Four local educators joined more than 1100 key women educators from throughout the state for the 79th Annual Convention of the Texas State Organization of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International in The Woodlands, June 19-21. Members spent the convention time attending a business session, and educational and special interest workshops at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center. Joining the group from the San Marcos Nu Chapter were: Mary Thorne, incoming president, Evelyn Barrett, incoming first vice president, Sandra Morales, state committee for ceremonies, and Ruth Spear, outgoing president.

With nearly 14,000 members in Texas, this honor society for women educators promotes excellence in education and personal and professional growth of women educators. The international organization with approximately 120,000 members in 16 countries gives scholarships to members both on the state and international levels and offers opportunities for leadership development to members.

Many workshops during the annual event carried Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits for Texas educators. In addition, other special interest and societal workshops were presented. The 294 incoming presidents for their chapters were trained by the Leadership Development for Chapter Presidents Committee. Mary Thorne, incoming Nu Chapter president, attended the training.

The Nu Chapter won seven awards during the convention. They were as follows: Tudor Rose award for Membership Explosion, Double Honors award for Scholarship Contribution, Early Bird Yearbook award, Five Star Award for their Newsletter, Annie Award for their programs and the PACE award for Chapter Excellence and the Bronze Award for its contribution to the state headquarters new building. Additionally, outgoing president Ruth Spear received a 50 year membership pin. She received a certificate and a red rose, the traditional flower of the organization. Sandra Morales performed with the ceremonies committee in various skits on “People, Passions, Party Possibilities” for the enjoyment of attendees.

The convention concluded on Saturday evening with the Presidents’ and Founders’ Banquet where International Representative Dr. Carolyn Rants addressed the group. The convention next summer is set for June 11-13, 2009 in Corpus Christi.