Kappa Spotlight

Jennifer Simmons Anti, Iota Chapter, Eta State/LA

Jennifer Simmons Anti is a member of Iota Chapter/Eta State/LA, Kappa Kappa Iota.
She grew up in Slidell, Louisiana and graduated from Slidell High School. Then, she enrolled in Millsap College in Jackson, Mississippi where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

Jennifer is the niece of Bruce and (PNP) Phyllis Thomas, and she was always wanting to become a member of National Kappa Kappa Iota. She was told that she did not meet the qualifications for membership in that prestigious organization because her degree did not allow her to spend the majority of her time working with children in education.

Then, in 2010, Jennifer enrolled in Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana where she earned a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education in 2011. She started her teaching career at Florida Avenue Elementary School in August, 2012
teaching kindergarten classes. She has been teaching for eleven years.

Jennifer is married to Damien Anti and has two daughters, MollieAnn, who is seventeen (17) years old and a senior at North Shore High School in Slidell, and MaryGrace, who is nine (9) years old and is a third grader at the Louisiana Key Academy in Covington, LA. Both of her daughters have dyslexia, so Jennifer decided to attend William Carey College at Hattiesburg, Mississippi so that she could learn how to help children who have this disability. She earned a Master’s Degree in Dyslexic Therapy, and tutors children who have been classified as dyslexic.

After Jennifer became a teacher, she was invited to join Kappa Kappa Iota because now the majority of her time is spent working with children and she met the qualifications for Kappa membership.

At the 2023 National Convention in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Jennifer and her mother, Mollie Monroe, were in charge of the Hospitality Room. They did an outstanding job!

Iota Chapter/Eta State/LA is happy to spotlight our youngest Kappa member, and we are very proud of her accomplishments.

Jennifer Simmons Anti, Iota Chapter, Eta State/LA

Jo Klingman, Epsilon Chapter, Alpha State/OK

If you have ever attended a National Convention, the chances are great that you have seen this wonderful Kappa. She attended her first National Convention in 2005 in Savannah and has only missed three National Conventions since then. If you attended the Centennial National Convention in Tulsa, you saw this lovely lady working in various capacities to make the Convention a success; her official duty at the Centennial Convention was to serve on the Convention Registration Committee; however, she was always available to help wherever she was needed.  Her smiling face and her cheery voice always brighten the day for those whose paths she crosses. She is a dedicated Kappa and a wonderful mentor to others.

Jo Klingman, Alpha State, Epsilon Chapter, became a Kappa in 1989. Since becoming a Kappa, Jo has served in every office at the local level. She served as Alpha State President from 2008-2009 and has served as President of the Alpha State Presidents’ Group for 13 years; she began leading the group in 2011 and has been President ever since! She has attended Alpha State Conventions for 27 years and has been a chairman of many state committees.

Her involvement does not end there, however. Jo served as Region III Empathy chair four times and has served on the Business Committee, Buildings and Grounds Committee, and has twice served on the registration committee for the National Convention.  

Her teaching career began at an early age. She began lining up dolls and teddy bears and used a broken piece of chalk board to teach them their daily lesson before she was old enough to know the top of a book from the bottom of the book. Her love for teaching was inherited from her father, her mother, and her two aunts, all of whom were teachers. Teaching was the only occupation Jo ever wanted to pursue.

She received her BS in Education in Math and Language Arts, earned a Masters in Math, and earned 90+ hours above her Master’s degree in leadership, math, and counseling.  She taught mathematics for over 30 years in Oklahoma secondary schools. Her teaching did not end at the close of the school day, however, as she coached academic teams, sponsored Student Council, helped coach girls’ basketball, sponsored cheerleaders and pep club, and served as an announcer for football games. Twice she was named Teacher of the Year, and she received the Chamber of Commerce Roots & Wings Award. She was on the negotiation team for WACT(Weatherford) and MEA (Muskogee).

After her retirement, she served as a substitute teacher and tutor and was named “Volunteer of the Year” the year after she retired. She currently volunteers at her church, the community food pantry, and the Pioneer Center (senior citizens’ center). She delivers Meals on Wheels. She continues to teach after retirement by tutoring students in math. And she still is an active member of her Epsilon Chapter!

Jo had this to say when I asked her about Kappa: “I love being a Kappa and serving with Kappas. There is something so special about people who choose to dedicated decades of service to the lives of future generations, then retire, and continue to support the teachers who follow them.”

Jo also shares these bits of wisdom: 

“Never forget how important what we do is.”
“Do not break your arm patting yourself on the back.”
“Try to anticipate what your leaders may need—be prepared to help.”
“Live with JOY—Jesus is first; Others are second; You (yourself) are last.”

Jo Klingman lives in Weatherford, Oklahoma, with her husband Skip. They celebrated their 50th anniversary in December.

Be sure to look for this lovely Kappa lady when you are at the next Convention.  You will find her with a smile on her face and a kind word for all those around her.  She is a true Kappa and embodies the true spirit of Kappa.

Jo Klingman, Epsilon Chapter, Alpha State/OK

Barbara Garrison, Gamma Chapter, Psi State/TN

Barbara has been a Gamma Chapter member for 40 years. She joined Kappa Kappa Iota in 1983, during Sara Sunderman’s Presidency, to be able to have intelligent adult conversations instead of kindergarten ones! She taught first grade and second grade, but her love was with kindergarten for 25 years. To this day she is recognized when out in public by some of her former students who recognize her and say “I cannot believe I am seeing my kindergarten teacher”, and some even cry! Her email says it all: “kindrtcher25” and her license plate “TCHR” demonstrates her dedication to education.

Barbara was raised in Chattanooga, TN. She attended local schools and graduated from U.T. Peabody (which is now Vanderbilt University) with a B.S. Degree in Elementary Education. She went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education at University of Tennessee Chattanooga (UTC). Barbara and her husband Bob raised three daughters, and she has two granddaughters and two grandsons.
Barbara’s interests include crafts of any kind. She was an expert in kindergarten because, at the time she earned her education degree, social and educational skills in kindergarten were taught using the “Play” model. She also makes Rosary beads for church members, family, and friends. Barbara took classes for three years to become a member of the Secular Franciscan Religious order and served as the Director of Religious Education at her Church.

Barbara was asked to join Kappa Kappa Iota by Marsha Doebler, Chapter President of Gamma Chapter Psi State TN. She was happy to join because she knew several members including our Life MAL Eula Mae Peavyhouse, who is a charter member of Gamma Chapter, and also Omega Chapter member Eula Reed. Barbara’s first National Convention was in 1985 Omaha, NE during Jane Treat’s National Presidency. She brought her three daughters to the National Convention, and she has been active in many National Conventions.

Barbara has served as an officer in each office for her local chapter and as an officer in each of the state officer positions. She has been Psi State President four times. On the National Committees, she has served as Chair of the Special Projects Committee and Nominating Committee as well as being a member of the Bylaws, Scholarship, Business, and Memorial Committees. Barbara has served as Parliamentarian for her local chapter and the state chapter. She is also involved in our local Philanthropic Projects and Educational Scholarship Fundraiser events. She has loved going to the National Conventions and learning about Parliamentary Procedures. Barbara served as Psi State President in 1989 with Linda Smith, Carol Neary, Suellen Sulunga and many other great Kappas. This was the first year that the State Presidents actually selected a theme name, and theirs was “89’rs.”

The main reason Barbara gives for maintaining her Life Membership is the friendships of her Kappa Sisters developed over the years.

Barbara Garrison, Gamma Chapter, Psi State/TN

Sandra Youngblood, Alpha Omicron Chapter, Theta State/AL & Bonnie Shanks, Lambda Chapter, Theta State/AL

This month we will be focusing our Spotlight on the Co-chairs of our 2024 Convention, Sandra Youngblood from the city of Prattville, Alabama, and Bonnie Shanks from the countryside of Montgomery County, Alabama. One is more of a city girl and the other is a country gal through and through. Their combined number of years in Kappa exceeds 70 years.

Sandra started teaching Music in a small private school before spending many years as a Kindergarten teacher. Seeing the need for a new program, she assisted the Autauga County Board of Education by helping start a Kindergarten Prep Program. She continued her path by finishing a Certified National Educational Leadership Course but decided that Administration wasn’t her passion. She stated that the knowledge she gained in this course has helped her as Convention Chair. Sandra later assisted the Board of Education with their Drug Education Program in the Autauga County Schools. In addition, she aided the Prattville Chamber of Commerce by serving on the Prattville/Autauga Character Coalition Board, which encouraged students to improve their character by awarding individuals who showed good character traits. She filled the need at the First Baptist Church in Prattville by becoming their first Children’s Division Director, organizing their Children’s Ministry. Sandra has two grown sons and two grandsons who have been very involved in the Scouting Community and have shown great musical talent including college honor orchestras. And to add one more thing to her plate, she helps organize her 102 year old mother’s care.

Bonnie Shanks was a High School History teacher teaching just about any History Class you can imagine. That lead to her interest in the different Historical Societies of which she is a member. She participates in seven Organizations to include DAR (of which she has been Chapter Regent), National Huguenots Society, Sons and Daughters of the Pilgrims, Colonial Dames of the 17th Century, and the Order of the Steel Magnolias Daughters of 1812.

In addition, many of you may have read of her escapades on Facebook with her tending the many animals that live on her little piece of paradise, which her husband titled, “Fur and Feathers”. If you aren’t on Facebook, you have missed a treat of hearing about her daily duties with her Guinea fowl, ducks, chickens, donkey, cats, and dogs, but especially her sneaky goats. And I can’t forget the creatures I look for whenever I visit her ranch: her peacocks. On Facebook, she has even posted an ongoing saga of her beautiful completely white peacock, Chantilly. When Bonnie isn’t trudging through the mud corralling the goats and other critters, she can be found with her family of many children, grandchildren, and is expecting her seventh great-grandchild within a month.

When you come to Convention, please thank these two hardworking Kappa ladies for taking the time out of their busy lives to help us by organizing a fantastic convention. It will be great, I’m sure.

Sandra Youngblood (left) & Bonnie Shanks (right), Theta State/AL

Ken Russell, Tau Chapter, Lambda State/GA

Ken Russell is a member of Tau Chapter, Lambda State, Georgia. After being a supportive Kappa Guy for many years, he was initiated as a Kappa member by National President Chris Hockert in December, 2019. Ken is currently serving as Tau Chapter president and also Lambda State president-elect. Music is one of his passions and he served as co-chair of the National Music committee from 2022-2024. He has attended most of the National Conventions since 2011.

Ken began his teaching career on January 20, 1981; the same day Ronald Reagan was inaugurated as President of the United States! He spent 30 years teaching various Social Studies courses to High School students in three school systems across North Georgia, including AP and IB, particularly Government and U.S. History. He enjoyed taking students to Washington, D.C. for Close-up and coaching Mock Trial teams. After retirement, Ken was an adjunct professor and also supervised student teachers until Covid caused him to retire again. He currently spends time pursuing his love of acting at several local theater groups.

Ken Russell, Tau Chapter, Lambda State GA

Patty Barry, Upsilon Chapter, Xi State/FL

Patty Barry, a long time Upsilon Chapter, Xi State Kappa member, has been teaching primary grades at an international school in Atyrau, Kazakhstan since August 2021. Prior to that, she retired from teaching in 2018 after 31 years in the Miami-Dade County Public Schools in Miami, Florida. She has led an English-Speaking Club for young adults since March 2021 as a volunteer in the name of Kappa.

During her summer vacations since 2010, she has volunteered teaching English and training teachers in China, Nepal, Romania, and the Philippines. She has fostered a special relationship with several schools and their dedicated teachers in Samar province in the Philippines where she has spent eight summers. She had a classroom building built and dedicated to her at an extremely remote school in Samar as a retirement gift and legacy from her uncle.

Patty Barry, Upsilon Chapter, Xi State/FL

Gail Lancaster, Omicron Chapter, Rho State/NC

Gail Lancaster joined Omicron/Rho State Kappa Kappa Iota on March 1,1983. Omicron was chartered on November 9, 1974. Many of her Kappa Sisters were colleagues who worked in the same district as Gail. Gail taught for thirty years and after retirement did some interims and she also served as a tutor.

Gail held several offices in Omicron, including local president and secretary many times. She was the Chapter President during the first Rho State National Convention in Asheville. Gail has also been active in her local church, community, and Friendship Force. She and her late husband, Mac, had the opportunity to travel extensively through Friendship Force. She has two sons, three grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and one great-grandchild on the way.

Gail described her membership in Kappa as a great experience, a wonderful organization to get together with other teachers and share like experiences. She expressed that her fellow Kappa members were like “true sisters.” Special memories include many yard sales to raise money for scholarships and the annual Omicron Christmas parties. Gail stated that the founding sisters of Omicron and Rho State would be proud of their Kappa sisters today and their dedication to the work of the Kappa organization.

Gail’s fellow Kappa sisters have fond memories of Gail and describe her as a true friend, who loves her family, is neat, and classy (next to the Queen of England). Gail always went out of her way to make others feel welcome.

Just recently Gail moved to assisted living at Restoration in South Carolina. She will be greatly missed in our community, her church, and especially at our Omicron meetings. At Restoration, she will be within fifteen minutes of her son and one of her granddaughters. Omicron Chapter and Rho State are grateful for the influence Gail Lancaster has had in our lives.

Gail Lancaster, Omicron Chapter, Rho State

Sarah and Hilary Flohr, Phi State/OH

Phi State is pleased to spotlight sisters Sarah and Hilary Flohr!
This is Sarah’s 17th year of teaching. She teaches 7th grade math and has previously taught 6th grade math, science, and 8th grade science. She’s on the School Building and District Leadership Teams. Sarah is also an advisor to the Builder’s Club. She is licensed to teach middle-level education and has a master’s degree in Assessment and Evaluation.

Hilary graduated from The University of Akron in 2006. After graduating, she was a substitute teacher for two years before getting hired at the same school where she student taught. Hilary has a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the American College of Education. In August, Hilary received a pin for fifteen years of service in education! She has taught first grade for all fifteen years of her career. After teaching through the Covid lockdowns, she is proud to celebrate this accomplishment!

Sarah started Kappa years ago when Sue Bell took her to the Phi State May Convention. Everyone thought Sarah was Sue’s granddaughter, but they surprised everyone when Sue told them Sarah worked with her and was a potential new member. Sarah became a member of Kappa and moved up through the leadership ranks. She’s been chapter Secretary, Vice President, and President. Sarah’s also served as Phi State Secretary, Vice President, President-Elect, and President. She was President of Phi State during the Covid lockdown and was very sad when state event after state event was canceled. By the time the pandemic was over she became Immediate Past President and Parliamentarian. Currently, Sarah is back on the Phi State Board and is the Vice President. She is also the Chair of the Ways and Means Committee and currently is planning a Style Show for November to benefit the scholarship program.

Hilary joined Kappa after seeing how much fun her sister, Sarah, had with all her Kappa friends during monthly meetings and attending conventions in the summer. Hilary has also served in Kappa leadership positions as the Chapter Secretary, Vice President, and President. She is currently the Phi State Membership Chair. The first National Convention she attended was in Branson, Missouri, and she’s also attended conventions in Charleston, Asheville, Cleveland, and Tulsa.
Sisters and Kappa Sisters make Sarah and Hilary special in our organization!

Sarah and Hilary Flohr

North Carolina Kappa Kappa Iota Members, Rho State/NC

Kappa Kappa Iota members from Rho State, North Carolina were hit by Hurricane Helene on September 27, 2024, and their resilience is to be commended. Lives were lost, property was damaged, and communities were tragically changed. Many Kappa members live in mountain towns that were not expecting a hurricane to impact them. National meteorologists did not anticipate the direction Helene took and the results were devastating. We spotlight our Rho State Kappa Members who, while suffering their own losses, reached out to volunteer in their communities to help others. They donated needed items, volunteered to serve food, and helped neighbors clean up after the storm. The empathetic nature of Kappa was shown during the days that followed the storm. While their community landscapes have changed and will never look the same again, Kappas joined in the spirit of “Appalachian Clanning,” which member Kathy Gordon explains as a condition where families live close together, so they are always ready to help each other.

Betty Ross spent two weeks volunteering at a nearby church serving hot meals. As a retired school counselor, she also volunteered on the Crisis Team to help students and staff debrief the impact of the hurricane when school went back in session. Member Lynn McNeilly brought donations to Betty to help the school get back in session. Peggy Earl’s great-nephew was part of the search and recovery mission in Asheville. Peggy praised all the volunteers who came to their communities to help clear roads and restore power. Others, like Nancy Morgan, helped family members who required support and childcare. Kappa members’ hearts and homes were opened wide to help others as soon as they were able. Whether donating, serving, cooking, babysitting, doing laundry for others, or opening their homes to those without power and water, the North Carolina Kappas responded to the call to give and care for their communities. Continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they continue to serve in their communities and recover.

Dr. Barbara D. Culp, Award-Winning Writer

Dr. Barbara D. Culp is a Non-Fiction Book Awards Gold Winner. She has over 40 years of experience in the realm of education. She’s taught pre-school, elementary and middle school students. She served as an elementary school principal and as a college adjunct instructor. During the time her husband was suffering from Alzheimer’s, she was his caregiver and stated when he slept, she wrote.

Her writings are being noted worldwide. A movie script written approximately ten years ago is now receiving attention. She’s been asked to submit a Pitch Deck for possible funding. She recently received a Wish for a Lifetime grant from AARP. Dr. Barbara continues to update her education series Words of Wisdom to be relevant for students, parents, educators, school officials, and the community in today’s school settings. She is now writing a novel which addresses issues centered around mental health for young readers. A British Literary Agent wants to mentor her in finishing the book successfully. She states her cup is running over with many blessings and is excited that the world still needs her services. Dr. Barbara operates a tutoring service, Amyra LLC . Dr. Barbara has never served as an official with Kappa Kappa Iota, however, she makes phone calls whenever asked, lightening the load of the chapter president.