Kappa Spotlight

Henrietta Hamilton, Xi Chapter, Nu State/CA

As treasurer, Henrietta Hamilton is a strong member of Xi Chapter as well as President of Nu State/ CA, and the Registrar of the National Kappa Kappa Iota Convention 2022. In her spare time, she volunteers at the Mission Inn in Riverside, CA as a docent, and was selected to receive a pin honoring her service as one that is always ready to help. She brings the smile of happiness to each of the meetings, and is always willing to help when called upon. Henrietta retired from 16 years as a Librarian in San Jacinto and then another seven years at Vista Heights Middle school in Moreno Valley, teaching Mathematics. Over the years, whenever anyone asks Henrietta to help, she agrees and gives her all. She also takes classes at Riverside City College in jewelry and Taiichi. You may be wearing a piece of jewelry that she made and donated for our sale at the Centennial Convention. Be sure to introduce yourself to her at the Palm Springs Convention.

Henrietta Hamilton, Xi Chapter, Nu State/CA

Anne Davis, Alpha Gamma Chapter, Theta State/AL

Kappas around the world are known as caring people, and Anne Davis in Alabama is a shining example of such a person. Anne, who has been a Kappa for over 20 years, is the chair of a group known as Kidz Eatz. As Alpha Gamma Chapter was seeking to find a project to benefit their area, they contacted the guidance counselors in 4 schools asking about the needs of their students. The chapter learned of about 100 elementary students who were in need of meals to get them through the weekend. The chapter had about $510 in their account and decided to spend $500 of that to purchase items that would provide those 100 children with low sugar meals, fruit and snacks that they would receive every Friday. Along with these meals is always a note that says, “God loves you, and so do we.” In addition to the food packs, Anne and other Alpha Kappa members took on a project of purchasing 85 pairs of shoes for some of these students. Included with the shoes are socks, a Bible Story coloring book and new crayons. Anne stated, “We just have to let these children know that someone loves them”. Fortunately their chapter is now receiving assistance from some local churches in funding and locations to gather as they pack up the packages of weekend blessings. On their Facebook page you will find this scripture, “Matthew 25:40 Truly I say unto you, as you did it to one of the least of these, you did it unto me”.

Anne Davis, Alpha Gamma Chapter, Theta State/AL

Joan Moore, Omicron Chapter, Rho State/NC

Joan has been a Kappa member for 14 years. She has been the Kappa member that you wouldn’t know her name. You wouldn’t stand up and applaud when she entered the room. Joan works behind the scenes and helps make Kappa Kappa Iota successful. She expects no recognition and frankly would like to keep her good works quiet.
Joan retired from teaching after 30 years of service in the North Carolina school system. She was an art teacher and an elementary teacher. She is a member of Omicron Chapter and Rho State/NC. Joan has put her talent of being an art teacher to use for Omicron and Rho. She has designed and produced scrap books for two state presidents and one national president. She is the photographer for the local and state chapter. She decorates the meeting area for different Kappa gatherings. Joan is the empathy person for Omicron. She designs and creates her own cards that she mails to fellow Kappa sisters with words of encouragement or congratulations. Joan is on numerous committees and has cheerfully accepted any challenges that they may have. Joan assumes most of the expense that they produce on her own and does not ask for reimbursement.
We all have Joan Moores in our chapters. We should stand up and applaud them and remember if we didn’t have these unsung heroes, we would no longer have the great organization that we know as Kappa Kappa Iota.

Joan Moore, Omicron Chapter, Rho State/NC

Nancy Johnson, Xi Chapter, Iota State/NE

Nancy is one in a million. She was National President 2006-2007. She served as Laurie Konrad’s Parliamentarian 2015-2016. She has served on just about every national committee and chaired many of them. She volunteers at her church, serves as an officer in many of her community organizations and even volunteers at the Omaha Orpheum theater and the Holland Center.

She stepped up to be Convention Chair at this late date when we needed someone that not only understood the process but also the timeline, and the need to organize the upcoming convention activities. She demonstrates the Ideals of Kappa with quiet accuracy. She said “yes” to the need because she is a beautiful “purple” through and through.

Nancy Johnson, Xi Chapter, Iota State/NE

Janice Luce & Cathe Kehe, Gamma Beta Chapter, Alpha State/OK

Cathe and Janice stepped up to volunteer in the Headquarters office to answer phones and be a presence at the Kappa House while Executive Director Teri Poreda recovered from back surgery, chemo and radiation. These two ladies have also done this in the past for our former Executive Director Marilyn Bridges. They also work around the House as needed. We appreciate their sacrifices and willingness to serve!

Jane Otradovec, Lambda Chapter, Zeta State/MO

Jane Otradovec is one of the long-serving Kappas and continues to be active as a co-chair of the Ad Hoc Headquarters Enhancement Committee. She is a Past State President of Ohio State, and a strong supporter of her local chapter, as well. She often comes to Tulsa to help with the inventory of our antiquities, and whatever she can do to assist. This year she made the trip to report to the NEC the variety of ways that her Committee had recommended for approval. Over the years, she has been found in the Kappa kitchen, helping to prepare food, or offering to put together booklets if needed. Her history with Kappa is long, but her memory is clear.

Jane Otradovec, Lambda Chapter, Zeta/MO

Tina Konrad Oliver, Webmaster for Kappa Kappa Iota

Christina (Tina) Konrad Oliver is starting her second full year as the Webmaster of Kappa Kappa Iota’s site. Tina is a full-time Web page Designer and Media Consultant who works from home while caring for her 4-1/2 year old daughter, Cassidy.  

When Kappa put out a request for someone who could be an editor for the national website, Tina entered a bid.  Her bid was far below what she makes at her regular job because she believed in supporting the organization.  The reason for that is she is the daughter of PNP Laurie Konrad. 

Tina is never too busy to take comments, suggestions and requests for the website, which she designed two years ago.  She looks forward to continuing to work with Kappa Kappa Iota.

Renee Spencer, Mu Chapter, Eta State/LA

Renee Spencer is currently serving as Secretary/Philanthropic/Public Relations chair for the state. Renee was awarded a $200 Classroom Grant at the Eta State Convention in West Monroe, LA, April 8-9, 2022. She will use this money to purchase classroom supplies that allow her to provide hands-on learning opportunities for her students at Martial Billeaud Elementary School.

Renee has been a member of Mu Chapter for fourteen (14) years and has served as Mu Chapter’s treasurer, secretary, and president. This year, Renee has volunteered to serve as the Registrar for the 2023 National Kappa Kappa Iota Convention that will be held in Baton Rouge, LA, at the Embassy Suites, June 26-30, 2023.

Renee is married to Tom Spencer and they have a son, Ben. Ben is married to Jennifer and they have two daughters. Renee and Tom are very active in the community. They volunteer with the United Way of Acadiana and Second Harvest Food Bank. She walks with Mu’s Kappa Chicks every year in our local Alzheimer’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Ben and she love to travel the United States to visit our National Parks.

Renee Spencer, Mu Chapter/Eta State/LA

Brenda Morrison, Rho State/NC

As the old saying goes, if you want anything done, ask a busy person. Brenda Morrison is that person. She is busy in all forms of activities. Brenda is a Deacon in her church, an officer of the Eastern Star, a volunteer for the local museum, works at Casar Elementary School this coming school year as a second grade teacher; the list goes on and on. But what I want to speak about is her life with Kappa Kappa Iota. Brenda has been a devoted Kappa member since November 10th, 2000. Since that first date she has not said no to Kappa. Brenda has answered yes to all sorts of Kappa committees, local, state, and national. She has answered yes to serve on all levels of offices for her local Omicron chapter, for her Rho State Chapter, for the National Executive Committee. Finally, reaching the honor of being the National President of Kappa Kappa Iota.

During Brenda’s year as serving as National President, was the year that Covid invaded the nation. Covid affected not only the Nation, but it also affected Kappa Kappa Iota. Brenda had to cope with an unusual year. She was the first National President to be installed in a Zoom meeting. She held Zoom meetings with the NEC to meet the goals that had been established that year for Kappa. She met not only with the NEC, but with the State Presidents. Brenda established the “State Presidents’ Monthly Koffee Breaks”. She felt there was a need to have more contact with the State Presidents. She wanted to hear from them monthly about their hopes and concerns for Kappa.
Brenda Morrison is now a Past National President, but that won’t slow her down. She will still be serving the needs of Kappa Kappa Iota with Kappa love and saying yes!

Brenda Morrison Rho State/NC

Kathy Russell, Lambda State/GA

Kathy Russell taught primary/elementary school in Calhoun City Schools for 30 years, working mostly with at-risk students, before retiring in 2009. Since retiring, she has been a CASA volunteer with the Juvenile Court System and serves as one of the Librarians at First Baptist Church in Dalton. She is actively involved in Calhoun-Gordon County Retired Educators, having served as president and chair of several committees.

Kathy joined Kappa in 1985, but took a break while raising children in the 1990’s. She rejoined Tau Chapter in the early 2000’s, serving as secretary, vice-president and president at various times. She has always been active on Lambda State committees and executive committee. In fact, she served as state president three times. She began attending National Conventions regularly in 2011 when she was installed as Lambda State President, only missing a couple since then. Kathy has also served on several national committees. She currently serves as co-chair of the National Music Committee.

Linda Hilton, Alpha Gamma Chapter, Gamma State/KS

Every Kappa has a heart for children, or they wouldn’t be an educator. Past National President Linda Hilton, Alpha Gamma Chapter/Gamma State, has such a heart having been a classroom teacher for 48 years. She was on staff for the State and Regional Reading Conferences in 2003. Then in 2006 she received the Kansas Reading Association Outstanding Reading Educator Award. Linda continues to be active in her church having, worked for many years on the Vacation Bible School Team. She currently is the President of the United Women in Faith and has been an active member of her church serving on numerous committees: Board of Trustees, Nurturing Committee and Staff/Pastor Parish Relations Committee.

Linda became a registered leader with the Boy Scouts of America and worked as a Trainer leading the local Wood Badge course which instructs leaders how to provide a quality program for the youth. She was one of the first women in her council to lead this course. For many years she went to a Boy Scout Camp and worked with the boys to publish the Camp’s newspaper. She has continued to be involved with Pack 64 in Junction City by working behind the scenes and encouraging Scouts to “Do your best”. She was awarded by her local council with the Silver Beaver Award, and is a Vigil Honor Member with the local Order of the Arrow. She received the CONVERSE-RIES AWARD in 2021 for her outstanding leadership and dedicated service to Scouting.

Having been a Kappa Member for over 45 years, Linda was the National President in 2009-2010 when the Convention was held in Oklahoma City. With her national theme being “Kappas Reach for a Rainbow to Bear Your Hopes and Dreams”, the State Presidents that year were called the “Teddy Bears”. She has served on numerous National Committees and continues to encourage Kappas to “Do Their Best” at supporting other Kappas, showing that she has a heart for children and those who give of themselves to others.

Linda Hilton, Gamma State/KS