Hosting Selection Process for 2003 Region Convention Announced

By Patricia Bishop

            Is your chapter interested in hosting the 2003 TN Region Convention? If so, be prepared to make a presentation at the 2002 Region Convention in Nashville on April 2, 2002. For the first time in region history, the chapters present in Nashville will decide the host chapter.
            Though still in its infancy, the Tennessee Region continues to see its chapters strengthen in their participation in and commitment to Phi Theta Kappa and the region. Three chapters requested to host the 2001 regional convention. With the increased regional interest, regional officers and board members developed guidelines for future host chapter selection at the spring 2000 Advisory Board meeting.
            Chapters attending the current year’s convention will select the host chapter for the next convention. In past years, we have informally attempted to alternate the convention site between the eastern and central time zones in order to ease travel across our geographically wide state. The board suggested that this practice continue unless there is no chapter in that time zone bidding for the upcoming convention. As well as geographical location, the board suggested preference is given to chapters who have never hosted a convention and those who have put in previous unaccepted bids. At the convention, chapters desiring to host the following year will need to make a short presentation to the attendees. Each participating chapter would have one vote to select the next year’s convention site.
Below are some previous hosts of region conventions.

2001 - Alpha Xi Pi (West)
2000 - Alpha Beta Mu (East)
1999 - Alpha Alpha Beta (West)
1998 - Delta Zeta (West) @ Nashville
1997 - Omega Omicron (East)
1996 - Alpha Epsilon Alpha (West)
1995 - Alpha Beta Iota / Delta Zeta
1994 - Chi Omicron (West)
1993 - Alpha Beta Iota (East)
1992 - Upsilon Delta (West)
 

What's up at this year's Convention?

Jenni Maynor discusses Regional Offices, Spirit Bear

It is time once again to elect new Regional Officers for the upcoming 2002-2003 Phi Theta Kappa year. I would like to challenge every chapter to have at least one candidate for Regional Office. The election will be held at our Regional Convention on April 2 in Nashville, TN. I know this to be a great experience. Over the last year I have had the pleasure of serving as Regional Secretary. It has involved some time and effort, but it has all been worth it. I have learned so much about Phi Theta Kappa and have had the opportunity to meet many members and new friends. Soon each chapter will be receiving Regional Officer papers. I hope each chapter will look over the information and select someone to run. If you have any questions or concerns about regional office, I would be more than happy to try and answer them.

Spirit Bear Madness

The prized “Spirit Bear” is once again up for grabs at Regional Convention. Starting this year the Tennessee Region started the spirit bear competition, and it has been a great success. All of those who have attended a regional event this year have witnessed and participated in “Spirit Bear Madness.” For those who have never attended a regional event, the spirit award is done during roll call. Each chapter is asked to come up with a short cheer, chant, song, or other creative idea. When I call the chapter’s name during roll call, they get up and show their Phi Theta Kappa spirit. It is judged by an impartial figure who will decide the winner. The winner obtains possession of the “Spirit Bear” until the next Regional event. I expect to see some enthusiastic Phi Theta Kappa members since it is Regional and International Convention time. We hope to see some extremely creative ideas. Good Luck!!

Jenni Maynor
hiwasseejen@hotmail.com
 

Honors Institute in Tennessee

Jason Baxter reports on activities at Cleveland State; Lizz Harris on Motlow

By Jason Baxter

October 27, 2002 Cleveland State’s own Omega Omicron chapter of Phi Theta Kappa had the honor of hosting its fifth Tennessee Region Honors Symposium. The Symposium turned out to be a great success and drew more than thirty delegates from schools including Cleveland State, Pellissippi State, Northeast State, Walters State, Hiwassee College, and Chattanooga State. The theme for this year’s symposium was “Customs, Traditions, and Celebrations: The Human Drive for Community.”
            The day started with a presentation by Cleveland State music instructor Will Benson on the history and development of choral music in the church. Instructor Benson’s informative presentation was followed by an exhibition of Cherokee culture entitled “The Cherokee Perspective” presented by Cherokee Pow Wow Dancer and Lecturer Scott Crisp. This colorful performance was followed by “From Russia with Love,” an eye opening lecture on Russian culture given by Russian Culture educator Zhenya Reynolds. Both presentations allowed participants the opportunity to learn traditional Cherokee and Russian dances. Midday activities focused on Mexican culture and included a heart-felt presentation entitled “El Dia de Los Muertos: A Mexican Celebration of the Dead” given by Lizz Harris, Tennessee Region and Omega Omicron’s president. A traditional Mexican feast accompanied the celebration. After lunch the Symposium wrapped up with an exercise entitled “Community Creation: An Interactive Activity.” Groups developed their own cultures with a language, leader, and holy and taboo items focusing on communication and understanding diversity between cultures.

By Lizz Harris

The weekend of November 9th brought me to Henry Horton State Park in the Chapel Hill area for an event that promised to be unforgettable and truly it was! Friday evening myself, four advisors, nineteen members and one very special guest (Saturday's speaker) started the weekend off with a terrific BBQ buffet and wonderful fellowship.
Supper was followed by the tradition of storytelling. We sat beside a lovely stone fireplace in the cabin, and were in for a treat! McMinnville Campus students Sonya King, Juanita Hall, Kathy Evans and Deborah Evans told an Appalachian story called "The Coat of Many Colors". Beverly Adamson, Janet Scott and David Lunsford performed a Cherokee story about "The Birthing Tree" (the tree itself is near the campus). Joan Klepchuck told an Aesop's fable after I told my African parable. Columbia's advisor had us rolling with laughter with his New Englander story!
            After the storytelling a bit of business was conducted since there was special news to share and everyone was very excited. First, Juanita Hall's patriotic, three color, ribbon bracelets/bookmarks were introduced as a chapter project which is planned for bag stuffers for International Convention "Goody Bags".
            David Lunsford, a spokesperson for the chapter, recognized two members for their great effort and dedication in two projects: Beverly Adamson spearheaded collecting a large truck of donated items to be delivered to Harmony House, a home for special needs people, and Sonya King who gathered over 250 children's books to be donated to the Tullahoma Daycare. Ladies, you are an example and inspiration to us all! Your spirit is the Phi Theta Kappa spirit! Congratulations!
            Saturday morning found us munching on doughnuts and sipping orange juice and coffee, while chatting about how we looked forward to the day ahead, and what a day it was! After breakfast we were honored by the Cherokee teacher Fred Bradley whose presentation was extremely inspirational. At times there wasn't a dry eye in the house! He is a most illustrious speaker and he travels long distances and lectures to large groups of people. We were very lucky to have the opportunity to hear him.
            Following Mr. Bradley's presentation, we were famished and went back to the cabin for more BBQ before striking out to "The Farm". This next event was a foray into an alternative community, to take a look at yet another set of customs, traditions and celebrations. Upon arriving we were greeted by members of the commune who have been there since its inception in 1971. We toured the property to see businesses, a school, and some dwellings. At the community building, we sat down to listen to Ina Mae and Stephen who told us the story of how the whole idea of The Farm began in Berkeley, California where Stephen was an English professor.
            After the enlightening time with Ina Mae and Stephen, we visited the Bamboo farm, and went to their General Store, which was full of 'Natural' wonders like "Ice Bean", a marvelous soybean ice cream product made at the Farm and sold across the country. What a truly educational day it was! I enjoyed every minute and loved visiting with my friends at Motlow so much. See you all in Nashville!!
 

Tennessee Keeps the Promise

Jessica Myers and Penny Tyler report on America's Promise

The Tennessee Region adopted the "Festival of Books and Reading" as the Regional Service project for the year in correlation with the International Service Project "America’s Promise – The Alliance for Youth." The idea originated with Lizz Harris, Tennessee Regional President. Her vision was to share and encourage her love of books and reading with the children of Tennessee. Fellow officers approved and expanded the idea to include various methods for achieving this project. Suggestions ranged from having local libraries come to schools to sign the children up for library cards to dressing up like a favorite story character. Information sent to the chapters included these suggestions, but allowed them the freedom to customize the festival to meet the individual needs of the chapters.
            Some chapters reported reading to the children, helping them make books, giving out books, and having the children act out scenes from books. Omega Omicron Chapter went to two schools and worked with eight first-grade classes. Alpha Xi Psi Chapter helped forty third-grade students make books of their own.
            In addition to the "Festival of Books and Reading," the Tennessee Region accepted the challenge of The Million Hour Promise. The Million Hour Promise challenged Phi Theta Kappa Chapters to collectively volunteer one million hours of service for America's Promise - The Alliance for Youth. The Tennessee Region has eleven Chapters of Promise out of sixteen chapters. One chapter alone contributed 428 hours of service. When the final tally is announced in Nasville Tennessee members should feel proud of their commitment. Volunteers spent hours mentoring, preparing, nurturing, protecting, and serving children. Some members coached little league, soccer or cheerleading. Others tutored children that needed help with schoolwork. Just a few of the many ways Phi Theta Kappans served Tennessee children.
            The Tennessee Region proudly acknowledges our chapters’ efforts and hard work in carrying out these projects. We thank you!

Passing the Torch

Lizz Harris and Penny Tyler report on a Tennessee Journey

            On Sunday, January 13, 2002, Phi Theta Kappa Tennessee Region representatives met the International Officers in Nashville to accept the 2002 Convention torch. Nashvilles historic Ryman Auditorium served as the meeting site. Representing the Tennessee Region were Coordinator Patricia Bishop, President Lizz Harris and Regional Ambassador Dr. Carl Hite, Cleveland State Community College; Secretary Jenni Maynor, Hiwassee College; and Western Vice President Penny Tyler, Nashville State Technical Institute. Phi Theta Kappa International Officers present were Warren Jackson, International President; Eva Stoudemire, West/Northwest Vice President; Ari Disraelly, New England/Middle States Vice President; Jackie McEuen, Southern Vice President; and Melissa Taylor, North Central Vice President.
            After touring Ryman Auditorium, the International Officers and Regional Representatives met on the famous stage of the auditorium to pass the 2002 Convention torch. Tennessee Representatives accepted the torch and the responsibility of taking the torch to all of the chapters statewide. Photographs taken on stage and outside Ryman Auditorium commemorated the event.
            The torch traveled the western half of the state first starting with the Alpha Xi Psi chapter at Nashville State Technical Institute. Penny Tyler, Western Vice President, presented the torch to Ashley Edwards, President; Tabitha Vires-Swearingen, Advisor; and Dr. George Van Allen, College President. After making the rounds on the west side of Tennessee, the torch passed back to the east side of the state. The last chapter visited will bring the torch to the Convention April 4, 2002. The photographs taken at each chapter presentation will be shown at the opening ceremony kicking off the 2002 Phi Theta Kappa International Convention. You will not want to miss the opportunity to see your chapter on the big screen so make your reservations today!
 

Patricia's Corner

Last-minute Convention Notes

I know everyone is excited about the upcoming regional and international conventions. I have a few last minute notes and announcements. I look forward to seeing you in Nashville!

1. Please bring your goody bags prepacked with five items. We are scheduled to begin stuffing common items at 1 P.M. on Tuesday, April 2nd. We have set up for you to unload your goody bags at the Delta Portico. Bellman can then assist you with transporting them to Canal A for stuffing. The hotel will be prepaid for their service.

2. Region convention starts at 6 P.M. at Pennington Methodist Church (about a mile from Opryland.) Dress is casual and dinner will be provided. Bring all yearbook and art entries to be judged on site. Your chapter needs to be prepared for their “Spirit Bear” cheer at roll call a during the first general session.

3. Election of the region’s 2002-03 officers will occur Tuesday evening. Candidates should be prepared for a 3-minute speech on the current honors topic and a short break talking with chapter voting delegates. All newly elected officers will receive a free scholarship for the Regional Officer Academy on Wednesday.

4. If your chapter is interested in serving as host for the 2003 region convention, please be prepared with a short presentation to the group.

5. Anyone interested in serving as an advisory board member for a five year term, please contact me as soon as possible.

6. If you have any questions about the regional convention contact Art Fowler (afowler@hiwassee.edu); work assignments Shirley Nelson (snelson@cstcc.cc.tn.us) or Dave Strong (dstrong@dscc.cc.tn.us); health fair contact Kathy Smith (Kathy.smith@wscc.cc.tn.us); and on site convention coordination contact Joe Thweatt(jthweatt@stcc.tn.edu). My contact information is pbishop@clscc.cc.tn.us, 423-472-7141 ext. 355, 800-604-2722 ext. 355, and 423-472-1833.

7. The summer leadership conference is tentatively scheduled for July 12 and 13 at Trevecca University in Nashville. Alpha Xi Pi will host it.
 

Satellite Seminars Held

Alpha Epsilon Alpha reports on forum and reflects on a year of activities.

            The Alpha Epsilon Alpha Chapter of Dyersburg State Community College conducted the Phi Theta Kappa satellite seminars in the Fall of 2001 on the Honors Study Topic “Customs, Traditions, and Celebrations: The Human Drive for Community.” Each seminar included a panel discussion featuring audience interaction. Participants presented each topic, answered questions from the audience, and discussed issues related to the topic. Refreshments were also served to the public.
            Three of the seminars were held at the Student Auditorium in Dyersburg and two were held at the Tipton County Center in Covington, Tennessee. There were technical difficulties during one of the seminars and no signal was received. However the panel recovered and provided a wealth amount of information on the topic of the Amish.
Fundraisers have been a major part of our chapter’s goal this past year. The chapter officers and members have been working and having fun in the concession stands at the basketball games at Dyersburg State throughout November 2001- February 2002. Fundraisers have also been conducted at the Tipton County Center in Covington, TN. These include hot dog lunches and a breakfast buffet. Currently, members are working on a Valentine’s Day fundraiser and this March they will have another hotdog sale.
            Even with a lot of the members having conflicting schedules, some events that we are looking forward to are the new student orientations, induction in March, the election of the new officers for 2002-03 year, and the main event – the international convention - in Nashville, Tennessee. It has been a very busy, fun, and interesting year.