Delta Kappa Gamma Alpha Upsilon celebrated with the themed program “A Royal Christmas: Putting the pieces together in Great Britain” for their December meeting at the beautifully decorated ministry center at the Russellville First Methodist Church. Multiple nutcrackers and lovely table centerpieces featured, highlighting the festive holiday seasonal program.

Hostesses Gayle McAlister, Ginger Saylor, Louise Hester, Joyce Strickland and Elizabeth Daniel arranged for a delicious Christmas dinner catered by Bonnet Café. Each member received favors of a Christmas can of cookies and a miniature nutcracker.

President Cheri McCain welcomed special guests DKG District I director Tamra Counts and Sherry Isbell, DKG Lambda President. For the Inspiration, members sang “Silent Night.” Club business included the approval of minutes and the treasurer’s report.

Gayle McAlister, Nomination Committee chairman, presented the slate of officers for 2024-2026, to include Beverly Donaldson as president, Donna Bolton as vice-president, Debbie Beason as secretary, Debbie Nale as treasurer and Cheri McCain as parliamentary advisor.

McCain gave her report for the month of November. She encouraged members to consider the opportunity to improve their leadership skills by attending Leadership Day Feb. 24, 2024, at Helena Middle School. Deadline for registration is Feb. 1. She also made mention of the Feb. 1 deadline for submitting applications for two DKG scholarships for graduate work.

Tamra Counts was the guest speaker for December. “This year, Alabama Beta State celebrates ninety-two years as a member of DKG,” Counts said. “On December 19, 1931, Alabama Beta State was the second state to join the Texas delegation of the Delta Kappa Gamma.” Counts acknowledged our founders faced difficult times and hardships just as educators do today. The challenges may be different, but they are very real and require dedication and commitment just as in that day.

She challenged members to honor our founders and show they value their efforts by continuing to devote themselves to the purposes of advancing education and honoring exceptional women educators. She also encouraged members to keep inviting prospective members, especially young educators needing support, encouragement and recognition.

The project for this meeting was the World Fellowship scholarship program. Members donated items for a silent auction to raise money for scholarships to benefit the World Fellowship organization.

To acknowledge DKG Great Britain sisters, a table was dedicated for displaying items including a Queen Elizabeth doll, china, books, artwork, Santas and other items members collected on their visits to Great Britain. Great Britain educators joined Delta Kappa Gamma International in 1997 with two chapters and 99 members.