By Tricia Hall
Sojourner’s Truth Reporter
The National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc., Beta Gamma Chapter of Toledo, conducted the Krinon Initiation of The Golden Phoenix and welcomed four local educators into the sisterhood on June 12, 2021.
“Today is the induction into our illustrious organization, we as educators take an oath to serve the community. Our sorority focuses on big things both locally and on a national level. We’re educators during the day and take our mark on society through our work,” shared Midwest Regional Director Tiffany M. Pritchett of Phi Delta Kappa Sorority, Inc.
The new members delivered a presentation that opened with self-introductions, reciting of the sorority’s national history, presentation of gifts to current sorority members, and update on a donation report to Achieve Academy’s closet which provides clothing for students in need.
The initiated members were: Laurel Capeles, McKinley STEMM Academy educator, Toledo Opera and church volunteer; Audrey Johnson, Achieve Career Preparatory Academy educator and Arts Commission volunteer; Lavada Griswold-Smith, McTigue school educator, Freedom School director and member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc; and Feama Williams, a 21-year Toledo Public School educator. The chapter dean of pledges is Clara Brank and chapter president is Jacqueline Quinn.
“This has been an incredible experience. We as teachers have dealt with virtual and hybrid learning, and as a group focused on work life balance. We leaned on each other and helped each other through difficult times. It’s been natural, learning and supporting each other through this process and teaching,” explained Capeles.
Immediately following the presentation and induction, the sorority members fellowshipped during dinner and presented the new members with gifts.
The National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. was founded in 1923 by eight young educators with high ideals for the teaching profession and wanted to form a sisterhood for African American teachers. The sorority is dedicated to the task of training and mentoring youth of the community to cope satisfactorily and effectively with today’s problems. The sorority believes that education is key to becoming productive citizens. The sorority’s focus is Youth, Education and Service, which is referred to as Y.E.S. The local chapter of Beta Gamma Chapter was founded on May 23, 1952 and 12 members were initiated on May 24, 1952.