South Carolina State Organization

V O L U M E 6 8 I S S U E 2
The Digest
Delta Kappa Gamma Society International J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4

The biannual Leadership Development Workshop took place on Saturday, February 10, 2024,
from 9:30-2:30 at S.C. State Headquarters, 607 Maple Street, Columbia. The program featured
Haley Milner speaking on the Rosenwald Schools and South Carolina. Haley Milner is the Assis-
tant Curator and Outreach Coordinator for the Savannah River Archaeological Research Pro-
gram. She holds an M.A. in Public History-Historic Preservation from the University of South Car-
olina Columbia and a graduate certificate in Historical Archaeology and Cultural Resources Man-
agement. Milner is a District Representative for the Confederation of South Carolina Local Histori-
cal Societies. She is a Board Member of the South Carolina State Board of Review for the Nation-
al Register of Historic Places. She has been involved with South Carolina's Rosenwald School
history for 15 years. Nearly 5,000 Rosenwald schoolhouses and related buildings were built
across the southeast between 1912 and 1932 as part of the Rosenwald School Building Program.
She discussed the Rosenwald Schools' historical context, historical and architectural signifi-
cance, preservation efforts, and enduring legacies. The day included a service project of prepar-
ing gift bags and messages to aid induction teachers in the Midlands area and April Ware on the
elevator to leadership in DKG. Participants brought a few items (for example, tape, pencils, index
cards, sticky notes, stickers, etc.) that an induction teacher could use in their future classroom as
part of our service project. Participants enjoyed a light breakfast and a delicious lunch after the
presentation.

President Elizabeth Vance greets attendees. 28 members attended Leadership Challenge to learn about Rosenwald
Schools

Inside This Issue: Ex Board Meeting - 6 Chapter News - P 8

President’s Message - P 2 Officer Training - P 6 & 7 Holiday Open House- P10
Necrology - P 5 International News - P 7 Calendar - P16
 Message From the President
The start of a New Year brings excitement and anticipation
of a renewed commitment to LEAD with Purpose. I have visited
seven chapters via Zoom or in person in September, October,
and November. What a joy to see the enthusiasm and produc-
tivity of these members. They are leading and serving with pur-
pose. I have encouraged them to continue and consider ex-
panding their successful chapter projects and programs. Some
2023-2025 chapters also survey their membership for committee interests Elizabeth Vance
Officers and Staff and new ways to serve DKG and their community.
Elizabeth Vance Our State Headquarters’ Holiday Drop-in was held on Saturday, December
President 9. It was wonderful to see so many attend and enjoy this special fellowship.
vnclb@aol.com Our House Manager, Linda Smith, Alpha Chapter, reported that 47 members
representing 19 chapters attended. The house was beautifully decorated (I
Melanie Cook think there were at least seven Christmas trees!), and the food was delicious.
1st Vice President
myjcook@yahoo.com
Catherine Spragins supplied seasonal plants; other members brought baked
goods and beautiful handmade bows for sale to support Headquarters. A spe-
Nancy Cowart cial Thank you to the members of the Alpha Chapter and the sisters from other
2nd Vice President chapters who assisted in all their hard work in hosting this annual holiday
nancycowart26@aol.com event.
I recently read a Viewpoint article in The Delta Kappa Gamma Bulletin Col-
Karen Walton
Secretary
legial Exchange about recruiting, retaining, and reinstating members. The arti-
waltonkaren054@gmail.com cle “Want Members? Want to Keep Them? Include Fellowship!” was written by
Amanda Cruse Marylin Ease, a member of the Delta Omicron Chapter in the Texas State Or-
Treasurer ganization. This article came to mind after attending our Holiday Drop-in and
amandacrusedkg@gmail.com enjoying the wonderful fellowship. This viewpoint speaks to our Goal 3: To Ac-
Dr. Diane Stewart
tively Recruit and Retain Members, we must include fellowship opportunities.
Assistant Treasurer I hope many of you have registered to attend the February 10, 2024, Lead-
dianestewart1@aol.com ership
Development Workshop. Chairman Susan Gray and her Committee have a
Dr. Kathy Carter wonderful program planned featuring Haley Milner, speaking on the Rosenwald
Executive Secretary Schools and South Carolina. Members attending can also participate in a Ser-
kcarter@csssc.com
vice Project to provide enough items for Induction Teachers to fill 30 bags.
Linda Smith As we continue to LEAD with Purpose in our chapters and state, mark your
Assistant Executive Secretary calendars now and consider attending and participating in the following upcom-
And House Manager ing events and meetings.
lbsmaddog@gmail.com International Women’s Day is March 8, 2024. It was established in 1977 by
Janis K. Blocker the United Nations. You can learn more about how to honor your Chapter mem-
Parliamentarian bers at “Women Honoring Women” through the DKG International Education
janisblocker@gmail.com Fund in this issue of The Digest.
The National Legislative Seminar sponsored by the U.S. Forum will be held
Susie Epps March 10-13, 2024, in Washington, D.C. Registration is open now on the DKG
Immediate Past President
susieepps@gmail.com
International website.
Our SCSO Executive Board Meeting and Workshop for 2024-2026 Chapter
Karen Faulkenberry Officers will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at the Shandon Presbyterian
DIGEST Editor Church, 607 Woodrow St. in Columbia. The Executive Board Meeting will be
SCSOEditor@gmail.com held in the morning session, and the New Chapter Officer Training will be held
Linda Navorska in the afternoon. More information and registration are included in this issue of
Webmaster The Digest.
navorska.aes1315@gmail.com Registration for the DKG 2024 International Convention in National Harbor,
He MD, on July 9-13 is now open at dkg.org. Registration prices will in-
crease after June 9.
I look forward to seeing you soon. Be safe and LEAD with Purpose!

Elizabeth Vance 31 Wild Strawberry Lane, Bluffton, SC 29909 vnclb@aol.com 304-890-1881(c)

PAGE 2 THE DIGEST

From the Treasurer, Amanda Cruse

Happy New Year!! I wish you had a wonderful holiday season with family and friends.
Also, I wish you and your family good health, safety, and well-being this year. It is hard to be-
lieve, but as you read this article, the year will be 2024. Where did the time go?
As your state treasurer, collaborating with you over the past eighteen months has been a
pleasure. I look forward to collaborating with you in the coming year.
I thank each chapter and chapter treasurer for sending in dues on time (October 1, 2023) Amanda Cruse
and completing the 990N online forms by November 15, 2023. We had all chapters but one to send in their
dues on time. It takes a team effort to do the job. Thank you to everyone who helped me make calls and re-
minded chapters of dues and 990Ns. Thanks to those members who worked with treasurers with their 990Ns.
I attended the Headquarters Christmas Drop-in, which was well attended. Everything was beautiful, and
the food was delicious. Thank you to those members, chapters, and Linda Smith for making this Drop-in pos-
sible and doing an excellent job.
A reminder: Article IV.C.1 states, “New members shall become members when dues are paid. New mem-
bers who join between July 1 and December 31 shall pay full International dues for the current fiscal year.
New members who join between January 1 and March 31 shall pay half dues. New members who join be-
tween April 1 and June 30 shall pay full International dues for the ensuing year. Reinstated members shall
pay full International dues whenever reinstated. Chapter and state organization dues may be pro-rated as the
chapter/state organization determines. Immediately after that, the state organization portion of the dues shall
be sent to the state organization treasurer and the International portion to the International Headquarters.
Thank you so much for your contributions. SCSO of DKG depends solely on your donations to operate the
House/Headquarters and all scholarship accounts. If you or your chapter want to honor someone with the
“Order of the Rose,” now is the time. Recipients will be recognized at the Executive Board meeting. We have
received some very generous gifts. Chapters and members will be recognized at the Executive Board meet-
ing in April.
Please do not hesitate to contact me by phone or email. I welcome your concerns and questions. It takes
a team to be successful! Please call at (803) 917-7625 or amandacrusedkg@gmail.com. My mailing address
is PO Box 1837, Lexington, SC 29072

From the Executive Secretary, Dr. Kathy Carter

Happy New Year DKG Sisters!
While considering resolutions for the new calendar year, please add some DKG
personal and chapter goals to your list. We all know - What gets measured gets done!
The first step is to write down your goals. You might need to attend more meetings,
connect with members you haven’t seen recently, or invite a friend to a meeting.
These can be very meaningful personally and help your chapter achieve its goals.
Chapter presidents, state officers, and state committee chairs must submit a narra-
tive by February 1, 2024. Our international organization sets this requirement and Dr. Kathy Carter
serves as an annual report. It does not need to be long or too detailed. In most cases,
three-quarters of a page is sufficient. If you are reporting for a chapter, including how many times your
chapter is meeting, programs and service projects planned for 2023-2024, and any other items you feel
others would like to know about your chapter.
If you are a state committee chair or on the executive committee, please report what activities you
have been involved with or plan to do during the 2023-2024 fiscal year. These reports will be put in a
shared file and can be accessed by any of our members.
I have enjoyed receiving your chapter yearbooks and reading about the exciting programs and ser-
vice projects you provide for your membership. I am particularly proud of how diverse our chapters are.
Unfortunately, about one-third of these yearbooks were sent to my old EarthLink email. Please take a
moment to add my name to your contact list and make sure you use my current email,
Kcarter@cssSC.com.
I look forward to what’s in store for our state organization in the coming months.
kcarter@csssc.com Phone: (803) 401-5345 Headquarters
(803) 467-6587 Cell 19 St. Andrews Place, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

VOLUME 68 ISSUE 2 PAGE 3

 EEC Matters
By Melanie Cook 1st Vice President

Turning the corner on a new year often brings hope, promise, and encouragement
for what the year might offer. Will you TRY SOMETHING NEW personally, profession-
ally, or with your chapter, SCSO, or our international Society? Have you developed
plans for what you’d like to accomplish or how you will determine your success?
Educational Excellence Committee (EEC) is here to help. The last Digest men-
tioned that EEC is the heartbeat of the Society, linked to the Seven Purposes, as well
as President Vance’s theme, “LEAD with Purpose.” Using the information available Melanie Cook
will help you plan for success in 2024 by matching all chapter programs and projects to
DKG Purposes.
Start by visiting our state website at SCSO-dkg.weebly.com/educational-excellence.html, where you will
find information, including mentoring suggestions, tips for educators, information for engaging the five genera-
tions of DKG members, and a video by International President Debbie LeBlanc and Executive Director Nita
Scott that is suggested for a chapter meeting.
Next, consider trying at least one of these suggestions from the 2023 International training:
• As you plan to add new members, remember that millennials love projects;
• Perhaps a field trip to a museum, restaurant, theater, or to meet a new “expert” in the community would
be of interest to members;
• Focus on communication, often the most difficult but the most important, by informing members serving
on your chapter’s EEC, their responsibilities, and the methods and frequency of their communications with
chapter members.
Our state EEC will add suggestions to the state website for programs and projects to make things easier
as you plan for success or TRY SOMETHING NEW to make attendance at chapter meetings meaningful and
worth their time to attend. May you have many successes. Please share these successful programs and pro-
jects with me.
Melanie Cook, SCSO 1st Vice-President
EEC Chair 2023-2025
142 Harbour Pointe Drive, Chesnee, SC 29323

From the 2nd Vice President…...Nancy Cowart

By the time you read this, we will have celebrated Thanksgiving, Christmas, and
the beginning of a new year. Every day, I am so blessed to be able to open my eyes
and place my feet on the floor to start a new day. One of my blessings this past
year was (and still is) getting to know more sweet sisters across our state. Being a
part of the South Carolina State Organization has grown me and given me another
sense of what we can accomplish by working together and building up each oth- Nancy Cowart
er.
I have truly enjoyed reading the yearbooks that were sent to me. Seeing how other chapters
(besides PH)I operate, reading about such varied programs, and observing how detailed some were,
all were so interesting. Thank you to those who were willing to share your yearbooks.
New officers and committee chairs, please register to attend one of the spring training sessions.
Registration information is on page 7 of this issue.
I hope all chapters will take a good look at President Vance’s Achievement Sheet for this year and
work towards being high achievers. We have so much to be proud of in
SCSO.

PAGE 4 THE DIGEST

 From The House Manager
The Auld-Murdock House welcomed sisters from nineteen chapters to our
annual Holiday Open House. Alpha Chapter created a sparkling holiday experi-
ence throughout the headquarters. I was especially pleased to meet sisters who
had never been to our house. That made the day even more special. I also ap-
preciate the financial support from sales at the Holiday Market to the headquar-
ters house. There is always something to be done! We are constantly thinking of
ways to improve our headquarters. Thanks to President Elizabeth (and hubby
Archie), safety bars will soon be installed in the bathroom. This will make the
house more accessible for all who wish to stay. We continue to organize and
Linda Smith properly store our files. The Chavis room is being arranged to store all of our ar-
House Manager
chival records from 1937 in a logical manner. If you or your chapter would like to
use the house, please text or email me at 803-361-1208 or lbsmad-
dog@gmail.com. Remember that the cost for an overnight stay is $40. Chapter use is still $25.
I hope to greet many of you in 2024.
You can reach me by text or email (803-361-1208 or lbsmaddog@gmail.com) if the Auld-
Murdock House can help you or your chapter. I hope to see you in December!

Necrology
By Lynn Covington, Necroloy Committee Chair

Happy New Year! It’s a time for new resolutions and making plans. I hope you all are better
able to keep yours than I am with mine. Here are a few reminders for all chapters:
• Complete and send Form 6 when you report a member’s death.
Send Form 6 (Report of the Death of a member) ASAP after a member's death to:
1. Membership Services Administrator, P.O. Box 1589, Austin, TX 78767-1589, Email:
mem@dkg.org
2. State Organization Treasurer, Amanda Cruse Email: amandacrusedkg@gmail.com
3. State Organization Necrology Chair, Lynn Covington, 2026 Hebron Dunbar Road,
Clio, SC 29525, Email: lynnisapirate@gmail.com
• The following should be sent to Lynn Covington, 2026 Hebron Dunbar Road, Clio, SC
29525, or email lynnisapirate@gmail.com:
A one-page narrative to be included in our Memory Book is also requested.
Include a photo of the chapter member if possible.

We remember:

Paula Vaughan Mazursky Alpha Omicron

Faye West Powell Alpha Tau
(This list was compile from the reports of member death (Form 6) received since October 2023

VOLUME 68 ISSUE 2 PAGE 5

SCSO Executive Board Meeting & Training
South Carolina State Organization will host its Spring Executive Board meeting on Saturday, April 27,
at Shandon Presbyterian Church, 607 Woodrow Street, Columbia. Registration will begin at 9:30 am,
along with light morning refreshments. The Executive Board meeting will start at 10 am. Executive Sec-
retary, Dr. Kathy Carter, will email all executive board members a copy of the agenda before the meeting.
The executive board is comprised of all elected state officers, chapter presidents, and past state presi-
dents. All SCSO DKG members are encouraged to attend to hear about our Society's business.
A delicious lunch will be served at noon. Beginning at 1 pm, training will be provided for new chapter
officers and committee chairs. Before these workshops, chapters need to elect officers and appoint com-
mittee chairs. All new chapter treasurers are encouraged to attend. Our state treasurer, Amanda Cruse,
will provide in-depth training for new treasurers.
Those attending should complete the registration form below. The deadline is April 20. Registration is
$5 and lunch is available for $25. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Kathy Carter at
kcarter@cssSC.com.
For those unable to attend this training, an additional training session for officers will be on May 18
from 10 to 12 at Fox Creek High School (Commons, back of the school building).165 Shortcut Road,
Caption describing
North Augusta, SC 29860. The cost is $5. Please complete form on page 7. Email questions to Nancy
picture or graphic.
Cowart at nancycowart26@aol.com or call Nancy at (803) 279-2097.
Registration State Executive Board Meeting and Training Workshop on April 27
Shandon Presbyterian Church, 607 Woodrow Street, Columbia.
(___ Doctor)
“To catch the reader's attention, place an

Name___________________________________Chapter______________Position_______________
interesting sentence or quote from the story

here.”

Address__________________________________Email_______________________Phone_______________
Check all All participants pay $5 registration fee Amount
attending
Registration $5.00 $5.00
Executive Board Meeting (no additional cost)
Lunch available to all who attend. Cost $ 25
Training session- chapter officer (no additional cost)
Chapter committee chair (no additional cost)
Total $

Check all that apply: State Officer____ District Director___ Past State President____
Chapter President_____ Chapter Committee chair_____

Caption
Workshops:
describing
picture or
_____Chapter President _____Chapter 1st VP ______Secretary ____ Treasurer
graphic.
____Membership_____Communication_____Personal and Professional Growth

I _______________________give permission to SC State to use my name and picture on

the SC website and The Digest.
Make checks payable to SCSO of DKG for the total amount. Send with completed registration form
to Dr. Diane Stewart, 171 B Atlantic Ave, Pawley’s Island, SC 29585
Form due April 20 2024

PAGE 6 THE DIGEST

 Registration for Additional Chapter Officer Training Workshop May 18
Fox Creek High School,
165 Shortcut Road, North Augusta, SC 2986 (Back of School)
Name_______________________________________Chapter________________________District________
Mailing Address __________________________City_________________ State _______ Zip ____________
Phone ______________________________Email Address _________________________________________
Position at chapter level ___________________At state level ______________________________________
Check Workshop attending: _____Chapter President _____Chapter 1st Vice President
______Secretary ____ Treasurer

I _______________________give permission to SC State to use my name and picture on the SC web-

site and The Digest.
Send the following information with $5 registration fee to by postal service to: Nancy Cowart, 26 Daniels Court, North
Augusta, SC 29860. Make checks payable to SC State Delta Kappa Gamma. Deadline is May 10, 2024.

International Convention
The 2024 International Convention will be held at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Cen-
ter in National Harbor, Maryland, from July 9-13. The cut-off date for hotel reservations is June 17,
and registration prices will increase after June 9. Information is available at DKG.org. Kathy Carter is
compiling a list of South Carolina members attending the convention. Please let her know you are
attending.

Communicating With Members

Communication is vital for an organization. Here are a few ways communication flows between
members, international leaders, and Society Headquarters staff:
• The DKG Website.
• DKG Publications (DKG News, Collegial Exchange, Journal, and more).
• The DKG official corporate social media accounts, such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and others.
• Email.
• Phone.
• Chat (via the DKG Website).
• International committee blogs (most easily accessed via the DKG Website).
• Town Halls and member-focus-group Zoom sessions.
• International committee-led forum Zoom sessions.
• Question and Answer Zoom sessions.
• Inside International Zoom sessions held the first Tuesday of each month.
• Surveys for feedback and gathering ideas.
• Video presentations — Presidents’ Page, Conversations with the International President, and others – via
the DKG Website and the DKG YouTube channel.
• Podcasts.

Excerpt from the article by Nita R. Scott, CAE, Executive Director DKG News Mar/Apr 2024 | Vol. 81 No. 2

VOLUME 68 ISSUE 2 PAGE 7

DKG Membership
By Marian Coggins State Membership Committee Member
What does your membership mean to you? It is an honor to be selected, to be inducted, and
participate in Delta Kappa Gamma. As an educator, someone has noticed your hard work and ef-
fort in the field you love so much.
So, how does the collegiate membership fit into that mold? What better way to create excellent
educators than to meet them as they prepare for their careers and help train and nurture them to be
educators who make a difference in their schools and communities? A collegiate member is a fe-
male education student in her Junior or Senior year. Most collegiate members are Seniors who
have entered the student teaching experience.
Our members can lead them and train them. We can provide them with mentors who have
“been there, done that.” We can help them through that first year, usually when we lose them to
other careers. Has your chapter looked to see if you have a college nearby? Does the school dis-
trict allow you to volunteer to mentor induction teachers? These new educators need the support
and development that we can provide as a chapter and society.
When we get new members, how do we retain them? We must provide options for activities and
programs that benefit teachers currently in the classroom and those who are now retired. Does
your chapter offer times for fellowship and building each other up? Do you do things together for
fun? Do you learn and change because of your time together? Do you have an idea for a pro-
gram? Speak up! Each member is a valued part of the chapter. Membership in Delta Kappa Gam-
ma is truly an honor, and only you can make it the best experience possible!

To Mary Eva Hite Scholarship Past Recipients

By Dr. Marianne Holland Marian District One Scholarship Committee Representative and
Mary Eva Hite Scholarship Past Recipient
Many South Carolina State Organization members (formerly Alpha Eta State , have received finan-
cial assistance in earning advanced degrees, either the doctorate or Education Specialist certificate,
with funds from the Mary Eva Hite Scholarship. Named for an early leader in the state organization,
this scholarship fund has been used for tuition, printing of dissertations, typing of one's dissertation,
or travel to university campus. At present, this important state scholarship fund needs more funds
so SCSO can assist members in future years. Please consider making memorials for friends or
honoring a mentor or chapter member by contributing to the Mary Eva Hite Scholarship Fund this
spring and in the future. Please send these contributions to Mrs. Amanda Cruse, SCSO Treasurer,
P.O. Box 1837, Lexington, SC 29072. On the " For " check line, write For Mary Eva Hite Scholarship
Fund.
Thank you for assisting SCSO in keeping the Scholarship Program financially strong for future
applicants.

SCSO Scholarships
By Susie Epps Scholarship Committee Chair
SC State Organization of DKG offers scholarship opportunities for DKG members taking gradu-
ate courses for recertification pursuing a master’s, ed. sp., or doctoral degree. The Founders and
Thompson Scholarships are $1,000. The Mary Eva Hite Scholarship for members pursuing a doctor-
al or educational specialist degree is $2,500. All information regarding the scholarships is listed on
the SCSO-DKG website, scso-dkg.weebly.com. References are needed. Please contact the Scholar-
ship Chair, Susie Epps, at susieepps@gmail.com or text 864-344-0029 for the application form or
more information. The deadline has been extended to February 1, 2024.

PAGE 8 THE DIGEST

 Beta Epsilon
Chapter News By Dr. Joanne Brogis
Our chapter hosted Salty Dogs Senior Animal Rescue at their meeting on October
7, hosted by member Luann Cogliser. Their mission is to provide older animals in need
with a loving home environment while seeking their forever homes, educating through
community awareness, compassion, and care for senior pets. The speaker was Trish
Mulligan, a board member, who explained their mission, application procedures, etc. An
additional program, Love on a Leash, which takes licensed dogs to schools and libraries
so that young readers can read to a quiet, non-judgmental listener to help improve their
reading abilities, was discussed. Beta members also filled shoe boxes for Samaritan's
Purse. In addition, donations were collected for all groups.

Alpha Chapter
By Renee Mathews
Alpha Chapter completed two service projects this fall. The first service
project provided 55 hygiene bags and some extra supplies to the Colum-
bia Transitions shelter. The bags included soap, shampoo, conditioner,
bath gel, washcloths, and other hygiene items. The second service pro-
ject resulted in our small chapter creating 51 treat bags for staff at Annie
Burnside Elementary School in Richland School District One. The October meeting was
held at the Auld-Murdock Headquarters and offered virtually to members who could not at-
tend in person. The meeting was focused on completing the service projects, networking,
planning upcoming events such as a joint meeting in November with sister chapters, hosting the hol-
iday open house at headquarters in December, and deciding on the program/speaker for our Febru-
ary meeting. Members provided updates on legislative and upcoming elections.

Alpha Lambda Chapter

By Marcia Bethea

Our chapter, located in Dillon County, inducted four new members at its September meeting. The
new members are Kelli Floyd, Dillon School District Four's Teacher Induction Instructor and English
Teacher at Lake View High School; Jessica Hames, Social Studies Teacher, and School Counseling
Intern at Latta High School; Amanda Lucius, Social Studies Teacher at Lake View High School; and
Sandra Roberts, Curriculum Coordinator at Dillon Middle School. The chapter also honored retired
first-grade teacher Linda McKenzie for 40 continuous years of membership in Delta Kappa Gamma.
At its October meeting, Alpha Lambda Chapter members met at The Groundout Coffee Bar in
Marion for a paint party. Instructor Amanda Burdin led the meeting, and members attending created
personalized Halloween door hangers.

Front row, left to right: Jessica Hames, Susan

Bryson, Mary Claire Wiggins, Marcia Bethea,
Kelli Floyd Back row, left to right: Beth Jack-
Left to right: Kelli Floyd, Jessica
son, Paula Stranahan, Brittani Alford, Amanda
Hames, Linda McKenzie, Amanda Lu-
Lucius, Instructor Amanda Burdin
cius, and Sandra Roberts

VOLUME 68 ISSUE 2 PAGE 9

 Xi Chapter
By Jane Farmer
Chapter News In September, our
chapter met at the La-
mar Library. A reorien-
tation program using
the PowerPoint
“Sustaining Pride in
the Big Picture” was
presented by Jane Supplies collected for veterans.
Farmer.
Xi sisters visited the Cotton and Veterans Museums in Bish-
opville for the November meeting. Mr. Eddie Grant presented a
Xi sister Cameron Ca-
program on the history of cotton in South Carolina. He also spoke potosti at the museum.
about the memorabilia collection that is part of the Veterans Muse-
um. Xi sisters brought items to donate to the Veterans Home in Florence. A total of 145
items were collected! A special thanks to Xi sister, Elizabeth Tolson, for arranging this
meeting and giving each member a handmade cotton boll ornament.

Alpha Psi Chapter

By Catherine Spragins
Our chapter ushered in the Holiday Season with a December 3rd Christmas party at the home of
our secretary, Dr. Gloria Bell. As we gazed at her beautifully decorated tree, sipped hot spiced cider,
and munched on delicious goodies, we relaxed and enjoyed the warm fellowship with each other.
Christmas cards were written to our three members who cannot attend meetings but are with us in
spirit - Dr. JoAnn McNatt, Dr. Eunice Rowell, and Frances Wannamaker. Donations of personal items
and paper goods for the boys living at the Helping Hands Home in our area were brought.
On December 9th, Pat Huggins and Catherine Spragins drove to Columbia for the Holiday Drop-in
at the Headquarters House: more goodies, festive decorations, and reunions with DKG Sisters from
around the state. We surely experienced the Society's "genuine spiritual fellowship" and were filled
with the Christmas spirit! Blessings to all who were unable to attend this wonderful annual event.

Alpha Iota Chapter

By Jeni Smallwood
Dr. Sarah Little, head of the education department at Erskine College, was
the guest speaker at the October meeting. She suggested how current teach-
ers can serve fellow teachers, especially those new to the profession, and
hopefully cut down on the number of teachers changing to another career. Af-
terward, she answered questions and gave ideas on recruiting junior and sen-
ior education majors at her school.
On November 30, Alpha Iota hosted a drop-in reception for education ma-
jors at Erskine. Students could answer questions about one of the DKG Schol-
arships from a display to win school supplies. Members Carlotta Chapman,
Ana Galaviz, Tory Miller, Jeni Smallwood, and Nashari Williams talked with
students about the benefits of DKG membership as they were given DKG bro-
chures, visited poster displays, and had refreshments. Email addresses were obtained from six stu-
dents who expressed interest in possibly joining Alpha Iota, and they have been contacted and invit-
ed to join. Members and students both enjoyed the event.

PAGE 10 THE DIGEST

Beta Kappa Chapter
By Dr. Marianne Holland
Our chapter held its annual Christmas meeting on December 8, 2023, on the Brashier Campus
of North Greenville University, Greer. Mrs. Marian Coggins, District One Director, visited the chapter
and gave greetings from the SCSO. Dr. Marianne Holland, Co-president, presided and presented a
short meditation for the group. Dr. Patricia Mercier, the chapter's first vice president, had prepared
an excellent program on opportunities enjoyed by members of the DKG International Society. Using
visuals and the game of BINGO, which all members played and won prizes, each attendee was ori-
ented and reoriented to the advantages enjoyed by DKG members. During the Business session,
reports were presented, dates were selected for future meetings in the spring, and a nominating
committee composed of Dr. Melissa Cruver and Mrs. Jean McManus was appointed. The next
chapter meeting will be an in-person/Zoom on the Tigerville campus on February 21, 2024. Several
faculty members from the College of Education will present the program on Artificial Intelligence.
Following the closure of the meeting, we all enjoyed lunch.

Nu Chapter
By Faye Tucker
Our Chapter celebrated Christ-
mas on November 14 at the home
of Deronda Graham. Stockings for
Teachers was to show our apprecia-
tion and support for our teachers
who are still in the in the classroom.
The massive stockings were filled
with school supplies. Recipients of
the stockings are shown in the pic-
tures.

Beta Beta Chapter Below: Lisa Dawkins & Harriet Davis

By Beth Busbee are enjoying their purchases.
Chapter members enjoyed fun and fellowship while earning
$806.00 at their annual auction. Money raised will go to fund
chapter needs and scholarships. Kathy Carter was our spe-
cial guest and she even joined in the bidding.

Cindy Sparks auctions her

hand painted decorative
pumpkin

Chi Chapter
By Dr. Kathy Carter

Chi members donated twin sheet sets to the Child Abuse Prevention As-
sociates (CAPA) in Beaufort. Member Connie Johnson, 2nd from left, took
the donations to CAPA.

VOLUME 68 ISSUE 2 PAGE 11

 Alpha Upsilon Chapter
Chapter News By Julie Carothers
On October 19, 2023, our chapter had the privilege of having Columbia area author
Carla Damron speak at our meeting. Ms. Damron is a social worker who has written
several novels that delve into such topics as human trafficking, addiction, and mental
illness. At our meeting, she spoke about her book, The Orchid Tattoo, which centers
around the horrors of human trafficking all over the world, specifically in South Carolina.
Ms. Damron was instrumental in getting tougher human-traffic laws passed in South
Carolina. She shared that 70% of those trafficked are from the foster care system. Her
presentation left a big impression on our members and guests, with one member stat-
ing, "Carla's passion for the care of other humans and her extensive experience as a
Social Worker compels her to write about justice for all. She says being a social worker
isn't what she does; it is who she is, like being a teacher – it's who we are, not what we
do." After her presentation, members and guests could purchase some of her novels.
Her latest book, Justice Be Done, was just released and is about racial tensions and
hate crimes.

Alpha Alpha Chapter

By Marian Coggins
Our chapter held an induction ceremony on October 12, 2023, at
Memorial United Methodist Church in Greer, SC. Chapter President Mari-
an Coggins and Membership Chairperson Elaine Romano conducted the
ceremony to induct the chapter’s newest member, Currie Dove. Currie is
a graduate of North Greenville University and is currently teaching at High
Point Academy in Spartanburg, SC. High Point Academy is in the SC
Public Charter School District. A special attendee for Currie’s induction
was her mother, Marcia Bethea, who is also a Delta Kappa Gamma mem-
ber in the Alpha Lambda Chapter. Marcia is a librarian at Dillon Middle;
she resides in Latta, SC. Alpha Alpha members enjoyed our time of fel-
lowship with this “mother-daughter duo”! Marcia Bethea and Curie Dove
Remembering…
Alpha Alpha has experienced a great loss this year. We have celebrated one of our sisters
who gained their eternal reward with a white rose ceremony and will celebrate another in Feb-
ruary. Marjorie Mitchell was the last founding member of
Alpha Alpha. She was always there to provide direction on
etiquette, sew everything from name tags to the quilt square
for the quilt at Headquarters, and jump in to help wherever
needed. She was an active participant in our chapter to the
very end. We will celebrate her life on February 8, as her
birthday would have been February 11. The other member
was Lydia Edmunds, who joined us from Chi Chapter after Marjorie Mitchell
February 11, 1934 – September 26, 2023

Lydia Edmunds moving to be near family about two years ago. Lydia’s
smile permeated the room, and she always encouraged others. Her white rose
April 20, 1932-May 30, 2023

ceremony was held on September 14 with her husband, Bill, in attendance. Both ladies will be
greatly missed!

PAGE 12 THE DIGEST

Lambda Chapter
By Judy Parham
Our chapter started the 2023-24 year with meetings about scrapbooking,
yoga, and cookie decorating. At the September meeting, Mollie Wheeler (co-
president) and Kate Johnson (Treasurer) taught Scrapbooking 101 as teachers
practiced techniques for personal or classroom use. In October, Lambda hosted
Megan Morris and "Chair Yoga" for a session on Fitness & Self-Care. Megan
demonstrated relaxation exercises to use with classroom students who need to
get rid of the "wiggles." During the business section of the meeting, Janice
Pickett (Membership Chairman) presented Sandra Hester with the 40-year October refreshments
by (R-L) Laura Brock-
member pin and highlighted her leadership positions in 4 different chapters. In man, Kate Jenkins, &
November, a professional cookie decorator taught members how to decorate Kelly Crow
Thanksgiving cookies with royal icing. Marian Coggins, District 1 Director, and
Alpha Alpha President, participated in this meeting and reminded the chapter to
apply for upcoming scholarships available to those working on Master's and
Doctorate degrees.
Sandra Hester (L) receives
the 40-year pin from
Janice Pickett.

Alpha Rho Chapter

By Virginia Bartels
On October 23, 2023, Alpha Rho met Nitsa Demos, one of our chapter members, in the home.
She had made arrangements for Libby Paul to be our speaker. Libby is a veteran teacher with multi-
ple degrees, one being a literacy coach. Although she has instructed in different schools and sub-
ject areas in South Carolina, she uses her expertise to travel to foreign nations to train teachers with
instructional methods. She has worked in various areas, such as India and Africa, where teachers
often hold the equivalent of a high school degree but have had no educational courses. Libby has
enabled many educators to develop classroom management skills and enhance content mastery by
making learning relevant to the students' cultures and maximizing instructional time. After Libby's
presentation, Alpha Rho members enjoyed delicious refreshments from our hostess, Nitsa, and par-
ticipated in a business meeting.

Alpha Beta Chapter

By Fran Lewis
The Bread of Life Food Pantry in Bennettsville is one of our chap-
ter’s service projects. In previous years, we have donated money to
help feed others in our community. This year, not only did we give our
financial assistance, but Alpha Beta members joined the effort to stock
The Bread of Life Food Pantry with canned goods as well. Our first
food collection drive ended Tuesday, November 14th. Our goal was for
each Alpha Beta Sister to gather at least 25 cans of vegetables for The
Bread of Life Pantry. We exceeded our goal!

Fran Lewis (right) delivers canned

goods to the food pantry.

VOLUME 68 ISSUE 2 PAGE 13

 Holiday Open House

Santa welcomes members. Melody Garrison, Nan Burns, and

2nd Vice President Nancy Cowart

House manager Linda Smith

Susan Gray, Jane Farmer, and Fran Lewis enjoy take a moment from their
Alpha Chapter President, Renee
conversation to have their picture taken.
Mathews, reads out another number
for a door prize.

PAGE 14 THE DIGEST

 Martha Tucker, Mary Turbeville and
Melissa Hawkins

Susan Gray and State President Elizabeth Vance

Members greet 1st Vice President Melanie Cook.

Elise Faulkner, Debbies Sessions, and Annette Metz

Photos by
Marian Coggins
Rebecca Dover, Ann Marcantonio, and and Amanda Cruse
Joanne Brogis
Kate Jenkins, Linda Heckle and Arlene Odell

VOLUME 68 ISSUE 2 PAGE 15

SCSO Calendar
April
18 The Digest deadline to Karen Faulkenberry State Editor
27 Executive Board Meeting and Workshop for Chapter Officers at the Shandon Presby-
terian Church, 607 Woodrow St., Columbia, SC

May
11 Delta Kappa Gamma Founded 1929 (95 years young
18 Officer Training at Fox Creek High School for those who could not attend on April 27
27 Executive Board Meeting and Workshop for Chapter Officers at the Shandon Presby-
terian Church, 607 Woodrow St., Columbia, SC

June
1 Chapter Achievement Award Forms due to President Vance
30 Deadline for Members to pay dues to Chapter Treasurer

Order A Printed Digest

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scription for $15 or $5 an issue The cost covers the printing and mailing of the year’s three
editions. Fill out the form below and mail to the editor.

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Complete the blanks and mail this form to Karen Faulkenberry, 508 Saddle Drive, Camden, SC
29020. Include a check for $15 or $5 an issue payable to SC State Organization of DKG .

___________________________________________________________________________

Proofreaders:
THE DIGEST Linda Navorska, Chi Chapter
Regina Spell, Alpha Chapter
Publication of
South Carolina State Organization of DKG Editor
607 Maple Street Karen Faulkenberry
Columbia, SC 29205 803-427-0987
Phone: 803-401-5345 SCSOEditor@gmail.com

Next Deadline for Digest is Dec 11

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Keep your address and email up-to-date http://scso-dkg.weebly.com
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