Valerie Bonn got to kiss our school mascot, Alter Stolz. She received the most student votes for favorite teacher at FMS (a PTO fundraiser).
Mollye Long Appointed to TRTF Board of Trustees 2022
Congratulations to our Beta Zeta sister Mollye Long who was recently appointed to the Texas Retired Teachers Foundation Board of Trustees. The TRTF helps active school teachers with grants and beginning teacher scholarships, and it supports school retirees when they need a helping hand. “In Beta Zeta Mollye sets a wonderful example of always helping where needed, using her talents to make a difference for others, and always being optimistic and hopeful,” Jerrie Dooley said. Mollye grew up in Dallas and Corpus Christi. She earned her bachelors degree from Southern Methodist University and began teaching in Dallas as a physical education teacher. She spent several years as a stay-at-home mom but returned to education in 1981 teaching geometry and algebra at Highland Park in Dallas where she was also a cheerleader coach and junior varsity tennis coach. She earned a Master of Arts in Mathematics from UT-Dallas. Mollye moved to Fredericksburg in 1998 and taught math at Fredericksburg High School. After retiring, she joined the Gillespie County Retired Teachers Association and has served in numerous positions. Currently she is the legislative committee chair for District 13. Long has been a member of DKG for 37 years and has held numerous positions, including chapter president. She is currently the legislative chair and an active voice for both DKG and TRTA, working with the state legislature on important matters that affect active and retired teachers. Active in numerous other organizations, she is a member of the PCAA, Pioneer Memorial Library Board, sings in her church choir, plays with a dulcimer band, and enjoys quilting. She was featured in the fourth quarter issue of The Voice, a TRTA publication.
Beta Zeta Members Attend State Convention 2021
The 92nd state convention of DKG was held in Denton, TX in June of 2021, and seven of our Beta Zeta members attended, enjoying fellowship, learning experiences, and some inspiration, all in person. Attending were Mary Holland, Donna Itz, Helen Usener, Beth Luckenbach, Jo Murphy, Jerrie Dooley, and Joanne Davis. “Our sister, Catherine Davis, who passed away in May, was given a beautiful eulogy at the Celebration of Life ceremony, and Angie Smith of Blanco was honored along with all Texas members who passed away in the last two years,” Jerrie Dooley said. “We reconnected with old friends and made new ones. We hope next year we can send our usual larger group to the state convention!”
Molly Wyatt
President Amy O’Neil presents a new DKG keypin to Beta Zeta sister Molly Wyatt. Wyatt’s pin burned in their house fire on Mother’s Day 2020.
Active Teachers Receive Help from Beta Zeta in 2020
Our active teacher members were offered funds from Beta Zeta to purchase items for simultaneously teaching face-to-face and virtually while enhancing safety and success for all during the pandemic. Valerie Bonn, Suzanne Christian, Jennifer Fridell, Stephanie Gonzales, Donna Itz, Christa Klaerner, Amber LeMaster, Kyla West, and Michele Willis received $50 each for learning materials and supplies to make distance learning and classroom instruction work more smoothly for teachers and students. Materials included cleaning supplies, a face shield, colored pens, a transitional computer desk, balls for the playground, and a Teachers Pay Teachers gift card. In addition, through the "Beta Zeta of DKG" Facebook community, many members of our chapter donated to current teachers who are not DKG members. Teachers posted their Amazon Wish Lists on the community page, and Beta Zeta members made their wishes come true.
Our president Amy O'Neil's motto (2020-2022):
"In Support of Educators, Now and Forever!"
Dr. Annie Webb Blanton, DKG Society Founder, 1929
"The best feature of Delta Kappa Gamma is the new friendships which it brings. I value yours."