The Alpha Omega Chapter of Eta State of Delta Kappa Gamma International met March 7 at the Aurora Community Center. Delta Kappa Gamma is a professional society that promotes professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education around the world. Alpha Omega is comprised of educators from Beaufort and Hyde counties.

President Linda Beddard opened the meeting. Carlyle Paul gave an inspirational reading and gave the blessing. After the completion of the meal, a Remembrance Ceremony for member Lola Evans was held. June Zurface, fellow teacher and friend, gave a moving tribute. The celebration of Mrs. Evans’ life was concluded with the presentation of white roses to her husband, Ed Evans. Mrs. Evans taught many years as an 8^th-grade language arts teacher at Snowden Elementary School in Aurora.

Alpha Omega member Melissa Dana presented a program regarding the importance of exercise in our daily lives. She reiterated core strength, muscular strength and cardio strength are essential to maintain mobility and flexibility. Ms. Dana gave tips on how to incorporate daily exercise in our busy lives.

To honor our dedicated members, certificates were presented by June Zurface, chairman of membership, and Linda Beddard, president. Twenty-year membership certificates were presented to Carlyle Paul, Katherine Holt and DiAnna Cherry. Certificates to acknowledge 10 years of membership were received by Aleta Cox, Sherri Cox, Melissa Dana, Betsy Lee Hodges, Renee Douglas, Leslie Thomas and Carolyn Harding. Certificates of five years of membership were awarded to Amanda Barnes, Linda Woolard, Alida Sawyer and Kathy Gywnn.

President Linda Beddard presented information about the Golden Key nominee, a state-wide recognition. Alpha Omega member Betty Cochran was the chapter’s nomination. The Golden Key Award is designed for and honors members who are in the background getting things done without personal glory or gain for themselves. The Golden Key is for those dedicated members who are the thread that holds the chapter together and have a deep and abiding love for DKG. Mrs. Cochran displays many qualities of an outstanding and dedicated member, serving as president of the chapter, attending several state conventions, updating history of the chapter and presenting workshops at the state level. She has been a member of Alpha Omega for 32 years.

To honor Dr. Seuss’ birthday, members donated numerous children’s books to the Beaufort-Hyde Partnership for Children. Recently retired member Lisa Woolard spoke of the importance of getting books in the hands of children throughout our communities. The chapter collected two full containers of donations.

In other business, Linda Beddard informed members of the upcoming Region 1 Spring Meeting and Luncheon to be held April 13 at First Christian Church in Washington. President of Eta State, Connie Savell, and Eta State webmaster, Beth Winstead, will present at the meeting.

The Aurora hostess group, headed by Carlyle Paul, oversaw the arrangements for the meeting. Richlands Senior Club provided the catering for the occasion. For more information of Alpha Omega Chapter of Beaufort/Hyde counties please visit the website: alphaomegaetastate.weebly.com.