By Christine Price
Columnist
Amidst all the stress, anxiety, craziness and bad news, my goal is to spotlight and share the good news in our community.
The Gamma Theta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma (DKG), the international society for key women educators, is proud to announce the awarding of its $1,500 Memorial Grant-in-Aid Scholarship.
The scholarship was presented to Kaitlyn Newsome at the chapter’s annual initiation luncheon on Nov. 15.
A graduate of Perry High School in Lake County, Newsome is currently a junior at Bowling Green State University, where she is majoring in Inclusive Early Childhood Education.
Newsome has distinguished herself academically, earning a place on the dean’s list during both her freshman and sophomore years while maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA.
She is an active member of the Early Childhood Club and participates in CHAARG (Changing Health, Attitudes, and Actions to Recreate Girls), the largest wellness club on more than 100 college campuses nationwide. CHAARG’s mission is to promote physical activity by showing that working out can – and should – be fun.
In addition, Newsome has completed the Project WILD curriculum and earned certification in that area. Her scholarship funds will be applied toward tuition at Bowling Green State University.
Founded in 1959, Gamma Theta supports both future and active educators through scholarships, classroom grants and professional development opportunities. Beyond financial support, members volunteer throughout the community, offer networking opportunities for educators, and participate in state and international DKG programs.
“The Gamma Theta Chapter is filled with women educators committed to enhancing today’s classrooms,” said Hannah Fairbanks, president of the DKG Gamma Theta Chapter. “The DKG ladies go above and beyond and are always willing to help wherever it is needed. I am truly proud of all that the chapter has accomplished and how generously our members give of their time, talent, and resources.”
In addition to the student scholarship, the Gamma Theta Chapter awarded twelve $100 Teacher Classroom Grants to local teachers to be spent to enhance their learning environment.
One of the grants was awarded to Aimee Darnell, a teacher at Perry Elementary School. The grant was used for the Perry PEEPS Service Learning through Design Program directed by Aimee.
The class spent their money on purchasing hermit crabs, informational books on crabs, and all the supplies. The children love watching Mr. Big and Fru Fru grow. The program, which has been very successful, is overseen by Sally Rogus.
“I wanted to thank DKG for the grant for a school pet,” Darnell said. “The whole school has met our new hermit crabs, Mr. Big and Fru Fru. The students love them so much! The grant is appreciated by so many students – and by me.”
The Eastern Lake County Gamma Theta Chapter will conclude the program year with its Membership Appreciation Night on Feb. 10 at Spats Café. The March 10 meeting, to be held at the Concord Community Center, will focus on Mental Health Awareness and Chair Yoga. Continuing the conversation on mental health, along with a discussion on diabetes, the April 14 meeting will also take place at the Concord Community Center.
To attend a monthly meeting or for information on joining, visit www.gammathetaohio.org.
When you see good news, and you will, please let me know. I would love to share it. Please include your name, phone number and city you live in and email.
