For the past several years the DKG Alpha Upsilon Chapter has recognized senior girls with the highest grade point average in Russellville City Schools and the Franklin County Schools where a DKG member teaches.

These are the young ladies of the Class of 2021 who were honored and presented with gift certificates from the DKG Alpha Upsilon Chapter.

Belgreen High School recipient Bailey Oliver is salutatorian. Her other honors and involvement include 1A Region 7 Bryant Jordan Scholar Athlete, National Merit Scholar, DAR Good Citizenship representative, Girls State representative, National Beta Club, Bulldog Student Ambassadors, varsity volleyball, Envirothon Team and Franklin County Junior Leadership. Bailey plans to attend the University of North Alabama and major in biology and then go to optometry school to pursue a career as an optometrist.

Phil Campbell’s salutatorian is Adrianna McCleese. She enjoys reading, playing with her dogs and spending time with her family and friends. Adrianna volunteers at her local fire department.  She plans on attending Northwest-Shoals Community College and then transferring to finish her doctorate degree. She said she wants to make a difference by giving back to her community.

Lily Tess Pounders, Russellville High School’s valedictorian, has been involved in numerous school activities as well as in her church and community. Some of her senior year activities included National Honor Society president; Future Health Professionals president; Christian Students United treasurer; Spanish Club secretary; Library Media Club secretary; Student Council representative; Future Business Leaders of America; varsity cheerleader; varsity tennis team; and Homecoming Court second alternate. Lily plans to attend Auburn University because of their graduates’ high percentage of acceptance into medical school.

Tharptown’s recipient is Lydia Henderson. Lydia’s future plans include attending Northwest-Shoals Community College then transferring to Auburn University to get her bachelor’s degree in marine biology. Lydia also plans to earn her master’s in biology at the University of South Alabama. Her dream is to be a researcher in shark conservation, and she wants to help in the ongoing discovery of the ocean and its inhabitants. Lydia’s hope is that she will be an inspiration to little girls who want to go into STEM jobs and that they will pursue their dreams.

This year Alpha Upsilon also made $100 donations to Safeplace and to the FAME Girls’ Ranch.

The DKG Founders Day Celebration was hosted by the Gamma Chi chapter May 6 at 5:30 p.m. at Veterans’ Park in Florence. Carolyn Eck coordinated the meeting, and invitations were sent to the Alpha Sigma, Alpha Upsilon and Lambda chapters.

Attending from Alpha Upsilon were Gayle McAlister, Louise Hester and Beverly Donaldson. Also in attendance was Teresa Noel, Beta state president.

The pavilion was decorated beautifully with DKG red colors, and boxed dinners were served to attendees.

Members were reminded to attend the DKG Alabama State Convention May 22 in Montgomery.