Gamma Omicron Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International was chartered in Kenedy on April 20, 1940. That first meeting was held in the Goff Hotel, and women teachers from Karnes, Wilson, Bee and Atascosa counties were invited to membership.
The Karnes City/ Runge town group hosted the anniversary meeting and decorated the room to reflect the happy occasion. Large paper crafted birthday candles with colorful ribbon steamers graced the tables and a display of chapter scrapbooks, yearbooks and pictures were available for members to view. Centered at the head table was a beautiful bouquet of wildflowers from the yard of Susie Kotara.
Following a brunch prepared by the hostesses, the meeting was called to order and the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag was recited. Betty Thornton, membership chairman, recognized the members with April birthdays and conducted the door prize drawing which included a tote bag and travel mug, provided by Phyllis Vaughan, on which was embroidered the DKG logo and a red rose, for birthday door prizes and Marjorie Huff contributed four holiday themed crocheted items for the drawing.
Myrtle Lucke, of the achievement award committee, informed the members that the chapter yearbook had received an Exemplary status from the state organization and recognized Pam Burge, who was responsible for creating the yearbook. Mrs. Lucke also read a news account of the Runge Elementary School receiving a Title 1 Part A Distinguished Award on April 6. Member Debbie Witte is the Runge Elementary principal. Gretchen Dupnik then recognized her friend and DKG mentor Marjorie Huff, who has been faithful to provide crocheted work for the chapter’s annual November auction which raises funds for book grants and grants-in-aid. On display in the cafeteria were beautifully crocheted items Mrs. Huff had crafted for family and friends through the years.
In other business, the chapter voted to award $400 book scholarships to high school seniors Sara Reagan of George West and Donna Espiricueta of Runge and a $400 grant-in-aid to Amanda Stapleton of Three Rivers, who attends Texas A&M University. These young women all plan to pursue a degree in education.
Lana Massengale, ceremonies chairman, assisted by chapter members, presented the birthday themed program while members opened gift bags that revealed the traits of the chapter’s 12 charter members that could be emulated today. Among the traits discussed were hope, patience, kindness, and perseverance. Those in attendance also shared memories they had of the women who had established Gamma Omicron.
To conclude the celebration, the members enjoyed a delicious carrot cake and punch and the singing of the Delta Kappa Gamma song. The next chapter meeting will be in Kenedy on May 1 at the Kenedy Middle School. The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International promotes professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education.
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