Chapter Spotlight
The PDK chapter spotlight page showcases noteworthy activities and accomplishments of PDK chapters. Whether your chapter is conducting a Chalk WalkSM, participating in Read for the Record, or hosting a PDK membership drive, we want to highlight your PDK chapter's achievements.
Would you like to feature your PDK chapter here? Tell us about your work. Contact chapters@pdkintl.org today!
Pine Belt Area Chapter Conducts Service Project
Each year, the PDK Pine Belt Area chapter partners with Osceola McCarthy Youth Development Center in Hattiesburg, Mississippi to host Operation Christmas Sleeve. During the Christmas season, this program provides toys, food, and clothing to children who have one or more incarcerated parents. The chapter supports this initiative by helping to organize the event and donating gifts and books.
Chapter president Barry Morris says, “Community partnerships like this one give us an opportunity serve the community and network with service providers.” More than 500 people attended the most recent Operation Christmas Sleeve celebration event.
“We are proud to have served 1100 kids from newborn to age 18 over the last four years,” adds Morris.
PDK members Joel Berg and Nicole Klimow represent the Las Vegas chapter at its booth at the education fair.
Las Vegas Chapter Hosts First Education Fair
The Education Fair for Teachers, Parents, Faculty, and Students offered exhibits and roundtable discussions about education issues to more than 100 attendees. The event, which was hosted by the PDK Las Vegas chapter in partnership with Nevada Parent Teacher Association (PTA), was held at the Northwest Career & Technical Academy in Las Vegas.
It was designed to provide an opportunity for the education community and community partners to come together to discuss ways to improve education, as well as the issues that directly affect them at the secondary and postsecondary levels.
“We owe a lot of thanks to the FEA Northwest Career & Technical Academy chapter, because they provided us with tremendous support in helping us plan and host the event,” said Sara Wagenmaker, education fair coordinator and PDK Las Vegas chapter president.
Participants visited exhibit booths set up by universities and colleges, homework and tutoring services, Mason Child ID program (CHIP), and other community organizations. Roundtable discussions, another part of the education fair, provided an opportunity for students, parents, and community members to engage in meaningful dialogue.
Wagenmaker offered this advice to others interested in hosting an education fair: “Look outside of the box, and bring in all of the community members and organizations that you can to get them interested in talking about education issues.”
The education fair, which was held October 3, was sponsored by the Educational Teaching Services (ETS).
PDK University of Toronto Chapter Hosts Annual Chalk
The PDK University of Toronto chapter had its most successful Chalk WalkSM yet in 2010, drawing more than 80 walkers ranging from children in strollers to 80-year-old participants.
The Chalk Walk, which was held September 18 at Queens Park Circle in Toronto, Canada, also offered other activities for the attendees. College students took part in a panel discussion with alumni and current and retired faculty. There was also a raffle with prizes, gift certificates, apparel, and more.
Kristin Hopper, Chalk Walk chairperson, said that planning for next year’s walk begins immediately after the current walk ends so that event permits can be obtained. She also encourages event planners to secure sponsors early. Hopper has been involved with the event as a Chalk Walk committee member for six years and as the co-chair for two years.
To those interested in hosting a Chalk Walk, she offered this advice: “Gather a committee of people who are committed, use their strengths, and let them do what they are good at. In turn, the event will be successful. Also, think about your ‘ideal’ Chalk Walk and plan around that. Have a vision.”
Funds raised from the event will help support scholarship programs at the secondary and post-secondary level and the regional spelling bees for which PDK is a partner.
For more information about this event, contact Kristin Hopper at k_s_hopper123@hotmail.com.