The Statesman receives the Key Award
By Lynda McQuaid

Courtesy Photo New editor, Chad Wilson (right), receives the Key Award from Lou Brown, President of the Kappa Pi Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, during their meeting last Thursday in Chandler.

While under the direction of former editor Wanda Nichols The Chandler & Brownsboro Statesman was awarded the Key Award at the Annual Delta Kappa Gamma Society International Convention in Amarillo, Texas on June 14.

All those in attendance at the Convention received a copy of the "Communique" which listed the names of 12 members in print, 3 newspaper Key Awards, and 205 Five Star Status Newsletters.

THE KEY AWARD

2006-07 WINNERS

The Chandler and Brownsboro Statesman, Kappa Pi Chapter, Area 1

The Duval County Picture, Beta Pi Chapter, Area V

The Floresville Chronicle- Journal, Mu Chi Chapter, Area VI

To receive a Key Award from The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, a newspaper must be nominated by a chapter. Each entry for the 2006-2007 school year required a letter of commendation plus a folder of clippings which contained examples of articles bringing the name of our Society and its members to the attention of the public in a positive way. Folders were displayed at the state convention.

Members of the Kappa Pi Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International who attended the meeting in Chandler last Thursday are, left to right, front row: Rosella Webb, Lou Brown, Naomi Bledsoe, Lisa Bledsoe, Nancy Rozell, Chad Wilson Photo Mildred Wilkening and Lindy Goode; back row: Katherine Bunce, Fay Blackwell, Lynda McQuaid, Jana Sherman, Benita Carver, Nina Beth Stephens, Dorothy Jones, and Mary Stewart.

The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International promotes professional and personal growth of women educators

and excellence in education.

"It's an honor to win this award and a testament to the dedication of the ladies in the Chapter on sending in their information on a regular basis," Chad Wilson said. "I am happy to accept this award on behalf of The Statesman and for former editor Wanda Nichols. We plan to continue providing the Chapter with excellent coverage during the 2007-08 school year."

Kappa Pi Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International met at the home of Naomi Bledsoe on Thursday, August 2. President Lou Brown began the meeting with a presentation of The Key Award to The Chandler- Brownsboro Statesman which was received by Editor Chad Wilson. The Statesman was one of only three newspapers in Texas that received this award at the state convention in Amarillo in June.

Lisa Bledsoe brought a captivating program about teaching visually impaired and autistic children and adults. She is a certified VI teacher and her degree: The Visionally Impaired and Blind Child.

She demonstrated a Brailler, a typewriter that creates words in Braille, showing how she could assist students in working with the same readers used in the classroom. She also talked about using an abacus, and canes for orientation mobility.

Many devices were on display that were used to help blind and deaf students learn, attract or focus their attention, or build manipulative skills. She talked about meeting the student's needs by teaching appropriate social skills as well as teaching them to use their senses. These skills are taught one-on-one or through Inclusion in classrooms.

Lou Brown gave the inspirational thought and also shared exciting experiences at the Convention. Kappa Pi chapter received the Exemplary Yearbook Award, Early Bird Yearbook Award, the Five Star Award for the chapter newsletter, Kappa Pi Pipeline, and an award for Sustaining Membership. The new state theme will be "A Kaleidoscope of People, Passions, and Possibilities.

The hostesses, Mary Stewart and Naomi Bledsoe, used an apple theme for their refreshments to coincide with the time of year for going back-to-school.

www.deltakappagamma.net