Published: November 18, 2009 08:05 am      

Contest winners read essays to Rho members

Three essay contest winners read their essays to members of Rho chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma and supporting members of the writers’ families, and teacher.

Rho Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma met at 9 a.m. in the Pro Start classroom of Pam Wakefield at Ada High School.

Breakfast foods were prepared by Harriet Weber, Kathleen Lehman, Marg Blake, and Jo Ann Hefley for the buffet set by Ms. Wakefield, and served to 13 members and 12 guests.

Members and guests bid on silent auction items as they arrived and during breaks in the meeting. Proceeds from the auction are designated for the scholarship fund.

Holly Wood from Latta. Landon Sloan of Vanoss eighth grade shared his second place essay about three great friends. Jason Grimm of Vanoss eighth grade read his first place essay about why his dog Buddy is his best friend, and Megan Wright, first place seventh grade winner from Latta, shared her story of how someone she considered an enemy in fourth grade became a treasured best friend.

The second place winner for seventh grade, Hunter Erwin of Latta, was unable to attend the meeting.

Certificates and cash prizes of $20 for first place essays and $10 for second place were presented by President Donna Large. Certificates for all participants were delivered to teachers from Ada, Davis, Latta, and Vanoss for ten eighth grade writers and 41 seventh grade writers. First place essays are to be entered in the statewide contest for spring competition.

Following the essay presentations and silent auction bidding, State Sen. Susan Paddack addressed the group. She reviewed legislative action from the 2009 session, and discussed measures concerning accountability and deregulation.

She discussed the Achieving Classroom Excellence legislation and the seven End of Instruction tests students will experience in high school. Her comments suggested that national tests indicate a need for improving students’ math skills, and for teaching reading across the content areas. After answering questions and hearing comments from members, Paddack encouraged educators to stay informed through research, and reiterated the fact that solutions for education issues must address how we ensure success for students.

President Large opened the business meeting with an invocation and led members in the flag salute. Minutes of the October meeting were approved and the treasurer’s report was filed.

Judy Hisaw and Edna Mae Cooley presented a tentative budget for 2009-2010.

Harriet Weber led the group in a new song, “Do you Know November’s Here?”, and the group sang “Happy Birthday” in honor of Tonda Morris who has a birthday in November.

President Large reminded members about the initiation ceremony scheduled for the December meeting. Jo Ann Hefley volunteered to do a history of carols and to lead the group in singing Christmas carols. Members will bring “Toys for Tots” to be given to a charity for Christmas. Members claimed silent auction purchases as they adjourned.

Members present were Marg Blake, Edna Mae Cooley, Harriett Ann Demere, Jo Ann Hefley, Judy Hisaw, Donna Large, Kathleen Lehman, Sandy Poe, Mary Scalf, Brenda J. Smith, Pam Wakefield, Harriet Weber, and Patsy West.



Fine Arts

On November 10, 2009 the Fine Arts Department Of Tanti Study Club met in the home of the host, Sandra Haney, being co-hosted by Mryna Glance.

The business portion of the meeting was presided by President Sammy Edwards. The club collect was led by Norma Underhill.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and the roll called by the Secretary, Rosa Hendrix. The minutes were accepted by the club. Carol Davis, the Treasurer, gave a report. The members who were ill and could not attend were discussed. The unfinished business that was mentioned was that the Nutcracker at Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center at ECU on Dec. 5 did not have tickets available yet. No new business was brought up.

The program was presented by Sandra Haney. A video was purchased by the Haneys about Lipizzaner Stallions at a performance they had attended at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City. The video, “Majestic White Horses” was shown to the group at the meeting. This was the story of history of Arabian horse breeds.

They were born, trained and learned how to survive. Vinice, a seaport in northeastern Italy used the horses in imperial stables.

Refreshments were served to 20 members in attendance by the hostess and co-hostess: Jane Adair, Sue Asklund, Pat Bonar, Carol Davis, Sammy Edwards, Mryna Glance, Paula Green, Treva Gurley, Sandra Haney, Rosa Hendrix, Sandra Ingram, Evelyn Keefer, Bryna Lane, Anita Miller, Delores Moore, Zelmadean Parker, Peggy Paschall, Martha Sweatt, Norma Underhill and Aggie Allen.