The Light of Hope was the theme of the day at the Gamma Omicron Chapter meeting held Saturday, October 1st in the Kenedy Middle School Cafeteria. Members and guests were treated to a delicious breakfast brunch served by the Kenedy group as they arrived. After the brunch President Jan Anderson welcomed all present and recognized the following special guests: Area 4 Coordinator Barbara Anders of Lake Jackson, Judith Williams of Victoria and Jennifer Gonzales & Sabrina Lewallen, teachers at RES Elementary in Karnes City.

Melinda Wheat presented the meditation and focused her remarks on the idea of light overcoming the darkness and each of us bringing light into the lives of others. Ruth Hollman led the members in the pledge to the American flag. During the business session Membership Chairman Betty Thornton recognized members with October birthdays. Two names were drawn to receive door prizes of homemade cookies. The lucky recipients were Gretchen Dupnik and Barbara Anders. Mrs. Thornton, aided by Achievement Award Committee Chairman Sharon Lee, then made a very special presentation. Betty Bleeker was recognized for her 50 years of membership in the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. She was presented with a certificate and a red rose, the Society’s symbol. She has also received a letter from the International organization noting this milestone. Barbara Anders spoke next on the benefits of membership in the Delta Kappa Gamma Society. She concluded her address by lighting a candle, symbolizing the theme of state president Joann Davis – “Explore the Possibilities: Let Our Vision Light the Way.” Sharon Lee and Marie Meadows made a presentation to another long time member, Myrtle Lucke, recognizing her lifestyle of health and fitness. Mrs. Lucke participated in the Senior Games in Houston this summer.

The special speaker of the day was Judith Williams, Program Director at Perpetual Help Home in Victoria. The Home is a permanent supportive housing program helping women and their children in hardship circumstances. They help women get on their feet by helping them with job searches, network building, financial management and more. The program is structured to transition residents step by step to independence and stability in the community. Mrs. Williams spoke of the light of hope that comes to residents of the home when they begin to see their potential. As a short –term project Gamma Omicron members brought paper goods to donate to Perpetual Help Home.

The meeting ended with the singing of the Delta Kappa Gamma Song. The November 5th meeting of Gamma Omicron Chapter will be at the First Baptist Church in Beeville. It will be the annual auction to raise funds for the book grants and the grant-in-aid the chapter awards to high school senior women and college juniors planning to become educators. The vision statement of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society is “Leading women educators impacting education worldwide.” The Society’s mission is to promote professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education. Over 100,000 women educators in 17 countries are members of the Delta Kappa Gamma organization.

Gamma Omicron Chapter is composed of members from Bee, Karnes & Live Oak counties.