Dillon County’s Alpha Lambda Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International met recently for three purposes:  to recognize the chapter’s grant-in-aid recipient, to initiate three new members of the Society, and to install chapter officers for the next biennium.

The evening began with recognition of Dillon High School Senior Leah McMillan as recipient of this year’s Alpha Lambda grant-in-aid scholarship.  Leah’s parents, Steven and Sandra McMillan, were present for the occasion.  At DHS, Leah has earned both academic and athletic awards for leadership and dedication.  She also earned the Girl Scout’s Silver Award.  Leah plans to attend Winthrop University in the fall, with the goal becoming a high school history teacher.
Following Leah’s recognition, Alpha Lambda Chapter President Marcia Bethea presided over a contemporary Society new member initiation ceremony.  Nan Carmichael officially presented Gretchen Allen, Shannon Berry, and Wendy McDaniel as candidates for membership.  (A fourth membership candidate, Polly Haselden, was unable to attend the ceremony, and will be initiated at a later date.)  Patricia Page, Ruthann Wooten, and Sarah Pullie read the seven purposes of the Society and explained the meaning of the various symbols of the Society.  President Bethea led the initiates in the Society’s pledge of loyalty and cooperation, and lit candles representing a triangle of loyalty, cooperation, and the ideals of the Society.  Chapter Secretary Ann Carlson invited each initiate to sign the official register, and presented each initiate her membership certificate along with a long-stemmed red rose (the official flower of the Society).
For the past five years, Gretchen Allen has been an Adjunct Professor of Biology at Florence-Darlington Technical College, where in 2011 she received the Palmetto Teaching and Learning Institute’s Teaching Excellence Award for Commitment and Dedication to Student Learning. She holds a Masters Degree from the University of South Carolina.  A member of Latta Presbyterian Church, Gretchen is a Deacon and Sunday School teacher.  She has also been a Cub Scout Leader in Pack 777 in Latta.
Shannon Berry is assistant principal at Gordon Elementary School in Dillon.  She holds a Masters Degree in Administration, and has been a professional educator for 11 years.  Twice during her classroom teaching years at J.V. Martin Junior High School Shannon was chosen by her peers as Teacher of the Year.  Her community activities include assisting with both city and county elections, and helping with such community service projects as the March of Dimes.
Wendy McDaniel is an assistant principal at Dillon Middle School.  A 22-year veteran educator, she holds a Masters Degree and has also completed 30 hours of graduate credit above the masters level.  Wendy’s professional accomplishments are numerous, and include presentations to such organizations as the Latta Rotary Club, the Latta School Board, and at various state conferences.  Having taught for many years at Latta Middle School, Wendy was chosen by her peers as Teacher of the Year.  
An active member of East Dillon Baptist Church, Wendy participates in the choir, Vacation Bible School, and Judgment House.
A contemporary chapter officer installation ceremony followed the new member initiation ceremony.  Incoming President Beth Jackson was presented her official president’s key pin.
New Alpha Lambda Chapter officers for the 2014-2016 biennium are:
-President:  Beth Jackson
-First Vice-President:   Denise Gallant
-Second Vice-President:  Ann Carlson
-Recording Secretary:  Nan Carmichael
-Corresponding Secretary:  Leigh Sloan
-Treasurer:  Susan Bryson
-Parliamentarian:  Sarah Pullie
After the ceremonies, Alpha Lambda Chapter members and guests enjoyed refreshments. Delta Kappa Gamma is a professional honorary society of women educators.  The Society promotes professional and personal growth of its members and excellence in education.  Delta Kappa Gamma was formed in 1929 when a dozen pioneering women became inspired to unite, recognize, and help advance women educators.  
Named for the initial letters of three Greek words meaning “key women teachers,” the renowned association today has chapters in 18 countries and represents approximately 90,000 of the world’s most respected women educators.  Membership is by invitation only and is considered a prestigious honor with a variety of benefits and privileges.
Alpha Lambda Chapter, organized in 1978, currently has 25 members from Dillon County.  Its projects during the past year included collecting and donating supplies for new teachers, collecting and distributing book bags and supplies for students in need, and collecting and distributing gently used formal wear items for Latta High School’s clothes closet.  
Alpha Lambda also offers a grant-in-aid scholarship to a deserving female high school senior who plans to pursue a degree in the field of education.
The chapter is part of the Alpha Eta State (South Carolina) organization.  More information about Delta Kappa Gamma may be found on its official web site: www.dkg.org