Volume 98 - Issue 8| February 2026

Cathy Tenney, Editor

A Message from Dr. Molly


The Power of Five: DKG Through the Lens of the Olympic Rings



Every four years, the Olympic Games remind the world that greatness is achieved not in isolation but through unity. The five interlocking Olympic rings serve as a strong analogy for Delta Kappa Gamma and the strength of our Society. Remember that OHSO is the Ohio connection to DKG. Like the rings, DKG is not a collection of separate parts but a lively, interconnected whole. Each ring matters. Each connection makes us stronger. The power of the five rings helps create an enduring Society.


Ring One: Members – The Heart of DKGAt the core of everything we do are our members. Each woman contributes experience, leadership, and passion to the Society. Individually, we shine; collectively, we inspire. When members are engaged and informed, DKG thrives. Every connection – at meetings, events, or online – strengthens our shared commitment to excellence in education.


Ring Two: Chapters – Where Connection Comes Alive. Chapters are places where relationships grow stronger and ideas become action. They encourage collaboration, mentoring, and service in local communities. Chapters connect members, fostering a sense of belonging while supporting DKG’s mission across Ohio and beyond.


Ring Three: The Executive Focus Team – The Engine of Vision and Support. The Executive Focus Team includes the elected Ohio State officers, the parliamentarian, the editor, and the web administrator. Just as Olympic teams rely on strong leadership, DKG depends on state officers to guide, support, and unify. Our role as the Executive Focus Team is not to stand alone but to connect members, chapters, and State Committees. We provide clarity of vision and support opportunities and resources that are relevant and aligned with DKG's seven purposes and initiatives. 


Ring Four: Ohio’s FOCUS – Future, Opportunities, Connections, Unity, and Spirit. Ohio’s theme for the 2025-2027 biennium emphasizes focusing on the future, staying open to opportunities, communicating to strengthen connections, fostering unity to uplift, and seizing the spirit within each of us. 

  

Ring Five: The DKG Mission and Vision – What Unites Us AllThe final ring represents DKG's mission and vision. It serves as the common thread that connects us. We advocate for educators, promote professional excellence, and support women leaders in education. When all five rings align with the mission and vision, the Society progresses with lasting momentum and relevance.


Like athletes striving for Olympic gold, OHSO advances with focus, teamwork, and determination. Our Executive Focus Team, State Committees, chapters, and members will continue working together to increase membership, strengthen leadership, and forge stronger connections. As a result, OHSO will leap onto the global education stage with purpose and passion.


The Olympic rings remind us that unity creates strength. OHSO brings those connections to life. ~ Dr. Molly Helmlinger


Energetically,

Dr. Molly Helmlinger, Beta Kappa

OHSO State President

Beta Rho Chapter

Learns about Blessings in a Backpack

 

Gina Warner, Program Coordinator for Blessings in a Backpack, spoke to members of Beta Rho Chapter. Gina shared that during the pandemic in 2020 there became an awareness of many local children who did not have access to food on a regular basis when schools were not in session.  This concern turned into Pickaway County joining the National Organization of Blessings in a Backpack and began a local chapter. 


Pickaway County Blessings in a Backpack has been in existence now for five years providing food to children for each weekend when not in school. Since the fall of 2020, which began with 100 children and a budget of $6000 the program has now grown in 2025 to 425 children and a budget of $90,000. Teachers are usually the ones to refer a student who is food insecure to the program. 


The local chapter is run by volunteers. Money from donations and fundraisers is how Gina buys the needed food and volunteers help fill the backpacks for the students, all who attend Pickaway and Amanda Schools. The food purchased is tailored to the grade the student is in and follows the minimum nutritional requirements. 


Pictured are Gina Warner from Blessings in a Backpack and Beta Rho member Teresa Emerine.


To learn more about Blessings in a Backpack go to blessingsinabackpack.org



Linda M. Culver

Alpha Omega


Marjorie Doris Reese

Alpha Psi


Laurie Eppler

Gamma Iota


Suzanne Jackson

Gamma Theta


Goldie Margaret Sites

Gamma Upsilon


Estelle Blau

Gamma Alpha

Leilani Lee Drake

Gamma Pi


Mary Jane John

Delta Phi


Barbara A. Kimmel

Delta Kappa


Sophia Brooks

Ohio State Organization


Margaret Welch

Ohio State Organixation

Membership Matters

                   

Crucial to the success of your chapter and to our Society is the feeling of belonging. It must be continually fed by signals of safe connection. Belonging is the sense of security that results from feeling welcomed, valued, accepted, and safe - that we are a part of something meaningful that’s larger than ourselves. Belonging is an emotion and an outcome of human interactions. How is your chapter doing with this?


Meier Bauer, Gamma Phi

OHSO Recording Secretary

OHSO Membership Chair

Beta Chi Chapter was hosted by Alpha Omega Chapter. Beta Chi members pictured are Ann Fetrow, standing, Carol Ann Hart, Joan Miles and Hope Collins. Many gift baskets were given away in the charity raffle. 

Membership Data for 2025 - 2026

Active Paid

Members

Collegiate Paid Members

Reserve Paid Members

Total Paid Members

Ohio Chapters


2092

7

262

2,361

67

DKG Ohio Financial Update for July 1 - November 30, 2025

Statement of Financial Activity

Revenue

$55,456.00

Expenses

$25,411.00

Net Income

30,045.00

Statement of Financial Position

Checking/Savings

$36,562.00

Prepaid Expenses

$ 184.00

Available Fund Reserve*

$ 15,000.00

Investments

$262,124.00

Total Assets

$313,870.00

Credit Card Liabilities

$ 259.00

Total Equity

$313,611.00

*Available Fund Reserve is an Executive Board Directed fund for technology-related upgrades and licenses. Constitution Article IV, Section F, 2, f, (3). p. C-5. 

Inside International


DKG Ohio members are encouraged to participate in the monthly Inside International Meetings via Zoom. Join the meeting for an hour to enjoy a conversation with International leaders and staff. Directors and elected leaders will be available to answer questions and welcome comments. The link to the meetings is available on the DKG International website.


Upcoming Inside International Dates

(Eastern Time)   

    

Tuesday, February 3 @ 6:30 p.m.

Non-Dues Revenue

Tuesday, March 3 @ 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 7 @ 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 5 @ 1:30 p.m.

Alpha Theta Chapter celebrated Christmas with a delicious luncheon and tour at the historic Five Oaks Mansion in Massillon, Ohio. It was built in 1894 for J. Walter McClymond and his family featuring intricate woodwork, Tiffany windows, and a third-floor ballroom. 

DKG International Educators Foundation

Information from DKGIEF


The DKGIEF Envelope Campaign is continuing. Please consider donating to the DKGIEF Fund of your choice. To do so, go to dkg.org and click on DKGIEF. In the pull-down menu, click on Funds and select where you want your donation to go then click donate. You are encouraged to explore the DKGIEF site while you are there and learn more about DKGIEF and their mission.  


The International Women’s Day pin is available from Awards Concepts and is on the DKG International rotator. A different pin is offered yearly and is only available for a brief amount of time. A member may wear the pin at any time or may present the pin to a woman who has provided noteworthy service as a woman in any profession. This is a recognition of the importance and contributions that we make as women and is a way to support DKG International Educator Fund.


March 1st is the deadline for DKGIEF Project Applications. Go to dkg.org then click on deadlines from the Resources pull-down menu. Find DKGIEF Project Application and click on it to get further information about the DKGIEF Project, which can be used for many things and to apply. You may qualify for money for your project!


Karen Dombrowski, Alpha Nu

OHSO Second Vice President

OHSO Ambassador to DKGIEF

Delta Theta Chapter celebrating their 87th anniversary. Pictured are Bev Babbert, Esther Roope, Carolyn McIntire, Carol Rorick, Karla Leighty, Courtney Ford, Ellen Anglim, Carmel Jenkins.

2026 International Convention

Aurora, Colorado

June 30 - July 4, 2026


The 2026 Convention QR code, takes readers to the convention information on dkg.org and the media kit. 

Gamma Sigma Chapter members participated in a gentle yoga program during a recent meeting. The meeting was hosted at the Perry Behavioral Health Activity Center, where Blake Kimes of PBHC spoke on the realities of addiction and recovery. Blake emphasized the importance of mindfulness and good mental health before guiding members in the gentle yoga session.

Important Upcoming Dates to Remember


Limited Offer

DKGIEF International Women's Day Pin Sales

Log on dkg.org - MyDKG → DKG Store → Awards Concepts 


February 1, 2026

Chapter Necrology Report Due

Form 2 Chapter Necrology Report


February 1, 2026

International Scholarship Applications Due

Log on dkg.org - MyDKG → Apply/Submit→ Scholarships


February 1, 2026

Educators Book Award Submission Due

Log on dkg.org - DKGIEF → Funds → Educators Book Award → Learn More 


February 3, 2026

Inside International - Non-Dues Revenue

6:30 p.m. Eastern via Zoom

Log on dkg.org - Events → Virtual Events → Inside International 


February 10, 2026

Inside Connections

1:30 p.m. Eastern via Zoom

Log on dkg.org - Events → Virtual Events → Inside Connections


February 11, 2026

U.S. Forum Webinar

5:30 p.m. Eastern via Zoom

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Eo2n1rvpTsSS_5cPCXq-cg/


February 15, 2026

2026 DKG Spring Fine Arts Gallery

Submission Window Closes

dkg.org -> MyDKG -> Apply/Submit -> Art Gallery Submissions


February 19, 2026

OHSO Chapter President's Connection

6:30 p.m. via Zoom


February 19, 2026

Inside Leadership

1:30 p.m. Eastern via Zoom

Log on dkg.org - Events → Virtual Events → Inside Leadership


February 25, 2026

U.S. Forum Webinar

TBA


February 26, 2026

Inside Impact CTAUN

6:30 p.m. Eastern via Zoom

Log on dkg.org - Events → Virtual Events → Inside Impact 



Ohio State Organization Related Links

Delta Kappa Gamma promotes professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education.