Delta Kappa Gamma Alpha Upsilon’s May meeting was dedicated to Honoring Future Women Professionals.

The society’s purpose is to advance the professional interest and position of women in education. The 12 women educators who founded the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International were noted for their vision and leadership in organizing DKG. Each lady is pictured in our yearbook.

The Alpha Upsilon Chapter was chartered February 1953 by 11 local women educators of Russellville and Franklin County. The original framed charter was displayed for members to view at the meeting.

The following Alpha Upsilon educators were honored with a gold pin for their years of service as DKG members: Barbara Ayers, 53 years; Tommie Bragwell, 51 years; and Barbara Cain, 52 years.

Penny Christian, president of Alabama Delta Kappa Gamma, gave an interesting and inspiring presentation on her president’s project, Eagles’ Wings.   

Eagles’ Wings is a non-profit agency that provides day habilitation and residential services for adults with developmental disabilities. She has experienced first-hand work with this organization, as her son has Down syndrome. Eagles’ Wings provides services that are individualized to meet each person’s emotional, physical, social, spiritual and vocational needs.

DKG Alpha Upsilon presented a monetary donation to Penny Christian for Eagles’ Wings.

Donna Bolton introduced each Outstanding Senior Girl from schools across the county for their achievement of the highest grade point average. They were Maria Estrada, Belgreen High School; Gracie Montgomery, Tharptown High School; and Emma Ergle, Phil Campbell High School. The Russellville High School HGPA girl will be honored when officially announced by the Russellville City Schools system.

Each attendee and her mother were invited to the dinner and presented with a gift for their accomplishments.

The dinner meeting was held at North Highlands Church of Christ on May 2 at 5 p.m.

Karen Townsend, Alpha Upsilon president, presided over the meeting. Joyce Strickland gave the invocation. Serving as co-hostesses were Cheri McCain, Beverly Donaldson, Deedra Moore, Lela Ray and Judy Baker.

The tables were beautifully decorated with spring flowers, and each attendee received a beautiful pocket-sized notebook and pen as favors. A delicious meal was catered for the dinner.

For the society’s project, each member donated a beach towel and sunscreen for the residents of the FAME Girl’s Ranch. The girls and the staff will be taking a trip to the beach this summer.

As a tradition, current DKG Alpha Upsilon officers inducted new members: Leah Masterson, Cindy Bailey and Ginger Saylor. Each new member lit a candle, signed the official membership roster and was presented with a long-stemmed red rose – the club flower.

Outgoing officers were recognized with a long-stemmed red rose for their services. President Karen Townsend presented me with a President’s pin as president for 2018-2020.

Carolyn Eck, Alabama State district director and member of DKG Gamma Chi, conducted the installation of the 2022-2024 officers. The new officers installed were: Cheri McCain, president; Molly King, vice president; Debbie Beason, secretary; Debbie Nale, treasurer; and Karen Townsend, parliamentary adviser.

Members were invited to attend the DKG Founder’s Day Program at the Lauderdale County Annex.

The meeting closed with The Delta Kappa Gamma Song.