Delta Kappa Gamma Alpha Upsilon hosted its annual Founders Day banquet May 6 at North Highlands Church of Christ in Russellville.  Special guests included Ann Jones, DKG Alabama president; Tamra Counts, president-Lambda and District I Director; Laura Ledgewood, president, Alpha Sigma Nu; Sherry Isbell-Lambda; Sherry Broadfoot-Alpha Sigma Nu; and Alabama Rep. Jamie Kiel-District 18.

The banquet theme was “Putting the Pieces Together-There’s No Place Like Home.” This administration’s programs highlighted DKG sister organizations in seventeen countries. Each meeting featured information, traditions, favorite food and artifacts of each country that members visited. The banquet decorations featured table centerpieces using greenery and the club’s flower, a red rose accented with the American flag and “no place like home.”

Cheri McCain, president of DKG Alpha Upsilon, presided over the meeting. Dianne Pace, Alpha Upsilon, gave the Inspiration. Debbie Beason, Alpha Upsilon, lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Russellville City Schools student Layla Rush provided the special musical entertainment.

Following a delicious dinner catered by Bonnet Café, Rep. Jamie Kiel presented an update on the legislative session. The education budget passed with $9.3 Billion. The gaming bill passed in the House, but failed in the Senate by one vote.  Kiel gave many accolades to educators and how they make a difference in students’ lives.

Jones recognized the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International Founders. Annie Webb Blanton and eleven other Texas women founded this honorary society for women educators May 11, 1929.

Back then, women teachers had very strict guidelines to follow. Some of these included being forbidden from:

• marrying during the term of their contract
• riding in a carriage or automobile with any man except their father or brother
• smoking cigarettes
• wearing bright colors
• dyeing their hair
• wearing dresses shorter than two inches above the ankles

Aren’t we proud teachers don’t have these restrictions today?

Ann Jones’ president’s project concerned autism. Many Alabama DKG societies promoted awareness about autism disorders, what it means to be autistic, how to support people with autism and the difficulties and discrimination they face. Jones shared briefly about her young daughter’s autism spectrum disorder and how much she has progressed over the years, now able to talk and read. DKG Alpha Upsilon presented $150 to Jones’ presidential project.

Four Alpha Upsilon members were recognized for their dedication of more than 50 years of DKG service. They included Tommie Bragwell (53 years), Judy Evett (50 yrs), Barbara Cain (54 years; and Barbara Ayers (55 years).

Following announcements, door prizes were given.  The meeting closed with the singing of the Delta Kappa Song.