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The 2006 Xi State Convention again set records
for first-time attendees and enthusiasm! Over 340
women registered for the 3-day event, and for more than 40 of
them, this was their first convention. Participants enjoyed a
multitude of activities on the beautiful campus of the University
of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee.
Xi
State President Elaine Warwick called the Executive Board Meeting
to order early Thursday afternoon as chapter presidents and state
officers arrived. Society business was conducted as proposed amendments
to the By-Laws were presented and voted upon.
First-time
convention attendees were welcomed at the Orientation Tea Thursday
afternoon, and Elaine Warwick called the First General Session
to order Thursday evening. Dr. Beverly Helms, International Member at Large 2004-06, brought
greetings from International Headquarters. Twenty-one ladies were
honored by their chapters and received the designation of the
Order of the Rose in a beautiful ceremony on Thursday night. The
Visual Arts chapter displays and the items for the Silent Auction
were set up in the Convocation Hall and Art Gallery, respectively. Members enjoyed the displays and gained ideas for crafts and programs for their own chapters.
Friday
morning began with a delicious breakfast at McClurg Dining Hall
followed by the Second General Session.
Thirty-five workshops ranging from "Fun and Games with Delta Kappa Gamma " to the "Horse Sense in the Classroom "
were held before and after lunch in the new Gailor Hall facility. The Awards Luncheon recognized
members with 50 years or more of service to the Society. The 2006
Scholarship Winners were also announced. Chapter Excellence Awards
recognized the hard work of over 40 chapters across the state.
Interested
members formed the Xi State Chorus and practiced diligently to
provide the music for the General Sessions, Presidents' Banquet,
and Birthday Brunch. This talented group was in the capable hands
of Marsha Brewer, Music Committee chair.
Friday
evening was a glittering affair as the Presidents' Banquet began
with the Procession of Presidents, where outgoing chapter presidents
introduced their successors for the new biennium. Past Xi State President Becky Sadowski received the prestigious Xi State Achievement
Award for 2006. The evening culminated with a Dessert Reception
honoring the Xi State Officers, Past Xi State Presidents, the Achievement
Award Recipient, and Convention Guests Dr. Beverly Helms (Member-at-Large 2004-06), Carolyn Pittman (SE Regional Director), and Sandra McKiernon (member from Missisippi).
After
a quick continental breakfast, attendees assembled at the All
Saint's Chapel for the Ceremony of Remembrance. The beauty of
the All Saint's chapel provided a reverent atmosphere for
the Xi State tribute to deceased sisters.
As members were packing their belongings to return home, plans were already being made for renewing of friendships at the 2007 convention. We would love for YOU to join us and be a part of the "mountaintop experience"!
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