
Two years ago, at the beginning of the current biennium, the keyword was ADAPT. President Joanna Alston challenged us to accept change and to adapt our thinking to a new level in our Delta Kappa Gamma Society! Boy, did we ever? In my lifetime, I have never had to adapt so much as during the past 14 months. We are still adapting, although life is becoming somewhat more normal. Thank you, Joanna, for guiding us through this past year and for teaching us how to successfully ADAPT!
The time has now come for us to not only continue ADAPTing but also to reexamine why we belong to The Delta Kappa Gamma International and to our own Mississippi State Organization. In thinking about how I would like to see our Mississippi State Organization in this next biennium, I looked at what was important in my experiences with Delta Kappa Gamma. Three themes for me included Reflection, Relevance, and Relationships. Reflection because Delta Kappa Gamma continues to honor the original 7 purposes of the founding ladies while dropping some of the secrecy, the hats, the gloves, etc. These purposes should guide us through whatever changes we must make, but all the while they should remain a constant important factor. Dues, name changes, etc. should not change the original focus of this group; therefore, reflection is a must to keep us on track.
Along with reflection on what Delta Kappa Gamma means to its members came relevance. Relevance helps to create a sense of belonging in each of us. If something is relevant and important, a way will be found to connect to that something. The Society needs the retirees, the experienced; but it also needs the young, the new hires, the college members. Keeping our society relevant to all these groups will ensure it survives and thrives. Retention of new and older members will be easier if relevance is there for all.
The last R for me is the most important, that being Relationships! I joined DKG in 2003 and felt so honored to be a part of this group never realizing how important the people in this group would become in my life. Relationships include not only the women in the Society, but our students, our fellow professionals, and our administration. Relationships keep us going day after day. Those relationships formed here in The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International changed my life, professionally and personally. I hope, for each of you, it will do the same.
“Moving (Hopping) Forward with the Three R's” will be the theme for the next biennium and will include a rabbit as the symbol. A rabbit is a very social animal, but it is also an extremely cautious animal. Changes must be made gradually and gently for the behavior of the rabbit to change. The same applies to people. Delta Kappa Gamma has proven in the past year that members can accept change and members can adapt to change when necessary.
I ask now that you join me in moving forward with The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, reflecting on and maintaining the original seven purposes while making DKG relevant to all women of today. The relationships formed with your fellow sisters of the Mississippi State Organization and The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International will enrich your lives. I look forward to working alongside you to implement a plan including the Three R's! Thank you!
Janice Garrett
Goals for 2021-2023
Each chapter shall:
The time has now come for us to not only continue ADAPTing but also to reexamine why we belong to The Delta Kappa Gamma International and to our own Mississippi State Organization. In thinking about how I would like to see our Mississippi State Organization in this next biennium, I looked at what was important in my experiences with Delta Kappa Gamma. Three themes for me included Reflection, Relevance, and Relationships. Reflection because Delta Kappa Gamma continues to honor the original 7 purposes of the founding ladies while dropping some of the secrecy, the hats, the gloves, etc. These purposes should guide us through whatever changes we must make, but all the while they should remain a constant important factor. Dues, name changes, etc. should not change the original focus of this group; therefore, reflection is a must to keep us on track.
Along with reflection on what Delta Kappa Gamma means to its members came relevance. Relevance helps to create a sense of belonging in each of us. If something is relevant and important, a way will be found to connect to that something. The Society needs the retirees, the experienced; but it also needs the young, the new hires, the college members. Keeping our society relevant to all these groups will ensure it survives and thrives. Retention of new and older members will be easier if relevance is there for all.
The last R for me is the most important, that being Relationships! I joined DKG in 2003 and felt so honored to be a part of this group never realizing how important the people in this group would become in my life. Relationships include not only the women in the Society, but our students, our fellow professionals, and our administration. Relationships keep us going day after day. Those relationships formed here in The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International changed my life, professionally and personally. I hope, for each of you, it will do the same.
“Moving (Hopping) Forward with the Three R's” will be the theme for the next biennium and will include a rabbit as the symbol. A rabbit is a very social animal, but it is also an extremely cautious animal. Changes must be made gradually and gently for the behavior of the rabbit to change. The same applies to people. Delta Kappa Gamma has proven in the past year that members can accept change and members can adapt to change when necessary.
I ask now that you join me in moving forward with The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, reflecting on and maintaining the original seven purposes while making DKG relevant to all women of today. The relationships formed with your fellow sisters of the Mississippi State Organization and The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International will enrich your lives. I look forward to working alongside you to implement a plan including the Three R's! Thank you!
Janice Garrett
Goals for 2021-2023
Each chapter shall:
- Involve its members in the yearly planning of programs and in the offering of leadership opportunities.
- Attain and/or maintain Honor Chapter status.
- Consider membership diversity (age, career choice, etc.) in the recruitment and/or reinstatement of at least three members during the biennium.
- Encourage all members to participate above the chapter level by attending district meetings, the Leadership Management Seminar, and the MSO State Convention.
- Expand the use of technologically driven meetings and interactions under the guidance of the Technology Ad Hoc Committee.
- Work with the current officers, Order of Magnolia, and Policies & Procedures Committee as needed for continued success and future growth.
Meet the 2021-2023 District Directors and Assistant Directors
Kay collins, northern district director
A pivotal year in my professional journey as an educator was 1998. One of the most important and enlightening things I did that year was to join Delta Kappa Gamma. The ladies I’ve met through this adventure have been accepting, inspiring, forward thinking, and great fun! They love to give of themselves to our chosen profession. That’s one of the reasons I accepted the honor of being chapter president three times. Having served on several committees, I have also served as state Leadership chairman, state History chairman, and state Professional Growth and Services Committee member. Attending chapter, district and regional meetings, and state and international conventions has helped me to understand more about myself and Delta Kappa Gamma. My professional life has been enhanced through my Delta Kappa Gamma affiliation. Being a teacher and then a principal in Tupelo comprised my professional career. I look forward to serving Delta Kappa Gamma as the Northern District Director for this biennium.
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dorie Kisner, northern district assistant director
This is my 30th year of teaching. I currently teach business and technology courses at Saltillo High School. I am also the sponsor for FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America). I love working with these students to cultivate their leadership skills. My highest educational degree is a specialist in Educational Leadership, and I also have National Board Certification in the area of Career and Technical Education. I have been a member of the Eta chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma since 2007. I quickly got involved by chairing the Personal Growth and Services Committee. I held several officer positions within the Eta chapter including President. I served at the state level in several capacities including Chair of the Communications and Publicity Committee, Zeta Data Editor, and Personal Growth and Services Representative. When I am not teaching or participating in Delta Kappa Gamma activities, I enjoy cooking, playing tennis, and cheering for the Ole Miss Rebels. I look forward to serving as the Northern District Assistant Director.
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fonda dickinson, central district director
As I reflect on my years in Delta Kappa Gamma, I am reminded that I have received so much more than I have given. I have only been asked to attend five meetings a year, volunteer to help others, give monetary gifts occasionally, and go beyond the chapter level. In doing these things, I’ve received friendships to treasure for life, invaluable information about various topics, a feeling of accomplishment, and personal growth. Delta Kappa Gamma provides us with an opportunity to affect lives and make changes to our environment. It is my goal to enrich the lives of the people I encounter and spread a little sunshine. I would be honored to serve in the new biennium.
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Dr. Selma Wells, central district assistant director
In 1998, I was invited to join Rho Chapter and promptly accepted. During these 22 years, I have had the opportunity to serve as Rho Chapter President, Woman of Distinction, Communications chair, First Vice President, and attend Leadership Management Seminar. I truly enjoy being a member of Delta Kappa Gamma and look forward to meetings and conferences. As a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, I have met many outstanding educators, many of whom have helped to broaden my horizons.
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angie woodcock, southern district director
Connection. Support. Encouragement. That is what Delta Kappa Gamma means to me. When asked to join Alpha Theta Chapter, I did not hesitate to say yes. My decision was not based on the organization - I had yet to learn what a phenomenal group our Society is. My decision was based on people. Looking around my Alpha Theta meetings, I see women who are legends in Pike County education. Many of these women welcomed me into the profession of teaching as a young 22-year-old and molded me into the teacher I am today. While USM taught me pedagogy, it was many of my fellow Alpha Theta sisters who taught me the heart of teaching and how to truly love our profession. The chance to sit with these ladies and reconnect on a regular basis is alone worth membership, but then I was introduced to our organization on a state level. Again, the words connection, support, and encouragement aptly apply. The women I have met and served with in various capacities are nothing short of top-notch. What a privilege to be able to use such resources as a sounding board when I am in need of support and encouragement. So, for me, Delta Kappa Gamma is at its core all about the relationships—the women who form the heart of our association. Because of this, I am honored to serve as the Southern District Director and am looking forward to making more memories with the amazing ladies in our Mississippi State Organization.
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beverly hesterman, southern district assistant director
Since becoming a member of Alpha Alpha Chapter in 1999, I have served in several offices and committees, including Second Vice President, First Vice President and President for three terms. The SEE project has been very important to me as we mentor new teachers in our district. Past honors are being selected as Woman of Distinction in 2013 and for The Dee Abbott Award in 2019, a chapter award honoring one of our deceased members. I have also served on the state Leadership Development Committee, helping with Leadership Management Seminar for development of members, and on the state History Committee. I am retired from Perry Central High School in New Augusta where I taught for 29 years. After retirement, I continued to substitute until this year, ending over 40 years of teaching. I also serve in my community as an Alderwoman for the town of Beaumont, where I have lived for over 40 years, and am chairman of the Beautification Committee for the town. Service is very important to me as my parents were also active in service. I would consider it an honor to continue to serve in Delta Kappa Gamma.
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