MILL HALL - Fifty-eight ladies from Jersey Shore, Lock Haven, Mill Hall and surrounding areas met for the annual "Founders Day Celebration" dinner for Beta Sigma Phi at Aungst's Family Restaurant. After the dinner the following recognitions and rituals took place:
The 2014 Valentine queens were introduced and presented with a red rose, symbolizing their good standing with the sorority and their ability to meet their chapter's criteria for the honor.
The Queens were Thelma Caris, Alpha Tau master; Cheri Willits, Iota Iota; Mary Geyer, preceptor Gamma Phi; Caroll Maihle, Xi Eta Theta; Norma Miller, Xi Epsilon Sigma; and Loretta Worrick, Xi Zeta Pi.
Shown are Beta Sigma Phi members who recently were honored at a Founders Day celebration dinner.
The Girl or the Year honor was created in 1967 to recognize a member from each chapter for her "attendance and participation in all chapter meetings and activities." Each of the ladies received a yellow rose and a pin for her honor. The following received the Girl of the Year honor: Thelma Caris, Alpha Tau master; Judie McLaughlin, Iota Iota; Sue Major, preceptor Gamma Phi; Karen Armanda, Xi Delta Rho; tie between Vicki Kitt and Rhonda Rhinehart, Xi Eta Theta; Mary Warner, Xi Epsilon Sigma; and Shirley Jacobs, Xi Zeta Pi.
The Silver Circle Ritual paid tribute to sisters with 25 years of active membership in Beta Sigma Phi. Each of the honorees was presented with a yellow-blush rose, as well as a certificate and pin acknowledging her silver anniversary of "steadfast devotion to the virtues of Beta Sigma Phi." The honorees were Loretta Worrick, Xi Zeta Pi; Paula Smith, Xi Zeta Pi; and Donna Gilmore, Xi Epsilon Sigma.
A 50/50 drawing and theme basket raffle rounded out the evening of fellowship, celebrating the organization's beginnings and looking forward to the future. Each of the chapters will be actively planning for next year's them "Expanding our Family Tree."