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Volume 98 - Issue 12| June 2026
Cathy Tenney, Editor
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A Message from Dr. Molly
Purposeful Connections: Strengthening Chapters Through the Lens of the DKG Mission
As OHSO continues to strengthen its connection with DKG Society International, chapter leaders and members are invited to thoughtfully embrace evolving roles, new opportunities, and a shared vision for the future. Change can feel uncertain, especially when chapter traditions and routines have provided comfort and familiarity for decades. Yet within every season of change lies an opportunity for meaningful growth, renewal, and purpose.
Our chapters have long provided meaningful fellowship, encouragement, support, and connection among women educators. Those relationships remain one of DKG's greatest strengths. At the same time, we are reminded that our organization was founded on a mission that extends beyond social connections. DKG exists to promote the professional and personal growth of women educators and to advance excellence in education. That mission should drive everything we do at both the chapter and state levels.
As OHSO works to strengthen alignment with DKG, chapters are encouraged to reflect on how their programs, activities, and goals support the DKG mission. This is not about abandoning traditions or losing the unique personalities of our sixty-seven chapters. Rather, it is about ensuring that each chapter's work meaningfully connects to DKG's larger mission, vision, and seven purposes.
This may inspire chapters to explore new ideas: (1) creating opportunities for leadership development; (2) supporting educational initiatives in schools and communities; (3) encouraging professional and personal growth among members; and (4) strengthening connections among chapter activities, OHSO focus initiatives, and DKG's mission.
OHSO’s Focus Team and chapter leaders play vital roles during times of transition. Leadership today requires support, flexibility, and the ability to help members see change not as a challenge but as an opportunity to grow together. Each member contributes to our future by staying open to new possibilities and engaging meaningfully. As chapters move forward, it is important that no chapter be isolated or disconnected from our shared mission. OHSO is strongest when our chapters recognize their importance within the broader DKG community.
Together, we have an opportunity to build chapters that continue to value friendship and fellowship while embracing leadership, educational excellence, personal growth, and meaningful service. By remaining connected to the mission of DKG, OHSO can continue to grow stronger, more unified, and more impactful for the women educators we serve today and in the future.
There is nothing more beautiful than someone who goes out of their way to make life beautiful for others. - Mandy Hale
Energetically,
Dr. Molly Helmlinger, Beta Kappa
OHSO State President
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Gamma Phi Chapter members volunteered on April 30 at the Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon set up in the newly renovated Cincinnati Convention Center. This is an annual outing for the chapter, and everyone had a great time. Gamma Phi has been volunteering at the Cincinnati Fly Pig Marathon for 16 years.
The Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon is immensely popular due to its intense community support, high-energy, pig-themed atmosphere, and a scenic, challenging course that covers Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. The event raises close to $1 million annually for over 300 local charity partners, with over $18 million raised throughout its 26-year history.
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Mary Jane Esselburne
Alpha Delta Chapter
Mattie Cooksey Fair
Pi Chapter
Raffaella Pazak
Gamma Pi Chapter
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Gold Key
Reminder: The link to the application form for Gold Key is available on the OHSO website. All Gold Key applications must be submitted online by 11:59 p.m. on June 30, 2026. After that time, the application form will no longer be active on the website.
President Molly has requested each chapter fill out the application and submit it even if your chapter is not participating in Gold Key. She will be using the application as your Chapter President’s Report. Please make sure the application is completed and submitted on time.
Questions, contact me at goldkey@dkgohio.org.
Karen Dombrowski, Alpha Nu
Second Vice President
Gold Key Coordinator
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Alpha Xi Chapter hosted a joint meeting with sister chapters, Alpha Lambda and Gamma Sigma. Members enjoyed fellowship and a shared meal while also coming together to support Logan’s local ROX girls program, led locally by one of Alpha Xi’s members.
According to the organization’s website, "Ruling Our eXperiences (ROX) is the national nonprofit authority on girls. We conduct large-scale national research with girls, deliver evidence-based programs in schools nationwide, and equip adults to better support and empower girls.”
Each visiting chapter donated a raffle basket, and every Alpha Xi committee also created a basket for the event. Together, the raffle raised funds to benefit the local ROX program.
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Membership Matters
Every DKG Chapter has much to offer pre-service educators. Student teachers can benefit from knowing key women educators, whether active or retired.
Seize the opportunity to connect with supervising teachers at local colleges of education. Gamma Upsilon members were able to sit in on classes to learn about the challenges of pre-service teachers. Many are working as well as pursuing a degree. The cost of transportation and testing in addition to tuition can become an additional stress. Your chapter communicating support and being a mentor can make a difference!
Offer a chapter meeting or another time to meet that fits their schedule. Be open to questions. Respond in a supportive way. Find out what they need and how to assist. It could be a gas card, cookies, or class supplies. They have a desire to talk with experienced teachers outside their classrooms. Seize their spirit. Be willing to share your experience and the benefits of DKG membership.
Terry Duesing, Gamma Upsilon President
OHSO Membership Committee
| | | | The following milestone chapters were recognized at the OHSO Spring Executive Board meeting: Terry Duesing, Gamma Upsilon, 60 years; Sandra Procaccio, Gamma Lambda, 70 years; Julie Schmidt, Gamma Phi, 60 years; Janet Swihart, Gamma Alpha, 70 years; Melissa Bowers, Beta Kappa, 80 years, and Bunny Doebling, Beta Nu, 85 years. | | | |
Theta Chapter
Gretchen Marie Hill
Alanna C. Marras
Mallory A. Parks
Jodi B. Roscoe
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Alpha Omega Chapter inducted Joan Ries and Tina Culp as new members at their May meeting.
| |  | Alpha Upsilon Chapter enjoyed making Spring pinwheels during their meeting at StoryPoint Senior Living in Troy. | | | Delta Delta Chapter officers for 2026-2028 pictured are starting in the back Kathy Paulenich, Parliamentarian; Mary Alice Rodgers Co-Second VP; Audrey Richards, Corresponding Secretary; Maria Bayuk Co-Second VP; Julianne Carsone, Recording Secretary; Mary Ann Augusty, President and Helene Jordan, Treasurer. | | |
Membership Data for 2026 - 20267
Based upon data from the DKG Ohio Dues Portal April 6, 2026
| | | Active Paid
Members | Collegiate Paid Members | Reserve Paid Members | Life
Members | Honorary
Members
| Ohio Chapters | | 2087 | 7 | 253 | 2 | 38 | 67 | | |
DKG Ohio Financial Update for
July 1, 2025 - April, 2026
| | Statement of Financial Activity | | | Dues Revenue | $28,715.00 | | Non-dues Revenue | $ 5,624.00 | | Investment Revenue | $27,210.00 (unrealized) | | Total Revenue | $61,549.00 | | Operating Expenses | $ 3,650.00 | | Administrative | $ 6,119.00 | | Committee Expenses | $ 2,216.00 | | Contributions | $ 650.00 | | DKG Conference | $14,706.00 | | Ex Bd Meetings | $ 3,631.00 | | Member Engagement | $ 508.00 | | Total Expenses | $31,480.00 | | Net Income | $30,069.00 | | | Statement of Financial Position | | | Checking/Savings | $ 30,823.00 | | Prepaid Expenses | $ 371.00 | | Available Fund Reserve* | $ 15,000.00 | | Investments | $268,203.00 | | Total Assets | $314,397.00 | | Credit Card Liabilities | $ (729.00) | | Total Equity | $313,668.00 | | | *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. | | |
Alpha Mu Chapter officers pictured in front are Nancy Shuster and Mary Barnes. Standing in the back are Bonita
Lucci, Sally George, Donna Iachini, Lindsay Clifton, and Rose Seck.
| | Beta Alpha Chapter installed 2026 - 2028 officers at their recent meeting. | |
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DKG 2026 EDUCATORS BOOK AWARD WINNER
Looking for some summertime reading, go to dkg.org and click on the rotator announcing the DKG Educators Book Award 2026 Book Award winner. The book written by Sue Stewart Ade is Displaced: A Family Without a Country.
The book was inspired by real people and events. The story is set in the 1940s depicting a family who was forced to leave their home and the challenges they faced. The book also provides a better understanding of the issues faced by families in today’s world as they deal with displacement along with rebuilding their lives.
The book is available in hardcopy and paperback and is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Independent booksellers and Walmart.
Karen Dombrowski, Alpha Nu
OHSO Second Vice President
OHSO Ambassador to DKGIEF
| | | | Gamma Eta Chapter visited the Harriet Beecher Stowe house in Cincinnati to learn about the tremendous influence the Beecher and Stowe families had on the city of Cincinnati and the abolitionists movement before the Civil War. After our tour we regrouped at The Bonbonerie for lunch. | |
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Important Upcoming Dates to Remember
June 2, 2026
Inside International
6:30 p.m. Eastern
dkg.org → Events → Virtual Events Around DKG → Inside Connections
June 5, 2026
Last day to book Gaylord Rockies at discounted rate
June 15, 2026
Last day to submit articles and/or pictures for the July issue of The Voice
June 16, 2026
7:30 p.m. Eastern
U.S. Forum on School Choice: Challenges and Opportunities
Link to Register
June 16, 2026
9:00 a.m.
Leadership Seminar via Zoom
June 23, 2026
Last day to register for International Convention
June 25, 2026
9:00 a.m.
Leadership Seminar via Zoom
June 30, 2026
Last Day to submit Gold Key Online Applications
June 30-July 4, 2026
International Convention in Aurora Colorado
July 7, 2026
1:30 p.m. Eastern
Inside International
dkg.org → Events → Virtual Events Around DKG → Inside Connections
July 19, 2026
Chapter Connections Meeting Via Zoom
July 31, 2026
Form 15 Chapter Treasurer Annual Report Due
August 1, 2026
Submit Form 72 Society Website Compliance Assurance
August 15, 2026
Arts & Humanities submissions open for Fall Gallery
September 1, 2026
International Speakers Fund Applications Due
September 15, 2026
Arts & Humanities submissions due for Fall Gallery
October 31, 2026
Form 72 Society Website Compliance Assurance Forms Due
November 1, 2026
Cornetet Individual Professional Development Applications Due
Cornetet Seminar Professional Development Applications Due
November 15, 2026
All U.S. treasurers file IRS Form 990
| | | | Beta Alpha Chapter’s guest speaker was Community Programming Coordinator for the Gallia Jackson Meigs Mental Health Center, Shannon Ware. Shannon’s presentation was Caring for Yourself in Every Season focused on mental health stress awareness and knowing where to turn for help. Pictured are Mary Deel,Program Chair; Shannon Ware, Beth James, President of Beta Alpha Chapter. | | | Beta Zeta Chapter members learned about Healthy Moves from Kelly Stipe, DPT. Members practiced the exercises as Kelly told how they are used for strengthening, balance, and posture. Kelly Stipe is the daughter of Suzanne Geis, President and granddaughter of chapter member Nancy Miller. Pictured are Nancy Miller, Suzanne Gies and Kelly Stipe. | | |
Ohio State Organization Related Links | | | | Delta Kappa Gamma promotes professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education. | | | | |
