AΔK. Every member who attends leaves with something powerful: renewed enthusiasm. Being surrounded by committed, joyful sisters reminds us why we joined Alpha Delta Kappa—and why our mission matters. If you’re seeking fresh motivation or connection, these events offer it in abundance.

Your presence does matter. AΔK thrives when members are engaged. Attending a convention or conference ensures your ideas, your chapter, and your S/P/N are represented. Your voice and your vote help determine our direction for the next biennium. When members show up, AΔK grows stronger.

The workshops, speakers and collaborative sessions provide practical tools for leadership and professional excellence, helping you grow as a leader and educator. Whether you’re stepping into a new role, preparing future leaders or

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simply seeking new inspiration, you’ll gain skills that support both your chapter work and your life beyond AΔK. At conventions and conferences, we celebrate what we have achieved together, and we honor the accomplishments of members who live our ideals every day. Celebrating each other’s successes reminds us that AΔK’s influence reaches classrooms, communities and countries around the world.

There is nothing quite like the laughter, conversations and connections made at these events. Whether you’re catching up with longtime sisters or meeting new friends from across your region, the sense of belonging is unforgettable.

Beyond the meaningful moments, conventions and conferences offer fun—from special ceremonies and entertainment to local exploration and time simply enjoying the company of remarkable women.

2026 is Your Opportunity to Experience All This

Be part of the inspiration. Be part of the decision-making.

Be part of the joy. Most of all—be there. Members who attend return with resources, ideas and excitement that spark new life into and strengthen their chapters. From revitalized programs to innovative service projects, the impact of one attending sister often spreads through an entire chapter.

Convention Chairs Have a Background of Leadership Mary Jane Henderson, WA Alpha Nu, and Kris Hinz, ID Sustaining, were appointed co-chairs of the 2027 International Convention by International President Conway Blankenship.

Both have served in a wide variety of leadership roles in A∆K. Kris, a Silver Sister, has twice served as Idaho State President and has held offices in her state and in the Northwest Region. She has been the co-chair of learning sessions at Northwest Region conferences and, recently, as the chair of the International Convention Education Symposium. She is a sixth-grade science and language arts teacher.

Mary Jane has served in leadership roles in three chapters. In the Gulf Region, she was president of Beta Mu and held regional offices. She was a member of Tau chapter in Idaho Falls before moving to Washington, where she joined Alpha Nu. Mary Jane, a Sapphire Sister, was the Northwest Region International Vice President from 2015-2017.

The 2027 International Convention is July 14-18, 2027, in Spokane, WA. Presentations on what not to miss in Spokane will be made at all three Regional Conferences.

Why We Use Cvent (and Why You’ll Love It!)

By Paula Henry, Event Planner and Executive Assistant

We use Cvent at Regional Conferences because it makes everything easier for you—truly.

• Easy Check-In. No long lines or confusing steps. Just a quick scan and you’re in.

• Your Schedule in One Place. No hunting for papers or wondering where to go next. The app keeps your sessions, times and locations organized for you.

• Helpful Reminders. If something changes, Cvent gently alerts you so you never miss anything important.

• All Presentations Are Online Now. No more stacks of handouts! All speaker presentations and materials are

available right in Cvent. You can read them, save them, and revisit them anytime—before, during, or after the conference. Easy and accessible.

• No Tech Skills Needed. If you can tap a screen, you can use Cvent. And if you’d like help, we always have friendly volunteers ready to walk you through it.

• Less Paper, Less Stress. Everything you need is on your phone—simple, clean and clutter-free.

Cvent isn’t about being “techy”—it’s about making your conference smoother, calmer, and more enjoyable.

You’ll be surprised how easy it is.

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C A N D I D AT E S F O R R E G I O N A L O F F I C E S

Meet the Candidates Offering for Regional Offices The candidates for regional offices were asked to give two goals for their term of office, should they be elected, and to speak to the abilities, talents and strengths they would bring to the region, including their areas of expertise and how they would be utilized to move the region forward in the next two years. Here are their responses. Further information about each candidate is on the International website. Installation of the officers will take place at the Regional Conferences.

GULF REGION

Gulf Regional President-Elect Liz (Elizabeth) Lilly, FL Gamma Beta

Goal 1: Build relationships with the leadership teams in the Gulf Region. Specifically focusing on working closely with the Gulf Presidents-Elect.

Goal 2. Work with the Gulf Region Council to strengthen communication by utilizing diverse platforms including Alpha Delta Kappa CONNECT, Facebook, email and dig-

ital newsletters.

Building relationships and communication are two of my strengths that I would bring to the Gulf region.

Building relationships is the foundation to growing membership and recognizing and encouraging members to step outside their comfort zone and take on leadership roles at all levels. Effective, timely communication is vital to keep all members informed of what is happening in our organization. I will use my expertise in technology to utilize online platforms, including CONNECT and Facebook, for communication. As a communicator, I am also here to listen, to inspire and to motivate our members to shine in Alpha Delta Kappa.

GULF REGION

Gulf Regional Vice President for Membership Caroline Gilmore, FL Alpha

My vision for Alpha Delta Kappa is to embrace the changes taking place within the generations. First, we must learn from our past members. Second, we should seek guidance and leadership from our new members.

Remembering our mission and purpose gives us direction to strive for the best in us.

As a Gulf Region leader, I will concentrate on gathering and providing information to disseminate 20

among our Gulf sisters. My leadership skills have developed while serving at several levels of our organization. I have encouraged membership, worked cooperatively with chapters, and listened to chapter needs. Our move forward in the Gulf will be done by focusing on our educators, networking and educating our members. My creative ability will utilize newsletters and technology to provide information in a timely manner to S/P/N's and chapters.

As we meet and work together as a region, we will strengthen the S/P/N's we effect.

NORTH CENTRAL REGION North Central Regional President Valerie S Johnson, IL Xi

1. Through communication with S/P/N and chapter leaders, provide success stories of shared and micro leadership models with members, through newsletters, learning sessions, in person and virtual meetings.

2. Help identify mentors to assist chapters in using technology to complete on-line reports and access resources on the Interna-

tional website.

As an Alpha Delta Kappa member for 49 years, I have been in four different chapters, serving in leadership roles at chapter and state levels. I was a speech/language pathologist for 15 years, then transitioned to fund development for 20 years, writing grants, working with volunteers, planning special events. “Everything is developmental” is the phrase I think of in nurturing and strengthening relationships whether it be potential, new or longtime members of Alpha Delta Kappa.

Being a good listener and mentor encourages others to share their talents and interests to work as a team member on projects and activities.

North Central Regional President-Elect Lisa Roeske, ND Delta, by appointment

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C A N D I D AT E S F O R R E G I O N A L O F F I C E S

North Central Regional Vice President for Membership Sharon Copt, MN Alpha Alpha

1) To encourage revitalization of chapters using techniques from Membershift.

2) To encourage formation of new chapter growth following Kathy Beatty’s prescription for establishing new chapters. Working with S/P/N leadership in North Central to accomplish #1 and 2 along with guidance from International’s expertise.

1) As state membership chair I was able to obtain 10 members for a chapter in Alexandria, MN. With some political mechanics another person took over this venture that sadly never materialized. I was told by state leadership at the time that this process wouldn’t move forward.

2) I have a passion for AΔK and establishing new members within our own Alpha Alpha chapter. I’ve assisted MN Gamma with new members in the past. I’m now their Big Sister on the S/P/N executive board. I realize the future of our organization relies on new members and want to join challenge.

NORTHEAST REGION

Northeast Regional President-Elect Jennifer (Jen) Robitaille, ME Alpha

- Support membership through retention of current members, reinstatement of past members, and addition of new members gained through the awareness of Alpha Delta Kappa in the community.

- Build communication skills across chapter, SPN, region, and International levels utilizing the strengths across generational differences of our membership. I believe in, and live, the vision, mission, and purposes of Alpha Delta Kappa.

As a leader and educator with a servant leadership style, I prioritize and support the needs and growth of those around me making a stronger and more cohesive team or organization, fostering trust and collaboration. I think this would support my work in Alpha Delta Kappa as we strive to support excellence in education, altruism, and world understanding. My experience with adult learners, organization, and technology are all assets to moving the work of Alpha Delta Kappa forward in the Northeast Region.

Northeast Regional Vice President for Membership Judith Anne Gilberti, NJ Sustaining

Goal 1: Strengthen Chapter Engagement: promote membership growth strategies, foster mentorship with new and experienced members, and encourage participation in regional and International activities/events.

Goal 2: Enhance Member Retention: celebrate achievements, recognize service and cultivate a supportive environment by highlighting the value and sisterhood of Alpha Delta Kappa.

As Vice President for Membership in the Northeast Region, I bring strong organizational, communication and leadership skills, combined with a deep commitment to fostering sisterhood and growth within Alpha Delta Kappa. My strengths include collaboration, creative problem-solving, and the ability to inspire and motivate others through encouragement and example. With experience in mentoring, program development and member engagement, I aim to promote connection, celebrate diversity, and strengthen retention across chapters. My expertise in strategic planning and relationship building will help advance membership initiatives, ensuring our organization continues to thrive, empower women educators, and honor the legacy of Alpha Delta Kappa.

NORTHWEST REGION

Northwest Regional President Nancy D Dreydoppel, AK Gamma

To share smiles across the miles by sharing stories of teachers’ experiences at the chapter, S/P/N, and Regional levels.

To build camaraderie in AΔK, with current, new and former members.

My biggest goal in life is Kindness for all.

I see and make sure everyone is included, all are accepted and not left out. Being positive and showing empathy is a big part of who I am. Encouraging others and seeing their potential is something I try to achieve.

Strengths that I possess include being punctual, creative, thinking outside the box and I love to sing. I have been told by many sisters that I have contagious enthusiasm. My hope would be to share and pass these traits on to my Northwest sisters.

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C A N D I D AT E S F O R R E G I O N A L O F F I C E S

Northwest Regional Presidents-Elect Carol Fujioka, WA Alpha Rho and Penny Huck, WA Pi

feel involved, heard and relevant. Our organization has been a leader in the field of education, and I will continue to build upon the foundation that has grown since our beginnings.

Maintain thoughtful leadership that builds trust, resilience, and sustainable success. Leadership is listening, lifting others & making space for every voice. We navigate change with grace, cultivate values-driven cultures, and make strong decisions.

Promote the power of connection, creativity, and community to foster all perspectives with our Alpha Delta Kappa sisters.

Serving as leaders TOGETHER in Alpha Delta Kappa offers unique opportunities to contribute to the professional and personal growth of educators while supporting a network built on altruism, world understanding and sisterhood. Our “why” for leadership helps clarify our motivation and guides our actions within the organization. These motivations drive our commitment to serve and lead with compassion, integrity and purpose.

We want to foster a culture where innovation is welcomed, traditions are honored and every member feels seen and valued.

Northwest Regional Vice President for Membership Kris Hinz, ID Sustaining, by appointment

SOUTH CENTRAL REGION

South Central Regional President-Elect Nancy Carr, TX Sigma

1. One of my goals would be to build a mentorship program for S/P/N's and chapters throughout the region to enforce retention of members.

2. Another goal would be to make sure that the S/P/N's and chapters continue to have better communications making the organization more relevant within the region. My biggest asset is my positive attitude.

I am a listener and a problem solver. Education is at a crossroads and our organization needs to uplift members with inspiration, motivation and innovation. As a leader in my region, I would strive to create an environment where women educators 22

South Central Regional Vice President for Membership Shelly Couch, TX Epsilon, by appointment

SOUTHEAST REGION

Southeast Regional President-Elect Laura Beaton, VA Beta Chi

Communication is a key component.

I want to make sure that ALL sisters feel included and take part in the communication process. Technology is another focus, so sisters feel comfortable completing the required paperwork. Therefore, each state could have key people to be the contacts for technology questions. Strengths I bring to the Southeast Region are I am a diligent and enthusiastic worker and willing to learn.

My goal is to help others see their potential. Everyone has something to share to make our region even stronger. Serving as the Southeast Regional Vice President for Membership for three years has given me the opportunity to meet and collaborate with many sisters. We need to work together more to accomplish tasks at all levels. This is how we make connections with other sisters.

We have different talents, so let’s utilize them and encourage sisters to enjoy Alpha Delta Kappa!

Southeast Regional Vice President for Membership Gena Richardson, KY Kappa

1) To encourage chapters to keep maintaining and building up their memberships 2) To assist members/ state Vice President of Membership/chapters with needed assistance I was the Vice President for Membership which helped me to get to personally meet my Kentucky sisters and see the many differences of how chapters work and how to help them. I eagerly continue

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C A N D I D AT E S F O R R E G I O N A L O F F I C E S

to give chapters/individuals any support they might ask me for. I worked to get the collegiate club started at the University of Kentucky and continue attending their meetings. I am now working with the University of Louisville about establishing a collegiate club. I feel that these clubs are such a positive outreach for chapters and the future of Alpha Delta Kappa.

Southwest Co-Regional Presidents-Elect Susan Okano, HI Nu and Tina Yung, HI Lambda, by appointment

SOUTHWEST REGION

My vision for Alpha Delta Kappa is to build strong relationships, which are the foundation of a successful organization. 1. Making meaning connections through active listening, training and creating innovative initiatives. 2.

Charter new chapters, Virtual chapters, and Collegiate Clubs to ensure continued growth in numbers while following our vision.

My strongest strength is the ability to lead with enthusiasm, encouragement and excitement so others can reach their potential. My experience as an educational consultant gives me the skills necessary to advise and assist whenever needed. As a people person, I have established meaning connections throughout our organization. These relationships have been built through mentoring, presenting and active listening. Our members trust that I will follow through once a commitment is made. I am creative, have dry wit, and a sense of humor. I am a life-long learner with a vision for the future; let’s make it happen!

Southwest Regional President Nancy Martinez, AZ Alpha Alpha

To increase membership by new and unique methods. Encourage members to connect with different generation groups to exchange membership and leadership ideas To make connections across the Southwest Region and unite our sisters with their love of teaching to enhance Alpha Delta Kappa in our chapters, S/P/Ns, and regional gatherings.

I am a servant leader, and I bring the ability to listen, encourage and connect with my sisters. As a servant leader, I see the wonders, uniqueness, and individual traits of people. This allows me to be a sounding board to help our members achieve chapter and S/P/N goals in Alpha Delta Kapp. The Southwest covers a large land area and connections are important. They enable us to be the best we can be and to show why Alpha Delta Kappa is the best organization because of altruism, excellence in education and changing the world.

Southwest Regional Vice President for Membership Betty Jo Evers, AZ Iota

Article XI Section 2b (3) Vacancies shall be filled by appointment from the International President.

the International President declares the election of the candidates by unanimous consent or ‘acclamation’.

Serving on the Qualifications Committee were Chair Sue Marlatt, Manitoba Beta; Immediate Past International President Ann Marie Brown, Georgine S.Collette, OH Lambda; Elizabeth Doerr, PA Delta; Christi A. Gibson, VA Kappa; Patricia Trias, AZ Omicron and Paula Henry, Headquarters Staff.

The Regional officers will be installed at their respective conferences by International President Conway Blankenship and International President-Elect Mary Ey. The new officers for the 2026-2028 biennium will be introduced at a webinar. The date and time of the webinar will be announced in the International News and on CONNECT.

Rules of election for Regional Leadership Following Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised (12th ed). If there is only one candidate for each office, K A P PA N • M A R C H 2 0 2 6

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Developing a Library Collection to Meet Curriculum Needs

By Sheila Zakielarz

A

s a graduate student at Longwood University in Farmville, VA, taking Dr. Karla Collins’ Collection Development course in the School of Librarianship, I accepted the challenge to analyze two needs: one in the curriculum and one in the school library collection. The assignment was to recommend at least 10 additions to a school library and to create a presentation for a group interested in the school library or in funding additions to it. The purpose was to bolster a segment of the library collection to meet an established area of need in the curriculum, so that the school library collection would positively support teachers’ lessons.

While analyzing the School Quality Profile data for recent years on the Virginia Department of Education website for a public high school, I found that the end-of-course writing scores for male students were significantly lower than the state average.

I set out to examine which school library materials were available to English teachers that would help hold the interest of male students. Then, I considered what materials could be added to the library collection that align with their interests and the English teachers’ charge to build and strengthen writing skills through meaningful practice.

While analyzing the library collection using criteria taught in the Collection Development course, I identified a need for more current biographies in areas of interest such as soccer, hunting, and music. By refreshing this segment of the collection, English teachers could design writing practice assignments built around more engaging biographies. They could assign chapters in the biographies for students to read and summarize in their own words. Teachers could create lessons to practice determining the main idea and supporting details of certain chapters.

Assignments could be created where students write persuasively about why they choose this celebrity as “the one” person they want to meet someday over dinner. Biographies, I found, lend themselves to reading and writing prac24

tice and can easily be broken into smaller sections for a range of writing tasks.

The dozen books I recommended for the collection were chosen based on the availability of professional reviews, publication dates within the past five or six years, and a variety of formats. Six recommendations in athletics included a graphic novel eBook about the Brazilian king of soccer, Pelé, and a 2024 dual biography by J. Preston, “Watford Forever: How Graham Taylor and Elton John Saved a Football Club, a Town and Each Other”, to expand boys’ horizons from Latin American soccer to the English soccer scene. The three recommendations in the hunting category included a 2025 collection of short stories by A. Rutledge.

Although not biographical in format, English teachers can use short stories to entice and engage the large group of male students in this school community who present themselves as reluctant readers and writers. The four musician biographies recommended were about Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj, Tupac Shakur, and a 2023 biography in verse by Susan Hood and Greg Dawson “Alias Anna: Zhanna Arshanskaya.” It is a true story of outwitting the Nazis and surviving the Holocaust, making history accessible and engaging for young readers by focusing on resilience, sisterhood, and the power of music.

The expected impact is that English teachers at this high school will have a more meaningful connection with students when they assign writing assignments using more current biographies. Readers who struggle to focus on the writing task at hand will put more effort into their assignments and show greater engagement. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, male students might show more interest if they can connect with the materials they are required to read and write about.

Sheila has taught Spanish in the Culpeper County schools, VA for 18 years. She is currently pursuing a degree in Library Science at the Scholar of Librarianship at Longwood University, Farmville, VA. “Becoming a teacher librarian offers me the opportunity to collaborate more with teachers across disciplines, to be a resource person for overwhelmed teachers and support students in smaller group settings. I will apply my professional perspective and understanding of second-language acquisition to help the school library meet the needs of English language learners in the school community. I am looking forward to how my cross-cultural upbringing living overseas will be a valuable perspective in a school’s largest classroom, where students from various backgrounds connect - the school library.”

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AMAZING MEMBERs! Newest VA Lambda Sister Explores Iceland

Gamma Eta sisters (L to R) Johnnie Jackson, Mary Jane Stewart and Janet Ellis attended the birthday party for Sue Neill.

By Sally Miller, VA Lambda, State President-Elect

When Danielle Brown shared a program about her once-ina-lifetime experience in Iceland with the VA Lambda Chapter, members knew they had to invite her to join Alpha Delta Kappa, and she readily agreed. Danielle received a Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship which enabled her to join National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions for a trip to Iceland in July of 2024.

During the day, the shore excursions included hiking to a waterfall or exploring the black sand beach by Jökulsárlón glacial lake. Back on board in the evening, the participants attended educational sessions about Icelandic nature and culture.

Danielle called the visit to the island the coolest experience that she never would have had without the Teacher Fellowship.

She found that what she learned on her trip could help her sixth-grade math students. For example, the Arctic Circle is located about 66 degrees north Danielle Brown of the Equator, which was with ice from Black a fact she said she could Diamond Beach in use to help her students Iceland remember that 66% can be converted to two-thirds.

The Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship is a two-year commitment, and fellows are expected to implement a student action project and a community engagement event that connects their expeditions.

“I like immersive experiences and fun and magic,” Danielle said, “so we came up with a nine-step plan.” She will incorporate Iceland into her lesson every week for nine weeks. She is also working with the school’s SCA Leadership Club to incorporate themed activities based on puffins and the northern lights for East Salem Elementary School’s STEAM Night.

Principal Matthew Coe described her as an exceptional teacher who would do anything for students. “Her actions are always about the bigger picture of what is best for our school,” he said.

Danielle joined Salem City Schools in 2022 after teaching in Lynchburg and Roanoke. She is passionate about traveling and wants to teach on every continent. Already she has taught in Saudi Arabia, India and Zimbabwe. For her, seeing the world is key to having empathy. “I think the ability to put yourself in someone else’s shoes is very helpful because that’s how we can become a caring society or classroom or environment.

Some information in this article was previously published in the Roanoke Times.

100 and Still Counting

By Linda Winder, TX Gamma Eta

TX Gamma Eta Golden Sister Sue Neill, joined a very elite club on October 19, 2025, when she celebrated her 100th birthday - a milestone reached by only .03 percent of the U.S. population.

Sue was one of 13 Angleton teachers who formed the TX Gamma Eta chapter on February 12, 1968. She continues to be an active member, helping with fundraisers and taking her turn hosting meetings. Along the way, she has held every chapter office and chaired committees from A to Z. Oh, the stories she can tell. For example: selling Halloween candy that was so bad they couldn’t give it away; hosting Founder’s Day and members having to do kitchen and waitress duties because the hotel was shorthanded; spending midnight hours at a meeting at an apartment complex when the police ordered a lockdown of the site during a manhunt.

And then, there are all the good things she took part in. She started scholarships for aspiring teachers in 1973 that continue today. She hosted end-of-year parties and work sessions at her bayou home. She made food for summer luncheons that became popular fundraisers attended by hundreds. She shared many stories of conventions, awards and recognitions. Sue also took part in the Chapter Organization Alternative Plan for retired members and was on the winning team in Gamma Eta’s current pecan sales fundraiser.

Sue taught business and math in Texas schools for 43 years and, as a board member of the Angleton Alumni Association, has kept up with many former students. She recently published her own cookbook and makes her famous banana pudding for appreciation luncheons hosted by the Alumni Association. Her pride and joy is the Angleton Schools History Center, which she cofounded in 2012, a unique building showcasing artifacts and materials from the 100-plus years of the district’s history. “It is,” she says, “my second home.”

Shall we mention that she designed her own home, traveled the world, survived open heart surgery, spent 51 years as secretary of the Sunday school at her church and had the state representative, county judge, mayor and school superintendent presenting proclamations on her 100th birthday? Angleton ISD Superintendent Phil Edwards said he considered her the state’s oldest school volunteer.

Gamma Eta members know to never count her out.

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Altruism “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is ‘What are we doing for others.’”

VA Gamma Sigma

AR Alpha Rho

AR Alpha Rho members (L to R) Lori Nicholson, Joanne Smith, Charlotte Wicks, Ann Holcomb and Margie McCain cheer on the participants in a Mighty Miracles tee-ball game.

Member Kim Shirley also attended. The Miracle League of Crittenden County in West Memphis, AR, enables children and adults with disabilities to participate in sports. Kickball is played in the spring and tee-ball in the fall.

Alpha Rho members made posters, gave high fives to players as they rounded home plate and handed out Halloween candy and treat bags.

“We thank the Miracle League for letting us join in the fun and especially for the profound inspiration given to us by each of the Mighty Miracles, “ said Chapter President Lori Nicholson.

AZ Iota

For the chapter’s December altruistic project, AZ Iota members donated 50 stuffed animals to the Casa Grande Police Department to be given to young children during crisis situations. An officer from the Casa Grande PD shared how these warm, fuzzy little creatures bring comfort and give support to children during difficult times.

(L to R) Nancy Harrison, Arizona State President-Elect, Officer Steven Gray, Casa Grande Police Department, Sharon Leuthauser, Arizona Iota President, and Rhonda Kestersen, Arizona Iota President-Elect.

CT Alpha Gamma

Pictured are the 44 bears that members of CT Alpha Gamma sisters made and donated to the Dolls of Hope Foundation as the chapter’s 2025 World Understanding project. The Foundation distributes the bears and other toys to children in refugee camps in 52 countries worldwide and to children in crisis in the United States.

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~Martin Luther King, Jr.

In December, VA Gamma Sigma held three rummage sales, raising $727 for scholarships. The proceeds will fund scholarships for future teachers and a scholarship for an English Language Learner student who plans to pursue further education after graduation.

The scholarships will be awarded in the spring. Members of VA Beta Eta also contributed items for the sales.

Pictured (L to R) Allie Strosnyder and Chapter President Arlene Lewis

AZ Psi

AZ Psi members have been busy raising funds for their many altruistic projects. The sisters raised $500 for the chapter’s scholarships in a recent Bingo event. Chapter members Jenny Warren, Michelle Roosma and Jennifer Ceccardi called the numbers for the players who kept warm on the heated patio of the Canyon Crown Pub in Tucson. Winners had their choice of a gift bag or a gift card donated by Psi members.

Proceeds from the chapter’s sales table at the AZ Southwest Founders’ Day event went to several altruistic projects. The sale of clear A∆K stadium bags, colorful pots with cuttings from Jennifer Ceccaridi’s garden, and the raffle prize of Kelly Esham’s hand-painted frame with a $100 bill inside were designated for scholarships. Sales of Jennifer Ceccardi’s crocheted scarves help to support Sister Jose’s shelter. Psi’s October A∆K Month donations of new underwear, socks and pajamas poured in for Spreading Threads, a nonprofit supporting foster families. Ann Fullerton is AZ Psi president.

Pictured are the AZ Psi sisters at the Southwest Founders’ Day celebration (L to R) Manuela Gilbride, Michelle Roosma, Jennifer Ceccari, Kelly Esham, Jackie Wortman, President Ann Fullerton, Beth Reitz, Denise Ceron, Jenny Warren, Denise Murphy, Gloria Suarez, Julia Gates, CeCe Hall.

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SC Alpha Upsilon

Sitting on the stairs among the many non-perishable food items collected by the members of SC Alpha Upsilon are (Front to Rear) Alpha Upsilon PresidentElect Julie Humowitz, Altruistic Chair Jackie Blankert and Chapter President Sarah Colegrove. The members donated 256 pounds of food to Helping Hands of Georgetown County, a nonprofit that assists residents with immediate food needs and other support. SC President-Elect and member of Alpha Tau in Summerville, SC, Hope Batton, was a special guest at the meeting at the historic Georgetown home of Alpha Upsilon Historian Nonie Reese.

SC Pi

SC Pi sisters gathered to share a meal and catch up. The sisters collected supplies for the local Ronald McDonald House. Pictured (L to R) are Martha Drake, Sharon Paeth, Missy Taylor, Laura Reeder, Nan Gray, Cassandra Myers, Mindi Brown, Charlie Mae Faust and Jan McCarthy.

TN Alpha Beta

Since 2023, TN Alpha Beta’s November meeting has been called the Tiny Tree Meeting, and it has become a chapter favorite. The Tiny Tree Project is a community-wide volunteer effort supporting East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. Each child who must stay overnight at ETCH during the Christmas season is given a three-foot lighted Christmas tree for their room. The tree is a gift to the child and becomes theirs to take home. To make this goal a reality every year, ETCH must collect many trees. This year, over 1,000 trees were donated. TN Alpha Beta decorated four trees, including a Grinch, a winter wonderland, a gingerbread, and a Tennessee Volunteers tree. The Volunteers tree was decked out in orange and white with many of its ornaments, such as miniature hats, scarves, mittens, and stockings, knitted by chapter member Leslie Smith.

Deanna Ivey, chapter co-president and a weekly volunteer at the hospital, displays the Volunteer Tree before delivering it to the patient.

SD Zeta

The SD Zeta chapter recently awarded Logan Serck and Jamie Ronquillo, teachers at Alcester-Hudson Jr/Sr High School, each a $200 classroom grant. The checks were presented to them at their Monday morning staff meeting by Zeta Co-Presidents Janice Coleman and Christi Larsen. Logan will be using the grant money to purchase supplies for experiments in his junior high science classes. Jamie will be using the grant for her literature class during their study of the novel “The Great Gatsby” to create a simulation of a speakeasy. She says her students will be able to experience the aesthetic and livelihood of the 1920s. Preschool through high school teachers were invited to apply for the grants. Zeta chapter has 12 active members and earn their money by working concession stands at athletic events.

Jamie Ronquillo (L) and Logan Serck (R) receive their classroom grant checks from Zeta Co-Presidents Janice Coleman and Christi Larsen.

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Altruism, continued.

TN Chapters Show Support

For Tennessee Alpha Delta Kappa members, the season of giving lasts all year long. TN Chi uses the money from an annual winter Bingo event for scholarships. Two $2,000 scholarships, one in the name of Jannie Ingram, were given in 2025. Chi member Pat Coggin said, ”Scholarships to future teachers are a good investment and show that a chapter values education.”

Sandra Lawrence of TN Alpha Rho reported that her chapter supports Ronald McDonald House and the Nashville Rescue Mission. They also gave school supplies to two Nashville Schools and gift cards to teachers and families.

TN Alpha Theta gives a $500 scholarship to a future teacher at Cleveland State Community College in Cleveland, TN, according to Carol Peace. In January, the members serve in the kitchen for the 300 attendees of the Tim Tebow Knight to Shine.

They also collect gift cards for Life Bridges participants.

Muffet Moorehead of Alpha Lambda says that over $600 was donated to the Let’s Read 20 program, along with $700 worth of books by the chapter. The chapter also contributes to the Genevieve Wiggin’s Memorial Tennessee Wesleyan University scholarship.

Information for this article was provided by Shannon LorenzoRiveria, TN Chi.

IA Upsilon

Iowa State Senator and IA Upsilon President, Cindy Winckler uses her spare time to knit stocking caps for The Nest, Upsilon’s altruistic project. The Nest is a food and clothing pantry for Davenport West High School students and families. She has knitted and donated a total of 470 caps. She estimates each cap takes about 6 hours to knit. That is 2,820 hours of knitting and purling.

West High School student Natalie Paquet models a cap for (L to R) Upsilon members Cindy Winckler and Upsilon members Linda Burmester and Patricia Sheehey. West High School student Rhianna Tramell (far right) also sports a hand-knit cap.

OH Alpha Beta

A highlight of a fall meeting of OH Alpha Beta was the presentation of two new bicycles and a helmet to the Whittier Early Childhood Center in Sidney, OH. Several preschool staff members attended the meeting and talked about the benefits of the new bike path at the preschool. They reported that many bicycles and helmets had been purchased to meet the needs of the children. Physical therapist Hannah Lacy explained that both typical and special needs children now have an opportunity to practice pedaling, balancing and bicycle safety skills on their new bike path. Members enjoyed seeing three preschoolers demonstrate how the donated bikes can be used to build balance skills.

At its A∆K month meeting, the members recapped its many activities, which included a fundraiser night at Sidney’s Culver’s Restaurant, the group’s participation in the annual “Kids on the Square” event in downtown Sidney and the upcoming hosting of the South West District Meeting for the area’s seven Alpha Delta Kappa chapters.

Pictured (L to R back row) are Alpha Beta members Mary Perry and Ann Huffman, Whittier Early Childhood Center physical therapists Hannah Lacy and Kara Drees and members Leah Finke and Patti Moore.

Front row (L to R) are A∆K member Dawn Ocke with Berkleigh Hutchinson, daughter of Aleyshya Hutchinson, Magnolia Lacy, daughter of Hannah Lacy and Khloe Michael, daughter of Chelsae Wise.

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FL Gamma Zeta

Proceeds from the auction of a handmade Advent Village were used

by FL Gamma Zeta members for the chapter’s many altruistic projects.

The heirloom village was created

by Cindy Lord-Demers, a friend of Alpha Delta Kappa, and stands on an oak turntable donated by Colette Ott, a Gamma Zeta member. Louanne Lapham and Keri Miller volunteered with the annual Red Kettle Salvation Army bell-ringing program. Barb Batchelor, Brenda Bardelang and Linda Ferguson prepared a community meal with Bootstrap Ministries and presented gift cards from Gamma Zeta sisters.

Cindy Lord-Demers (L), creator of the Advent Village, and Lynne Meyer (R), who placed the highest bid admire the unique heirloom.

NC Fidelis

NC Fidelis Xi sisters heard an informative presentation at a recent meeting from Marsha Heath, who shared her experience with ovarian cancer and her connection with the Harts of Teal organization, the Harts for Hope walk and the Stronger Together cancer support group. Marsha is the organizer of the Hearts of Teal support group in Kinston, NC. The chapter made a $280 donation to Harts of Teal, NC. Fidelis Xi President Sharon Kimrey (right) is shown receiving a thank-you goodie bag from Marsha Heath.

MO Beta Xi

OH Kappa

OH Kappa has partnered with Helping Hands of Dayton (HHoD) to support families facing unexpected hospital stays.

Through the creation of handmade cards and the assembly of Care Kits, they are extending compassion and care to families during some of their most difficult moments. HHoD was founded in 2007 by local mother, Leslie Cayot, after her onemonth-old son was rushed to the hospital and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. Arriving with only “a wallet, a purse, and a diaper bag,” Leslie experienced firsthand the challenges families face during emergency hospitalizations. From that experience, the idea for Care Kits was born. Today, HHoD’s mission is to support families admitted to the Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Units of Dayton Children’s, Kettering Medical Center, and Miami Valley Hospital as well as Shriners Children’s Ohio.

Each Care Kit contains travel-sized personal care items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, hand lotion, pen and paper, a hospital cafeteria voucher and a handmade get-well card.

The partnership was a natural fit for OH Kappa. “Initially, Debi Koch reached out to Helping Hands of Dayton because it was a perfect marriage of our skills as card makers and their need for cards along with expert bag stuffers,” said Kappa CoPresident Cathy Schaetzle. She added, “Throughout the year, as I work on cards, I think about people who are possibly facing the worst day of their lives at a hospital. I hope the cards we prepare as Kappa chapter sisters will provide a measure of solace for them and the bags we fill will let them know someone cares.”

OH Kappan sisters pictured (L to R) Margaret Baird, Donna King, Judy Jones, Kay Piper, Gay Sutter, Cathy Schaetzle, Debi Koch and Penny Rouhier.

Members of MO Beta Xi collected $850 for the “Circle of Concern” food pantry at the chapter’s “Mad for Plaid” holiday party. The Circle feeds some 700 families monthly. The sisters donned plaid sweaters, pants, socks and even earrings for their evening of fun and good food at the home of Tamara Rhomberg.

Beta Xi members also volunteer with “Rockwood Gives Back: The Giving Place,” which supports the needs of families in the Rockwood School District.

OH Alpha Theta

Thirty-eight sets of preemie clothes were donated by OH Alpha Theta sisters to the NICU Department at Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus, OH. The drive was in conjunction with an October 2025 baby shower given by the Ronald McDonald House Family Room.

Alpha Theta sisters gathered and donated such items as school supplies, canned goods, blankets, socks and underwear, hats, mittens, gloves, books and cleaning supplies to various organizations throughout the year.

OH Alpha Theta members (L to R) Freda Hanf, Judy Rojas, Chapter President Chris Sapp, Carolyn Stocco, Jane O’Neil, Sharon Stobbs, and Altruistic Chair Debbie Schlechty.

Not pictured is Lynnette Payne. Chris Snapp was president at the time of the event. She joined Omega in November. Jane O’Neil is the current chapter president.

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Altruism, continued.

MI Beta Mu

MI Beta Mu members (L to R) Mary Popielarz, Ines Cardillo, Joanne Benham, Suzanne Erbes, Ann Mucha, Janet Alaska, Susan Troxell, Ginny Palubin, Carol Szuba and April Walker show some of the new items they collected for the Macomb Foster Closet. The Closet serves the children of Macomb who have been placed with foster families. The sisters packed a car full for children from newborns to teens.

Fl Alpha Sigma Reaches Out

By Claudette McCann, FL Alpha Sigma President

FL Alpha Sigma members attended the October Beginning Teacher Training where we shared a little encouragement and a lot of treats! Each teacher received a sweet-and-salty goodie bag and a card featuring handwritten notes of encouragement from our members. On the flip side, teachers found 10 Self-Care Tips for Educators and two QR codes for interactive fun.

Barbara Donaldson led a lively self-care activity, inviting teachers to choose a tip or two to prioritize in the coming week. They shared their choices with tablemates and sealed their commitment with a cheerful fist bump!

Next came the classroom management challenge. Claudette McCann directed the teachers to scan the first QR code to view the first 90 seconds of a video packed with practical strategies. Because each card linked to a different video, participants shared a wide variety of classroom tips, creating a wonderful exchange of ideas and inspiration.

Then came the big surprise; the second QR code revealed special prizes. Lucky winners discovered they’d won either $15 Target gift cards or trays of teacher supplies including staplers, tape, EXPO markers, pencils and legal pads.

Thanks to the generosity of Alpha Sigma sisters, one hundred of Leon County’s beginning teachers felt seen, supported and celebrated. Beyond this event, our members continue to make a difference as classroom readers, Reading Buddies, book fair helpers and weekly volunteers—living out the spirit of Alpha Delta Kappa in every classroom they touch.

Our chapter has been invited to meet and treat the spring 30

cadre of beginning teachers. FL Alpha Sigma will be there.

Peggy Harter spearheaded FL Alpha Sigma’s participation in the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s. She was joined by her Alpha Sigma sisters and hundreds of others at Tallahassee’s Cascades Park to support a cause that touches many within our chapter. For Peggy and for numerous Alpha Sigma members, Alzheimer’s is deeply personal, affecting parents, grandparents, spouses, siblings and close friends.

Peggy’s commitment spans generations. Her grandmother, mother and aunt all lived with Alzheimer’s, shaping a lifetime of advocacy and service. “Much of my life has revolved around helping people with dementia and Alzheimer’s,” Peggy shared during an interview with WCTV, Tallahassee’s local CBS affiliate. Peggy’s story and advocacy for the disease were featured on the evening news that night, helping bring greater awareness to the impact of Alzheimer’s on families and communities.

Now residing in a senior living community, Peggy continues to witness the devastating effects of the disease, having lost several friends to dementia over the years. As Alpha Sigma sisters walked alongside her, they carried their own stories of love, loss and caregiving, all powerful reminders that Alzheimer’s is an insidious disease that reaches far beyond any one family.

These shared experiences strengthen our resolve and underscore the importance of standing together. In recognition of these personal connections, Alpha Sigma designated the month of January to continue their chapter’s support of the Alzheimer’s Association.

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A∆K

PA Alpha

CT Mu Welcomes State Officers

CT State President Jess Morin and Vice President for Membership Linda Shaw were guests of CT Mu when the chapter awarded three $100 classroom innovation grants and heard the recipients describe their projects at the chapter’s holiday social in December. The grants were awarded for proposed projects aimed at enhancing student organization, strengthening fundamental math skills and connecting mythology to modern literature.

“CT state leadership’s goal is to visit every chapter at least once during the biennium. Mu chapter members appreciate their dedication and willingness to ‘go the extra mile’ for Alpha Delta Kappa,” said Mu member Susan Pelchat.

FL Theta

FL Theta members proudly welcomed veterans returning from their Honor Flight, including the husband of a chapter sister, a Vietnam veteran honored for his service. In addition, the event was attended by numerous veterans organizations, scout troops and hundreds of citizens who greeted the 74 veterans returning from their day in Washington, D.C., with cheers, handmade signs, and heartfelt gratitude. Theta President Lori Gaudreau said, “This meaningful experience deepened our appreciation for all veterans and their commitment to preserve our freedoms. Theta encourages other chapters to participate in similar Honor Flight Celebrations.”

Honor Flight is a nonprofit organization that flies veterans to Washington, DC to see the memorials of the wars they fought in.

Greeting the veterans at the St Pete Clearwater Airport in Clearwater, FL (Front row, L to R) were Cathy Foltz, Lori Gaudreau, Jody Barnum, Karen Bosso and Nancy Augustine, whose husband was on the flight. (Back row L to R) Nan Hubbell and Debbie Colson. Barbara Schueler, Marj Gorick and Kathy Pollak were also present.

PA Alpha Chapter received a citation from the Mayor of Allentown, PA, Matt Tuerk. Members of PA Alpha display the citation the chapter received from Allentown, PA, Mayor Matt Tuerk in recognition of the 71st anniversary of the founding of the Allentown chapter. The citation commended the chapter for dedicating countless hours serving schools and communities locally and globally, enriching education, expanding opportunities for students and supporting initiatives that uplift children, families and neighborhoods across the city of Allentown and beyond. Pictured (L to R): Sandra Bachman, Sylvia Adler, Ann Hohe, Nancy Mikitka, and Chapter President Susan McNeil.

MD Beta and MD Epsilon

MD Beta and MD Epsilon chapters celebrated their sixty-third annual holiday luncheon with the festive theme “A Sweet and Spicy Sisterhood”. Forty-two sisters and guests gathered to enjoy fellowship, seasonal cheer and the warmth of a long-standing tradition, according to Beta President Mary Yeates. A cookie exchange followed the meal. Reflecting Alpha Delta Kappa’s commitment to altruism, attendees donated 296 children’s hats, mittens and gloves to The Salvation Army, providing needed warmth to local families.” The colorful collection of winter accessories beautifully showcased the generosity and spirit of these chapters. This joyful event celebrated both the bonds we share and the meaningful impact we create together,” said Mary.

Pictured are Holiday Luncheon Committee members (L to R): Tracey Whitthaus, Mathy Downing, MaryAnn Britton, Pat Knotts, Barbara Richards, Amy Johnson, and Mary Yeates. Ellen Roderick and Barbara Sensenig also served on the committee.

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Ω Omega Chapter MEMBERS ADDED SINCE LAST ISSUE

Naomi W. Agee............................................................ Virginia Rho Virginia M. Aikens............................................ Massachusetts Beta Josephine B. Allen................................................. Louisiana Kappa Birdelle Baker.......................................................... Texas Beta Iota Dolly W. Blakney.............................................. Kentucky Sustaining Polly A. Blankenship................................................ West Virginia Xi Edie Boehne........................................................Illinois Alpha Delta Mona Brooks........................................................ Georgia Beta Eta Sharon D. Brown......................................................Texas Omicron Sherry C. Buczek....................................... Michigan Alpha Upsilon Marilyn E. Cain................................................... California Beta Eta Lynn Carnes........................................................Georgia Alpha Eta Patricia T. Carr..........................................................Georgia Sigma Jaclyn Chapla................................................... New Jersey Epsilon Deborah A. Clary............................................................Virginia Mu Sandra Connor................................................. Kentucky Alpha Eta Gabie F. Crutchfield............................................ Virginia Beta Delta Janice Debolt.........................................................Texas Epsilon Pi Glenda Duplessis................................................Louisiana Beta Eta Patricia M. Fay.............................................................. Arizona Iota Virginia C. Ferlazzo................................................... Connecticut Pi Janet Fitzpatrick.....................................................Minnesota Delta Linda Funmaker................................................. Minnesota Gamma Kathleen Garrelts........................................................ Nebraska Phi Sandra D. Garrett................................... South Carolina Alpha Beta Margarite Gatchell...............................................Indiana Sustaining Joyce A. Gawell..................................................................Ohio Phi Eleanor S. Grass................................................North Carolina Zeta Miriam G. Griggs...................................................... Florida Beta Xi Christine S. Harness................................................ Tennessee Rho Marion Hawks...................................................... Florida Fidelis Nu Marcie C. Haywood................................North Carolina Delta Alpha Jennifer D. Hillman.................................................New York Kappa Garnett S. Hordemann.......................................... Washington Rho Carrie Jack......................................................... California Beta Eta Caroline James.....................................................Missouri Omicron Jeannette M. Jordan......................................... Mississippi Lambda Yuill Jo Kampschoer........................................Michigan Beta Theta Alice W. Lafferty....................................................... Louisiana Delta Charlotte N. Lehnherr.......................................... Florida Sustaining Harriet Lucia..............................................................Minnesota Eta Eva H. Lurtz.......................................................Florida Gamma Tau Pamela C. Mallory................................................ California Beta Pi Ruth M. Martin................................................ Colorado Alpha Beta Sara B. Martin......................................... North Carolina Alpha Rho Patricia S. May...................................................... Alabama Beta Xi Lysette Alvarez Mayol........................................... Puerto Rico Beta Amy McAllister..........................................................Texas Beta Chi Judith T. McBrayer............................................ Alabama Beta Delta Cynthia M. McBride................................... New Jersey Alpha Alpha Sharon M. McCaskill......................................... Louisiana Alpha Chi Gloria J. Medina....................................................... California Beta Belinda J. Miles......................................North Carolina Gamma Nu Bettye J. Miller............................................... Texas Gamma Kappa Ivette Ruiz-Miranda..................................Puerto Rico Alpha Epsilon

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Roselyn F. Misenheimer..................... North Carolina Gamma Theta Elercia Jorge-Morel.....................................Pennsylvania Sustaining Sally J. Nelson........................................................... Illinois Upsilon Susan R. Nutt......................................................... New York Alpha Marian Oliver.......................................................Texas Gamma Psi Mitzy C. Page..................................................... North Carolina Tau Beverly G. Paprocki................................................. Oregon Epsilon Carole A. Peacock................................................. Maryland Kappa Alma Cordero Perez.............................................. Puerto Rico Rho Nancy E. Persinger....................................... Michigan Alpha Sigma Judith A. Petrofsky................................................... Connecticut Pi Frances Posthumus............................................ California Beta Phi Sandra L. Ralston................................................... Florida Omicron Lou Ann Rawls.............................................Arizona Alpha Lambda Barbara Raynor............................. North Carolina Gamma Lambda Dianne Redden................................................ Kentucky Alpha Rho Bonnie S. Reeves.......................................................... Oregon Mu Eva R. Rigau De Ferrer.......................................... Puerto Rico Rho Irene K. Roberts.........................................................Colorado Iota Donna P. Robison................................................. Ohio Alpha Theta Kathy A. Rolan............................................................Texas Beta Pi Alice M. Ryals................................................. Florida Gamma Delta Christine A. Sapp................................................. Ohio Alpha Theta Juanita W. Scarbrough............................Tennessee Alpha Lambda Anne L. Schifino................................................... Rhode Island Eta Eleanor Schiller................................... South Carolina Alpha Epsilon La Donna Schultz........................................ Minnesota Alpha Alpha Catherine A. Shim......................................California Alpha Lambda Sandra D. Snyder................................................. Washington Beta Carolyn Solt........................................................Ohio Beta Gamma Anne Sondgroth...................................................... Oregon Epsilon Joanne E. Steeves...................................................... Colorado Eta Phyllis Stimpert...........................................................Idaho Epsilon Linda R. Stundtner................................................New York Kappa Ann L. Suranna....................................................... Connecticut Eta Emily Swindler..................................................Kentucky Alpha Iota Juliana Texley............................................... Michigan Beta Upsilon Peggy W. Thomas.................................. South Carolina Alpha Beta Sybil Todd......................................................... South Carolina Iota Patricia Turner.......................................................Illinois Sustaining Diana K. Underwood.................................................. Nebraska Phi Carol J. Van Rheeden.......................................................Illinois Mu Jane G. Vaughan...................................................... Florida Beta Xi Ann M. Ware......................................................Michigan Beta Iota Audrey Jo Weaver...................................................... Louisiana Mu Caroline Willey........................................................New Jersey Iota Gladys E. Williams.............................................. California Beta Phi Nancy A. Wilson..................................................... Alabama Sigma Diana L. Wimer....................................... West Virginia Alpha Sigma Beverly J. Wolfe....................................................Nebraska Epsilon Peg T. Ziegler.............................................................Georgia Alpha

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A∆K Dates and Deadlines MARCH March.........Update officers in the directory immediately following chapter and S/P/N elections March.............................H-134 S/P/N Convention Report submit within 7 days after the S/P/N convention March 1.....Future Educator Scholarship Applications deadline (for A∆KCC Students only) March 1..........................Making a Better World Initiative deadline March 1............ Suspension for nonpayment of International Dues March 15................ Chapter Altruistic Report submission deadline March 15...................S/P/N Altruistic Report submission deadline

April..................H-134 S/P/N Convention Report to be submitted within 7 days after the S/P/N convention April 1................KAPPAN submissions deadline (June publication) April 3..............................................Headquarters closed – Holiday April 15......Regional Spring Mini-Scholarship application deadline

MAY May.............................Update officers in the directory immediately following chapter and S/P/N elections.

May...................H-134 S/P/N Convention Report to be submitted within 7 days after the S/P/N convention May 15 ..........Chapter Needs Assessment (CNA) End of Biennium Reflection JotForm deadline

APRIL April...... Update officers in the directory immediately following the chapter and S/P/N elections

May 15........ S/P/N Needs Assessment End of Biennium Reflection JotForm deadline May 25.............................................Headquarters closed – Holiday

Remembering 76 Years of Service

By Dawn Pelton, Illinois State President

Phyllis Kalin, Illinois Upsilon, joined the Omega Chapter on January 5, 2026. Many may not know Phyllis, but she was a long-time Alpha Delta Kappa member. She joined on October 22, 1949. Yes, you read that correctly. She had been a member for 76 years, making her the longest-serving member of Alpha Delta Kappa. She was the first Platinum Sister in 2019 for 70 years of membership.

Phyllis would often tell her story of when she was a young teacher in Missouri and Agnes Shipman Robertson came to her school to tell her about this new organization that she and three other women had begun two years prior. Wow, to be recruited for membership by Agnes. I am sure that not many can say that.

After teaching in Missouri and being an Alpha Delta Kappa member there she moved to Illinois and became a member of the Upsilon Chapter. She was an active member for all of her 76 years of membership. The last several years, Upsilon met at her retirement center, a closed school converted to senior living, so that she was able to remain active. She always greeted everyone at the entrance door to the facility. The chapter met in the meeting room across from her apartment. Her apartment was the room in which she had taught 1st grade.

Phyllis rarely missed a meeting. She was an active participant in all altruistic projects, helping when she could or donating when she was physically not able to participate.

Phyllis embodied the light of friendship, service and learning through her 76 years of membership. She glowed brightly, and we are thankful to have known her. She will be missed and remembered.

Dawn is also a member of IL Upsilon.

Phyllis Kalin (L), who joined in 1949, is pictured with Mary Graffis (R), a new Upsilon member.

NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID LIBERTY, MO PERMIT No. 1092

Alpha Delta Kappa

1615 West 92nd Street Kansas City, MO 64114-3210

North Central, Northwest, Southwest June 24-26 ~ Park MGM Las Vegas, NV

Northeast, Southeast

July 13-15 ~ Gaylord Opryland Hotel, Nashville, TN

Gulf and South Central

July 20-22 ~ JW Marriott, Canal St, New Orleans, LA