JoCo
Teach will be presenting at our September meeting! What is
JoCoTeach? JoCo Teach is a program for high school students
interested in becoming teachers. It started in 2019 with just
9th grade and we've added a grade each year. The program which
is hosted at SSS currently has 45 students. Suzanne Sweat, our
speaker, is in her 20th year of teaching and has been the
coordinator of JoCo Teach for three years. Bonus raffle tickets
if you email where you have recently seen Mrs. Sweat on TV.
Email Amy Stanley with your answers: thestanley4@gmail.com
Social and Emotional Learning Resources
Our 1st Vice President, Mary
Daughtry, conducted an interview with Dr. Amanda Allen, Executive
Director of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) in Johnston County
Schools (JCS.) The interview is part of our endeavor to learn more
and to stay informed about the issues concerning JCS. We are hopeful
that the interview with Dr. Allen sheds light on some of the plans
that are being made relative to SEL. Dr. Allen began her educational
career as a school counselor in JCS and wanted to share how JCS
school counselors are able to do their jobs during the Pandemic and
how they are getting out to our students in order to meet their
needs. Below is the list of questions Mary asked Dr. Allen. To hear
how Dr. Allen responded to each questions, please view the Zoom
video sent to you by email.
Questions Answered
Dr. Allen: Very few people really know what is
involved in SEL, can you explain exactly what it is and what you do?
Has the
experience of the last ten months revealed any deficiencies and are
there areas that will require special attention in public education
as we move forward and we are able to come back together
face-to-face?
You mentioned
that SEL can come under the umbrella of Student Services or
Curriculum and Instruction. Can you help us understand the
difference between the two? What role does SEL play in
addressing the drop out issue or the drop out to prison pipeline and
do either law enforcement or the Department of Social Services
factor into your actions?
What do you think are the most
critical changes needed going forward? How are social workers or
school counselors making contact with families that need support
during this Pandemic? What is a burning question you have for
us?
Dr. Allen didn’t have a specific
question for us, but wanted to make sure teachers were aware that
the district SEL team is working to provide support at the school
level. A SEL team or point of contact is identified and are provided
information such as standards for the district, competencies and
resources for both teachers and students. She reminded us that the
school counselor is a great resources and can be the person to reach
out to first. Regarding the support that is in place for families
struggling through the Pandemic, Dr. Allen shared that typically the
homeroom teacher, school counselor or social workers are available
to support them. When phone calls are not effective, “porch visits”
are being conducted to make sure the family is ok. We appreciated
the time Dr. Allen spent sharing information. We know that it has
been a very difficult time for students and teachers. It was great
to hear the encouraging words from Dr. Allen and hear of the many
resources that have been put in place to support JCS teachers and
students. The good news is that she believes that students will have
a new appreciation for teachers and the school.
Living Legend Award
Beginning
Teacher Support Committee
The Beginning Teacher support committee shared goodies with our
1st year Beginning Teachers at their opening training at Selma
Elementary on August 9. The committee is working to establish DKG
mentors for not only our Beginning Teachers in year 1, 2 and 3 but
also for our current student teachers. In case you didn't know
Johnston County has over 100 student teachers from area
Universities: NC State University Meredith University Campbell
University East Carolina University Barton College More information
about this mentor opportunity at the September meeting. We will also
be sharing monthly treats to remind them we are supporting them in
their journey. If you want to support either effort reach out to
Heather Bryant .
Home
Town Heroes
Congratulations to Mary Daughtry and her husband Billy. During
the pandemic, they went over and beyond to make sure their small
community, Pine Level, was taken care of from the very beginning
of this uncertain time.
Mary and her husband Billy have a family owned and operated
grocery store, Town Market. Their mission has always been on
customer service and becoming a reliable and essential base for
the residents of Pine Level. They showed continued support for
their community and team members by adapting their business
models to meet new supply demands and making safety and health a
top priority. One of their proudest accomplishments was their
ability to maintain their meat supply the whole time, while
larger stores have not been able to keep up with demand.
They were also able to provide a safe environment for customers
and employees alike and were open to meeting new demands for
high-risk individuals. Their grocery store also
introduced delivery and pick-up options.
Taking care of their employess and community was important to
them also. They increased the wages for many of their employees
because they consider them family. They also partnered with
churches in the area to help supply pantry items and hot meals
to families that needed it. All of these things shows how
important Billy and Mary are to their community. We are so
fortunate to have such caring people in a small part of the
world.
A tradition our Chapter adopted several years ago was to hold a
raffle at each meeting. I believe I saw the idea in a newsletter
from Nancy Tunstall’s chapter newsletter. Thanks to Nancy for
sharing this idea. Since our first raffle, we have been able to
raise several thousands dollars. The funds have been used to
support several different projects important to our chapter. I
believe the average amount we have raised at each meeting has
been over $200 dollars which adds up pretty quickly. At our last
meeting we were able to raise $265.
At our last meeting we also hosted our Show and Sell. This program helps to
raise money for our endowment fund. It was so exciting to see
the talents of our members. There were a lot of hand-crafted
items instead of bought items. We were able to raise $725.50 for
our endowment fund. Thanks to everyone for making the fund
raiser so successful.
Michaela Smith
of Newton Grove, NC has been named the
2018 recipient
of the
Alpha Beta Chapter Endowment.
She a senior at South Johnston High School, Four Oaks, NC.
One of the reasons Michaela
was an excellent recipient for the Endowment was based on her
outstanding GPA. She received several honors to include being a
member of the National Honor Society, Trojan Ambassador, and
also received awards for AVID and Honors Psychology.
Michaela also participates in
a lot of volunteer work to include the Benson Food Bank, Science
Olympiad, Miracle League, Church Vacation Bible School, Key
Club, HOSA and Camp Albemarle Summer Camp.
She will be attending college
to pursue a major in education. We hope Michaela will decide to
come back to Johnston County Schools to teach.
Congratulations to
Kailey Rea
our
2019 recipient
of the
Alpha Beta Chapter Endowment.
Kailey graduated from North Johnston High School and plans to
become a middle school math teacher. She is a teaching fellow
going to NC State University. Her Mom is a teacher in Johnston
County Schools.
Kudos to the Scholarship Committee, congratulations to Kailey
and way to go Alpha Beta. In Kailey, we’ve achieved our mission
of promoting professional and personal excellence and excellence
in education.
Lydia Evans
of Princeton, NC has been named the
2017 recipient
of the
Alpha Beta Chapter Endowment.
Lydia is a native Johnstonian. Her parents are Mark and Janet
Evans of Princeton.
Lydia was chosen to receive the
Endowment based on her strong academic standing, her plans to become
an educator, and her well-rounded activities in high school. She
graduated from Princeton High School and attended one semester at
the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. She is going to be
attending Johnson Community College in the spring, then transfer to
East Carolina where she will continue to work on a major in
Elementary Education.
We
hope Lydia will make plans to return to Johnston County so she can
follow in the footsteps of the great teachers that inspired her to
go into education.
Terri Sessoms
Announces Candidacy For Johnston County Board Of Education
We all know that Terri Sessoms has a strong commitment to the
children and the citizens of Johnston County so it is exciting that
she has announced her intention to run for a seat on the Johnston
County Public Schools Board of Education. Terri has been an educator
for 32 years and an Alpha Beta member for 23 years in April. She has
accomplished so many things during her career. She believes that her
32 years of experience in public education as an award winning
teacher, leader, and national consultant can help Johnston County
continue to be a place where people are proud to reside, raise
families, and do business.
She brings a successful working knowledge of classroom best
practices, effective school leadership. school budget,
facilities maintenance, community partnerships, and parent
involvement. She has served as both a national curriculum
consultant and a teacher on loan throughout the state and that helps
to provide valuable curriculum and leadership expertise that she
would like to contribute as she serves those who work with our
students. She brings a county and statewide perspective as a
Johnston County Schools Teacher of the Year (Flame for Learning) and
the NC PTA Outstanding Teacher of the Year. This provides her
experience on how to support families, educators, and children.
She’ll be an advocate for successful schools within our communities.
Terri is the kind of person we want representing us as we face
challenges in education.
Sarah Evans, 2016
Alpha Beta Chapter Endowment Recipient
Sarah Evans is our
Alpha Beta Chapter of DKG Society International Winner. A student
from Cleveland High School where she was a Honor Roll Student, Key
Club, HOSA Club, Marching Band & Swim Team member. Her parents are
Ken Evans, a FireFighter and mother Melissa Evans a county school
nurse. She will be attending Meredith College. She will be receiving
an Academic Merit Scholarship of $17,000 a year, Teaching Fellows
grant of $500.00 a year in addition to our $1250.00. Her major is
Child Development with a focus on Elementary Education. Her Essay
revealed the passion for teaching. The last year and 1/2 she has
been volunteering to tutor kindergartener and third grade students
from varied cultural backgrounds. Also, teaches Bible School at her
church. She vows to be a one-one teacher for those needing a little
extra help. Her desire is to impact a child's life through teaching.
She has a Heart for the less fortunate student with a care and
concern to make a difference.
Alpha Beta Chapter is proud to support future professional
educators, in addition to its support of beginning teachers and
literacy in Johnston County Schools. Young women who are
interested in applying for the 2017 Alpha Beta Endowment should
contact Mrs. Lorine Davis, President, at
919-934-9590.
Photo courtesy of Cynthia Toudle,
Alpha Beta Chapter Endowment Chairman.
Sarah Evans, 2016
Alpha Beta Chapter Endowment Recipient
Ragsdale Receives Salvation
Army Award
September 20, 2015
Bess RagsdaleReceiving Salvation Army Certificate of
Life Membership
Bess Ragsdale,
pictured with Major Kari Booth of the Salvation Army, was
recently awarded the Salvation Army Certificate of Life
Membership.
Mrs. Ragsdale
has served on the Board of Advisors for over 30 years and was
recognized for her outstanding service and dedication to the
Salvation Army.
Carol Massenburg Receives
"Leading with the Heart" Award for 2016
Recipients of the JCS "Leading
with the Heart" Award 2016
Johnston County Schools honors one person
from each school
to be recognized as an employee who epitomizes the
"heart" of the school or department. The event began in Johnston
County Schools after leadership, in their journey for continued
excellence, read Mike Krzyzewski's "Leading with the Heart." Coach K
writes, "Leaders have to search for the heart on the team because
the person who has it can bring out the best in everybody else."
Carol
Massenburg was chosen for Smithfield-Selma Senior High School.
Lindsey Jennings of Clayton, NC has
been named the 2015 recipient of the Delta Kappa Gamma Endowment,
provided by the Alpha Beta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society
International, a professional honor society of top women educators
from around the world promoting excellence in education. Jennings,
the daughter of Jeff and Lou Jennings, is a 2015 graduate of Corinth
Holders High School. She was chosen to receive the endowment based
on her strong academic standing, her plans to become an educator,
and her well-rounded activities in high school.
The Alpha Beta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International
Endowment is awarded annually in support of a Johnston County
Schools female student who will become a professional educator when
she graduates from college. Over the course of four years, the
endowment has a value of $1250. Jennings will major in elementary
education at Campbell University in fall 2015. She plans to return
to Johnston County in four years and “follow in the footsteps of the
great teachers that once inspired me.”
Jennings is aware of the current teaching conditions in our state.
“I truly feel called to become an educator, regardless of the amount
of pay that I will receive or the lack of job security that I will
be offered. I know that I will not find my satisfaction in money,
but in the smiles of my students and in the moments when a concept
is finally understood by my class.”
Lorine Davis, Alpha Beta Chapter President (left) congratulating
Lindsey Jennings (right) the recipient of the 2015 Alpha Beta
Chapter Endowment.
Lorine Davis, President of Alpha Beta Chapter, delivered the
endowment to Jennings during Corinth Holder High’s scholarship
awards ceremony.
Alpha Beta Chapter is proud to support future professional
educators, in addition to its support of beginning teachers and
literacy in Johnston County Schools. The Chapter looks forward to
welcoming Jennings to JCS in 2019. Young women who are interested in
applying for the 2016 Alpha Beta Endowment should contact Mrs.
Lorine Davis, President, at
919-934-9590.
Photo courtesy of
Cynthia Toudall, Alpha Beta Chapter Endowment Chairman.
Alpha Beta Chapter of Delta
Kappa Gamma Society International Recognized at State Convention
Pat Taylor, NC
State President (right) congratulating Alpha Beta President Lorine
Davis (left) of Four Oaks.
The Alpha Beta
Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, a professional
honor society which promotes professional and personal growth of
women educators and excellence in education, received three top
awards at their recent Convention. One award cited Chapter
Excellence and two cited Excellence in Communication for the Chapter
newsletter and website, which are designed, produced, and maintained
by Karen Creech of the Cleveland area.
Lynn Ragsdale of Smithfield, NC, was
awarded the Golden Key Award for Region Three, which includes
Johnston & and Wake Counties, at the State Convention of Delta Kappa
Gamma Society International, a professional honor society which
promoters professional and personal growth of women educators and
excellence
in education.
Criteria for the Golden Key Award include leadership in the Delta
Kappa Gamma Society at the State Level, in the local chapter, and in
the recipient's home community.
Ragsldale is a member of the Alpha Beta Chapter of Johnston County.
She is a retired public school teacher and a current adjunct
professor at both Johnston Community College and Wayne Community
College, served her Chapter from 2012-2014 as President. At the
State level, Ragsdale served as a US Forum representative, promoting
the organization and the views of state-wide chapters to members of
the General Assembly.
Ragsdale is an active member of Centenary UMC, a Johnston Community
College Foundation director, a Salvation Army Board member, and a
former President of Johnston County Republican Women. In
remarks made as the award was announced, it was noted, "Lynn has
enthusiasm, commitment, and is always positive in her representation
of professional women educators."
Photo courtesy of Lynn Ragsdale.
Website Excellence Award
2015
Newsletter Excellence Award
2015
Alpha Beta Chapter Beginning
Teacher Support Committee Hosts New Teachers
Pictured (L to R): Angie Jacobs, Director of Professional
Support for Johnston County Schools, Janice White, Paula Bullock,
Lorine Davis, Becky Kuszmaul, and Debra Avery who are all Alpha Beta
Chapter members.
A group from the
Beginning Teacher Support Committee of Alpha Beta hosted
refreshments for the Beginning Teacher Institute in Johnston County
on August 12th at
10:00 am at Selma Elementary School.
Approximately 120 beginning teachers were served a snack of cookies,
fruit, and lemonade. A brochure was shared with these new teachers
to give them background information on our Alpha Beta Chapter.
Casey Quiel, 2014
Endowment Recipient
The
Alpha Beta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International,
a professional honorary Society of women educators
that promotes professional and personal growth of its members and
excellence in education, announced the recipient of its 2014
Endowment on June 5, 2014 at Johnston County’s Cleveland High
School.
Casey Quiel, daughter of Greg and Darlene Quiel, was chosen to
receive the Delta Kappa Gamma Endowment from among potential
applicants throughout Johnston County. Her outstanding
application highlighted her strong academic standing, her plans to
become an educator, and her well-rounded activities throughout high
school. Casey will be attending Appalachian State University.
Abby Salas, chairman of Alpha Beta’s Endowment Committee,
delivered the Scholarship to Cleveland High School for Miss Quiel.
The Endowment will provide $500 this coming fall and $250 for
up to three additional years.
The Johnston County based Alpha Beta Chapter raises funds among its
membership to provide endowments annually for young women who are
graduating from Johnston County Schools high schools and who plan to
teach upon graduation from college. In addition to
scholarships, the group has provided books for young readers from
Johnston County Schools.
Young women interested in applying for the 2015 Alpha Beta Endowment
should contact Mrs. Lorine Davis, President, at 919-934-9590.
Photo courtesy of Abby Salas, Alpha
Beta Chapter Endowment Chairman.
Website Excellence Award
2014
Newsletter Excellence Award
2014
Beginning Teachers Support
Project 2014
Helping to prepare goodie bags for Johnson County
Schools (JCS) first year teachers (from left) are Karen Hicks,
President Lynn Ragsdale, Terri Sessoms, Stacy Holloman, Yvette
Davis, Debbie Woodruff, Sonya Kiser, and Terry Dickens.
More than 200 first year teachers in
Johnston County have been widely welcomed to the district with the
warmest of greetings, and a large part of that has been due to the
efforts of a local education society.
The Alpha Beta Chapter of the Delta
Kappa Gamma (DKG) Society International, under the leadership of
President Lynn Ragsdale, has gone to great lengths to make all JCS
first year teachers feel like a part of the school family.
Armed with numerous volunteers and the
support of several community businesses, the group has donated and
served refreshments at the Beginning Teacher Institute, sent out
notes of encouragement, and most recently has distributed goodie
bags to all first years.
The goodie bags were filled with a
variety snack cakes and crackers, bottled water, chocolate, mints,
gum, and other candies. The sorority members donated most all of the
treats, except for the bottled water, which was donated by Carroll
Pharmacy of Smithfield.
According to members of the
Alpha Beta Chapter, the
goodie bags help bridge the gap between Christmas and
Spring break, and they are a great way to help first years know that
they are appreciated.
The Delta Kappa
Gamma Society is a professional honorary society of women educators,
whose mission is to promote professional and personal growth of
women educators and excellence in education.
Lynn Ragsdale,
President of the Alpha Beta Chapter of the DKG Society, prepares
goodie bags for JCS first year teachers
Karen Hicks, member of the Alpha Beta Chapter of the DKG
Society, adds water bottles to the JCS first year teacher goodie
bags. Looking on is member Yvette Davis.
DKG Society member Yvette Davis
gathers snack crackers which will be placed in the JCS first
year teacher goodie bags.
DKG Society member Stacy Holloman places
snack crackers into the JCS first year teacher goodie bags.
Karen Creech, 2013
Golden Key Award
Eta State Golden Key Award
The Eta State Golden Key Award honors
Delta Kappa Gamma members who have made significant contributions to
Delta Kappa Gamma at various levels of the Society. Karen
Creech was presented this award as a representative of the Alpha
Beta Chapter. One member from each of the eleven (11) regions was
honored at the Eta State Convention.
With over 4,500 Eta State sisters in 108 chapters, 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.
These are the members who may have never held an office but because
of them the chapter moves along fulfilling the purposes of this
great Society.
Photo courtesy of Karen Creech.
Newsletter Excellence Award
2013
Josie Guin, 2013 Endowment
Recipient
Josie Guin, Scholarship Recipient
The
Alpha Beta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International,
a professional honorary Society of women educators
that promotes professional and personal growth of its members and
excellence in education, announced the recipient of its 2013
Scholarship on May 15, 2013 at Johnston County’s Middle College High
School (JCMCHS).
Josie Guin, daughter of Susan Guin, was chosen to receive the Delta
Kappa Gamma Scholarship from among potential applicants throughout
Johnston County. Her outstanding application highlighted her
strong academic standing, her plans to become an educator, and her
well-rounded activities throughout high school.
Abby Salas, chairman of Alpha Beta’s Scholarship Committee,
delivered the Scholarship to JCMCHS for Miss Guin. The
Scholarship will provide $500 this coming fall and $250 for up to
three additional years.
The Johnston County based Alpha Beta Chapter raises funds among its
membership to provide scholarships annually for young women who are
graduating from Johnston County Schools high schools and who plan to
teach upon graduation from college. In addition to
scholarships, the group has provided books for young readers from
Johnston County Schools.
Young women interested in applying for the 2014 Alpha Beta
Scholarship should contact Mrs. Lynn Ragsdale, President, at lharloe@hotmail.com
For more information contact: Abby Salas, Alpha Beta Chapter
Scholarship Chairman at:
abbyesalas@icloud.com
Photo courtesy of Abby Salas, Alpha
Beta Chapter Endowment Chairman.
Website Excellence Award
2013
Johnston County Schools
2012-2013 Assistant Principal of the Year
At the JCPAPA (Johnston County
Principals/Assistant Principals Association) meeting on October 17,
2012, Jennifer Swartz, Assistant Principal at West Johnston High
School, was named the 2012-2013 Johnston County Schools Assistant
Principal of the Year! She received a check for $500 from the
Johnston County Education Foundation (JCEF). It was presented by the
President of JCEF, Tammy Holt.
Comments from West Johnston High School indicate that Jennifer
Swartz is extremely deserving of this honor. Ms. Swartz is
highly respected by her peers. She is knowledgeable and
thorough in her job. She helps students, teachers, and other
administrators on a daily basis. Ms. Swartz is loyal to her
school and goes the extra mile to help everyone. Her hard work
and her integrity are highly visible every day. Ms. Swartz has
a heart for students and finds the time to encourage and lead all
students that she encounters.
Dr. Ed Croom, JCS Superintendent, commented that Ms. Swartz does a
great job at West Johnston High. He is very proud of the work that
this assistant principal does on a daily basis and believes that she
is most deserving of this honor.
Left to Right -
Mackenzie Swartz (daughter), Tammy Holt (JCEF President), Jennifer
Swartz, Dr. Ed Croom (Superintendent)
Ms. Swartz has been the assistant principal at WJHS since 2008. She
brings a wealth of experience to the school in her administrative
role. She began her career in education as an English Teacher at
South Johnston High School (1995-2002). She went on to become an
English Teacher and then Lead Teacher at West Johnston High
(2002-2008).
She received her Master’s in School Administration from North
Carolina State University and her Bachelor of Arts in English at
NSCU as well.
Permission to post from Tracey Peedin Jones, Senior Executive
Director, Public Information Office, Johnston County Schools
Johnston County Schools – Retiring Public Information Officer
Receives Order of Long Leaf Pine
Terri Sessoms, a long time public school servant, and the
current Public Information Officer for Johnston County Schools will
be retiring on September 31, 2012. Terri Sessoms started her
journey in education after graduating from Western Carolina
University with a Bachelor of Science in Early childhood Education
and Reading, and also received her Master of Arts of Education in
Curriculum and Supervision. Ms. Sessoms has served in numerous
capacities in her years of public service including: Professional
Growth Facilitator, Beginning Teacher Coordinator,
Curriculum/Literacy Coach, Assistant Principal, Curriculum
Coordinator, Teacher on Loan, Elementary Teacher, Middle School
Language Arts and Science Teacher, and High School English and
Science Teacher.
During her time of service, Ms. Sessoms has received local, state,
and national attention for her leadership in the school reform
process as well as creativity and innovation with the classroom.
She was named the Flame for Learning Recipient which is the Johnston
County Teacher of the Year Award and has received many awards for
curriculum leadership. Her most recent awards include the
prestigious statewide James B. Hunt Outstanding Teacher Award for
her impact on public education throughout North Carolina and the
Governor’s Order of the Long Leaf Pine for exemplary service in
education. The Johnston County Schools Public Information
Office also received the NCSPRA Blue Ribbon Award for Excellence in
Electronic Media Communications in 2012 through her leadership.
Ms. Sessoms has not only shared her gift of education with Johnston
County Schools, but she has also worked with schools and districts
across the nation through the International Center for Leadership in
Education (Bill Daggett), Carolina Biological, Laser i3 (Sam
Houston), Collaborative Project (NC Public School Forum), and as an
independent contractor. She has been published in local,
state, national, and international educational journals, and
co-authored Strategic Reading in the Content Areas-Boosting
Achievement in Grades 7-12.
Terri Sessoms stated that her greatest joy as an educator has
been to inspire teachers and students of all abilities and
backgrounds to be academically successful across the curriculum.
On September 11, 2012, Terri Sessoms received the Order of the Long
Leaf Pine for more than 30 years of exemplary service in North
Carolina. Dr. Ed Croom, Superintendent, presented the award during
the monthly Johnston County Schools Board of Education meeting.
Terri Sessoms -
Recipient of Order of Long Leaf Pine Award
As a testament to the high level of respect she has
earned, Ms. Sessoms received a standing ovation by the Board of
Education, principals, assistant principals, parents, students,
Central Services administrators and community members in attendance.
Dr. Croom stated, “Terri Sessoms has served Johnston County Public
Schools for many years. Most recently, she has been the voice
of the school system. Throughout her tenure Terri has touched
the lives of thousands of students. She has been the positive
in many situations that were completely negative. Terri’s
years of service to the children of this state include being a
teacher, administrator, colleague and friend. North Carolina
is a better place because of the efforts of Ms. Terri Sessoms.”
The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is one of the highest honors the
government can bestow on a North Carolina citizen. Many have
received this prestigious award, including basketball star Michael
Jordan, Rick Hendrick, and Bob Timberlake. This award was created in
the 1960’s to honor and recognize some of the North Carolina
citizens who have put in hard work and dedication to make North
Carolina a better state by serving the public and the community.
Permission to post from Tracey Peedin Jones, Senior Executive
Director, Public Information Office, Johnston County Schools
Alpha Beta Endowment
Project
Each year at our
December meeting, the members of Alpha Beta conduct a Show and Sell
to support the Alpha Beta Chapter Endowment Project. Each year
members bring all kinds of items to add to the silent auction. The
funds raised at the silent auction are added to the endowment fund.
Each year an
application is sent to each high school in Johnston County.
The applications are given to any student pursuing a degree in
education.
The applications
are submitted to the Scholarship Committee who uses a rubric to
determine the most qualified high school student candidate.
This year Mackinsay
Howe was chosen to receive the Alpha Beta Chapter of Delta Kappa
Gamma Endowment from among ten applicants throughout Johnston
County.
Photos courtesy of Karen Creech, Alpha
Beta Chapter Communication Chairman.
Schools for Africa
Project
Alpha Beta invited
Pat Taylor to share information about the Schools for Africa
Project. She currently serves as Eta State’s First Vice President
for 2011-2013 and serves Delta Kappa Gamma as the International
Music Representative for 2010-2012. By virtue of this position, she
is also a member of the International Educational Excellence
Committee and served as the 2011 SE Regional Music Representative
along with co-representative, Nancy Davis from Tennessee.
Pat not only had
members up on their feet dancing to African folk music while
learning all of the facets of the Schools for Africa Project, but
she had us wearing safari hats and waving scarves to the music. It
was fun learning about the project.
A motion was made
at the meeting to raise funds for the project. The motion was passed
and funds collected from the raffle were designated to be given to
the Schools for Africa Project. This project is one our newly
elected President, Lynn Ragsdale wants to have our chapter support.
Photos courtesy of Karen Creech,
Alpha Beta Chapter Communication Chairman.
Alpha Beta Chapter Beginning
Teachers Support Project
This year Alpha Beta has chosen a new project to support new
teachers in Johnston County. Terri Sessoms is the Committee Chair.
She will be working with her committee to share lots of great ideas
to support beginning teachers.
At our first
meeting of this year, Terri is asking members to sign notes of
encouragement to over 150 new teachers in Johnston County.
Photos courtesy of Karen Creech,
Alpha Beta Chapter Communication Chairman.
Alpha Beta Chapter
Endowment Recipient for 2012
Mackinsay Howe, 2012
Endowment Recipient
Mackinsay Howe, daughter of Garland
and Janine Howe of Smithfield, NC, was chosen to receive the Alpha
Beta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Endowment for 2012 from among ten
applicants throughout Johnston County.
Ms. Howe was ninth
in her class of 263 at Smithfield-Selma High, graduated with Honors
and was an NC Scholar. In addition to outstanding academics,
she served as president of the SADD Club, was project director for
Future Teachers of America, was a member of the swim team and
volunteered with the Life Skills class at Selma Middle School.
This fall, Howe
plans to attend East Carolina University, where she will major in
Special Education.
Abby Salas,
Scholarship Committee Chair of the Alpha Beta Chapter of Delta Kappa
Gamma, presented the award to Ms. Howe.
Photo courtesy of Abby Salas, Alpha
Beta Chapter Endowment Chairman.
Newsletter Excellence Award
2012
Website Excellence Award
2012
NCHEC Announces First Class of Master Certified Health Education
Specialist (MCHES)
Cynthia Toudle was one of 812 health education
specialists who earned their Master Certified Health Education
Specialist (MCHES) credential from the National Commission for
Health Education Credentialing, Inc, (NCHEC).
The first MCHES cohort successfully completed the
MCHES Experience Documentation Opportunity (EDO) process that opened
on October 15, 2010 and closed on April 16, 2011. During this
process, MCHES EDO applicants documented advanced-level practice in
the field of health education and had recommenders attest to their
performance and competence levels.
The MCHES certification, awarded by NCHEC, has
elevated the professional standards to an advanced-level, endorsed
individual performance, and designated those who demonstrate
knowledge and skills essential to the advanced-level
Sub-competencies in the health education profession.
Cynthia Toudle, Recipient of MCHES
Congratulations to Cynthia for her outstanding
contribution to health education.
Information shared by National
Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc.
Photo courtesy of Karen Creech, Alpha Beta
Chapter Communication Chairman.
Lorine Davis -
Athena Award Winner
SMITHFIELD (January 24, 2010)
- The Chamber Athena Award is presented each year to recognize the
outstanding achievements of women in the Smithfield-Selma community.
A national award, it is presented in over 300 communities and is
sponsored locally by Corestaff Services. The Chamber would like to
thank Corestaff for their continued sponsorship of this prestigious
honor.
This year’s Athena Award will be
given to Lorine Davis, the executive director of Johnston County
Education Foundation.
Lorine has always had a passion for
seeing young people develop to their fullest. This passion was
demonstrated every day when she was a teacher and coach. To this
day, she stays in regular contact with the many successful adults
who began their learning experience in Lorine’s classroom.
The Chamber Athena Award 2010
The Johnston County Education, with
business, government and education leadership, was formed in 1990,
and Lorine served as the unpaid staff person for many years. With
undying commitment, Lorine has worked tirelessly to implement the
programs of the Foundation. At first it was a monumental struggle
as funds were scarce and the vision was new.
Lorine has also served on the
Johnston Health Foundation's Board since 2000 and has served as the
Board's secretary for a number of those years.
Lorine is involved with all of the
county’s chambers of commerce and has served on numerous
committees. She has been a huge supporter of the Flame for
Learning Award, the Johnston County Schools Teacher of the Year
Award that is sponsored by the Chambers. And she helped form and
acquired the funding for the Junior Leadership Johnston program
for high school students. Lorine is also involved at
Centenary United Methodist Church in Smithfield. Being musically
inclined, she helped reorganize the church’s handbell choir and
directed the choir for over a year.
Whenever difficult decisions are on
the table, Lorine always reminds everyone to “do what’s best for
the kids.” Her personal sacrifices during her personal career
development speak volumes about her passion for education and
children. Her greatest reward has been to see young people grow
and thrive. She is their unwavering advocate. Lorine exemplifies
what the Athena Award is all about, excellence in leadership.
Information presented by the Smithfield-Selma Chamber.
(Left) Mallory
Barnes, Endowment Recipient for 2010 (Right) Mary Nell Ferguson,
Chairman of Scholarship Committee
Alpha Beta Chapter
Endowment Recipient for 2010
Mallary Barnes, daughter of Mark and Vera Barnes of Smithfield, NC,
was chosen to receive the Alpha Beta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma
Scholarship from among eleven applicants throughout Johnston County.
Mallary, a 2010 graduate from
Smithfield-Selma High School, was the valedictorian of her class.
Not only was she outstanding in academics, she was also a member of
the marching band, the varsity tennis team, and served as State
Chaplain and Vice President for the YMCA Youth and Government
Through her high school years, she was
involved in a wide range of leadership activities within the
community and First Baptist Church of Smithfield. She received the
Girl Scout Gold Award in 2008. Mallory started a business called
"Baking with a Mission" in which she sold homemade desserts and gave
the profits to the homeless shelter.
This fall she is
attending the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and plans
to major in elementary education. In her application she states, "I
enjoy learning and I would like to share my passion for knowledge
with my students. In addition, I have had amazing teachers who have
inspired me to perform to my full potential. I would like to be
this inspiration for my future students."
Photo courtesy of Mary Nell Ferguson,
Alpha Beta Chapter Endowment Chairman.
