Recognizing MSO Members
Dr. derrick thomas
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Celebrate Success! Simpson County School District’s Director of Child Nutrition, Dr. Derricka Thomas, has been selected by a group of her peers from across the country to speak at a national conference this summer in Denver, Colorado. Chosen by industry professionals of the School Nutrition Association (SNA), Thomas will lead a session during the 2023 SNA Annual National Conference. Derricka is a member of Alpha Gamma Chapter. |
ann jones-willis
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Congratulations, Ann! After 400+ Clinical Practice Hours, Ann Jones-Willis has graduated from William Carey University with a Specialist Degree in K-12 Educational Administration and Leadership. Ann is a member of Alpha Chi Chapter and works in Simpson County at Magee Middle School. |
kristina pollard
Dr. Kristina Pollard
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Congratulations, Kristina! Kristina was awarded a $1000 Scholarship from Mississippi Professional Educators to assist with her graduate studies at William Carey University. The Mississippi School Board Association awarded Kristina with a certificate for completing the MSBA Prospective Superintendent Leadership Academy. Kristina is a member of Alpha Gamma and the Chief Academic Officer at Laurel School District. Congratulations, Dr. Pollard!The Leake County School District Board of Trustees approved the hire of Dr. Kristina Pollard as our new Assistant Superintendent on February 1, 2024 for the 2024-2025 school year. With a career that's been a shining beacon in education since 1998, Dr. Kristina Pollard is a true education trailblazer.
Her extensive 22-year journey has seen her in various key roles, from being a biology teacher in the Dallas Public School District to becoming a technology facilitator, assistant principal, and principal in elementary, middle, and high school settings. Not stopping there, Dr. Pollard served as the Director of H.E.L.P. for the College of Education at Marshall University, demonstrating her commitment to academic excellence. |
Currently, she is making a significant impact as the Chief Academic Officer for the Laurel School District, where her visionary leadership is shaping the future of education.
Her educational background is just as impressive as her career. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Jackson State University, a master's degree in elementary education from William Carey University, a specialist's degree in administrative leadership from Walden University. Moreover, she recently earned her doctorate at William Carey University, showcasing her dedication to lifelong learning.
Dr. Pollard is also the co-host of the Class Dismissed Podcast, where she discusses educational news and shares inspirational ideas. She's a co-author of "Women Who Lead in Education Featuring School Principals”.
Her educational background is just as impressive as her career. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Jackson State University, a master's degree in elementary education from William Carey University, a specialist's degree in administrative leadership from Walden University. Moreover, she recently earned her doctorate at William Carey University, showcasing her dedication to lifelong learning.
Dr. Pollard is also the co-host of the Class Dismissed Podcast, where she discusses educational news and shares inspirational ideas. She's a co-author of "Women Who Lead in Education Featuring School Principals”.
abby myers
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Abby Myers teaches 7th and 8th grade Social Studies at Simpson Central School. She had two students participate in the Mississippi History Day competition in Jackson at the Two Mississippi Museums. Her students worked hard and earned 1st place for their exhibit on Medgar Evers.
Thank you, Abby, for guiding your students and teaching them about hard effort and hard work.
emily pollard
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Booneville Junior Auxiliary presented its annual Citizen of the Year award to Emily Pollard, pictured center. Emily is a member of Upsilon Chapter. When describing the 2023 Citizen of the Year winner, the word "servant" appears several times in her nomination letter. Whether it is serving her students, her family, her Church, or community, Emily is known for her selfless nature and servant's heart. Emily is a Psychology instructor at NEMCC and is currently working on completing her doctorate degree.
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TELETHA NEWELL
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The CREATE Foundation and the Association for Excellence in Education recently honored 23 teachers and one assistant teacher as Teachers of Distinction for their contributions to the Tupelo Public Schools. Teachers are nominated by students, other teachers, administrators, parents, and citizens for the award. In addition to receiving a plaque, teachers received $1,000 and assistant teachers received $500. Congratulations, Teletha, on being selected as 2023 Teacher of Distinction! |
ruby jones
Debby Renfroe, MSO President, congratulates Mrs. Ruby on her 100th birthday and her 75 years in DKG.
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Congratulations, Mrs. Ruby!On September 30, family and friends gathered in Clarksdale to celebrate the 100th birthday of Mrs. Ruby Jones, Iota Chapter. She also celebrated her 75th year of membership in The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. Indeed, these are two amazing milestones. Congratulations to Mrs. Ruby!
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Elaine massey
Unveiling Ceremony for Elaine Elizabeth Massey
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Fourteen members of the Mississippi State Organization and one guest met on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 10:30 for the unveiling of the memorial plaque for Zeta State Founder, Elaine Elizabeth Massey. The memorial took place at Magnolia Cemetery in Meridian, MS. Eight chapters from across all three districts were represented. Gathering around her grave, several members, including six Order of Magnolia Past State Presidents chronicled Miss Massey’s early life, her extensive education, and her broad range of activities and honors.
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Also celebrated was Miss Massey’s vast involvement in Delta Kappa Gamma at the national, state, and chapter levels. Sandra McKiernon read from a Founders of Delta Kappa Gamma in Mississippi booklet, a section written about Miss Massey by then National President, Norma Smith. The booklet was published in December 1946 and included “The 10 Guideposts” from the National 4-H Post War Guideposts, which Miss Massey helped develop. After the unveiling, each member present placed a red silk rose on her headstone which now bears a Delta Kappa Gamma Memorial Plaque. To further commemorate her contributions to education and the Society, members closed the memorial by singing “The Delta Kappa Gamma Song.” Following the ceremony, members met at Meridian’s Weidmann’s Restaurant downtown for a fellowship luncheon.
Present for the Unveiling Ceremony were: Janice Garrett (Eta), Sandra McKiernon (Alpha Delta), Betty Barrett (Theta), Joanna Alston (Alpha Lambda), Linda Hollingsworth (Pi), Lynn Holliday (Pi), Carolyn Palmer (Xi), Jeanette Thrash (Xi), Tracy O’Flynn (Psi), Angie McHenry (Gamma), Cheryl Thomas (Gamma), Sylvia Gambill (Gamma), Karen Rhodes (Gamma), and Janet Berg (Gamma). Chris O’Flynn was a guest and served as photographer.
Submitted by
Janet L. Berg
Gamma Chapter
Present for the Unveiling Ceremony were: Janice Garrett (Eta), Sandra McKiernon (Alpha Delta), Betty Barrett (Theta), Joanna Alston (Alpha Lambda), Linda Hollingsworth (Pi), Lynn Holliday (Pi), Carolyn Palmer (Xi), Jeanette Thrash (Xi), Tracy O’Flynn (Psi), Angie McHenry (Gamma), Cheryl Thomas (Gamma), Sylvia Gambill (Gamma), Karen Rhodes (Gamma), and Janet Berg (Gamma). Chris O’Flynn was a guest and served as photographer.
Submitted by
Janet L. Berg
Gamma Chapter
Lindsay Griffin
Congratulations to Lindsay Griffin! Her photographs "Baby Birds" and "Records are better" have been accepted into the DKG Fine Arts Gallery. According to Lindsay, "Baby Birds" was inspired by baby birds at her mother's house. They would poke their heads out when I would talk to them. "Records are better" was inspired by a trip to Atlantic Sounds Vinyl, a record store in Dayton Beach, Florida. "I love the sound of records over any other form of recording." The unveiling of the new DKG Fine Arts Gallery will be mid-November. Lindsay's work will be displayed in the gallery for six months, after which it will be archived for two years.
Lindsay teaches math at Mendenhall High School. She has been a member of Alpha Chi for 12 years. She has been married to Allen for 24 years, and they have two children, Dane (20) and Annica Joy "AJ" (17).
Lindsay teaches math at Mendenhall High School. She has been a member of Alpha Chi for 12 years. She has been married to Allen for 24 years, and they have two children, Dane (20) and Annica Joy "AJ" (17).
"Baby Birds"
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"Records are better"
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shirley hamilton
"Light in Chakchiuma Swamp"
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Congratulations to Shirley Hamilton! Her photograph "Light in Chakchiuma Swamp" has been accepted into the DKG Fine Arts Gallery. According to Shirley, "As an artist, I try to explore color, light and shadow, and connections between many things including science, ecology, and art. This painting of cypress knees, trees, and duckweed was based off of several studies and a photograph from Chakchiuma Swamp at Lee Tartt Nature Preserve in Grenada, MS. I was working to capture the glow of light especially on the duckweed and around the cypress knees." The unveiling of the new DKG Fine Arts Gallery will be mid-November. Shirley's work will be displayed in the gallery for six months, after which it will be archived for two years.
Shirley Hamilton is in her 23rd year of teaching art with most years at Winona Secondary School. She is a member of Alpha Phi chapter in the Northern District. |
beth mckay
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Congratulations to Beth McKAy! Her photograph of flying seagulls on the beach has been accepted into the DKG Fine Arts Gallery. According to Beth, "Nothing lasts forever. Caught in the act of flying away, these two gulls represent one of life's greatest dilemmas. Nothing ever remains the same." The unveiling of the new DKG Fine Arts Gallery will be mid-November. Beth's work will be displayed in the gallery for six months, after which it will be archived for two years.
Beth McKay serves as Pi Chapter President, and has been a member of Delta Kappa Gamma for 12 years. She is a 2023 Leadership Management Seminar graduate and currently serves on the Mississippi State Organization Headquarters Committee. This is her second photograph to be selected for the gallery. Her mother Hilda White is a member of Pi, and her sister Misty Whitehead is a founding member of Beta Beta. Beth is in her 18the year of teaching English at Pisgah High School. She holds a B.A. in English from Millsaps and a M.A. in English from Mississippi College. Beth is also a National Board Certified teacher. She is married to her high school sweetheart Warren who teaches math at Pisgah, and they have three sons. Beth attends First Baptist Fannin where she and her family are members. |
dorothy shank
Debby Renfroe, MSO President, congratulates Mrs. Ruby on her 100th birthday and her 75 years in DKG.
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Congratulations, Mrs. Ruby!On September 30, family and friends gathered in Clarksdale to celebrate the 100th birthday of Mrs. Ruby Jones, Iota Chapter. She also celebrated her 75th year of membership in The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. Indeed, these are two amazing milestones. Congratulations to Mrs. Ruby!
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Alpha Theta
HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY TO ALPHA THETA!
LET'S CELEBRATE APRIL 13!
Alpha Theta Chapter of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International is turning fifty years old. A celebration of this special event will be held on Saturday, April 13 at 10:00 a.m. at Johnston Chapel United Methodist Church, 2093 Chapel Drive, Summit.
All MSO members are invited as the chapter takes a look back on fifty years of exceptional women teachers as they honor Charter Members, along with a fun Fashion Show of Alpha Theta through the Years. A special Moment of Memory will pay homage to those who have gone on before us. Making plans are members L-R: Angie Woodcock, Lou Warren, Susan Hallmark, Yvette Lott, Yvonne Howell, Cindy Newman, Carol Rawlings, Mary Jane McDonald, Delores Feldman- Charter Member, and Julia Boyd.
All MSO members are invited as the chapter takes a look back on fifty years of exceptional women teachers as they honor Charter Members, along with a fun Fashion Show of Alpha Theta through the Years. A special Moment of Memory will pay homage to those who have gone on before us. Making plans are members L-R: Angie Woodcock, Lou Warren, Susan Hallmark, Yvette Lott, Yvonne Howell, Cindy Newman, Carol Rawlings, Mary Jane McDonald, Delores Feldman- Charter Member, and Julia Boyd.
Lynn Holiday
A Great Big THANK YOU!
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For more than ten years, Lynn Holiday has served as our State Treasurer! She has overseen our dues, membership updates, and our Available Fund. Working with the Headquarters Committee Chairman, she has made certain the funds managed by that committee and placed in Certificates of Deposit, are in the best banking institution to receive the highest interest rates available. She served on many committees because she is the treasurer and planned budgets with the Finance Committee. Every two years, she has gone through the time consuming and tedious process of having the new state president and current Executive Secretary add
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their names to the bank cards so that the designated three state officers may sign checks on behalf of our organization, as approved. She fielded endless questions from members, chapter presidents and treasurers, International Membership and Financial committees, the state Financial Committee, and the less than knowledgeable state president (that would be me)!
Thank you, Lynn, for the many, many hours of work, research, and initiative you’ve given in service to Mississippi State Organization, Delta Kappa Gamma. You’re one of the best of the best and appreciate all you’ve done! Enjoy your “retirement” and additional time for travel, MSU sports, and many hobbies.
And remember, we still need you to serve in other areas.
We love you!
Debby
Thank you, Lynn, for the many, many hours of work, research, and initiative you’ve given in service to Mississippi State Organization, Delta Kappa Gamma. You’re one of the best of the best and appreciate all you’ve done! Enjoy your “retirement” and additional time for travel, MSU sports, and many hobbies.
And remember, we still need you to serve in other areas.
We love you!
Debby
