Fall 2026 Two Minute Report
Florida DKG Educational Excellence Committee 2-Minute Report

I am honored to report to you as the Florida DKG Educational Excellence Committee Chair. My name is Ann Tikka from the Alpha Delta Chapter.
 
Our charter is to make a difference in education. We created DKG Cares…DKG Shares, a chapter-level social emotional support initiative that gives DKG members 7-10 minutes during chapter meetings to build communication and connection. To date, we have confirmation from 25 chapters that have implemented this initiative. DKG Cares…DKG Shares appeared recently as an IMPACT SPOTLIGHT on the DKG International site!
 
Our second program appeared on the front cover of the fall issue of The Rays. We have developed a reference website for teachers to take students on virtual field trips and includes an acronym in its name, FL DKG Virtual Field Trips (VFT). We have loaded over 225 VFT’s. Categories include Pre-K/Elementary, Middle, and High School.
 
Our committee also includes Music, The Arts, and the Emergency Fund. Lonnie Kirsch will help Florida DKG celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the U.S. by performing as Abigail Adams and singing ‘God Bless America’. Bonnie Anderson will lead the Art Americana Exhibit in April 2027. Brianna Hand heads the Emergency Fund. We will conduct our Emergency Fund donation collection at the luncheon. Please contribute to help us exceed our last collection of $1,691. Thank you.

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Two-Minute Report
Florida DKG Educational Excellence Committee 2025-2027
 
The new Florida DKG Educational Excellence Committee (EEC) consists of Ann Tikka, Ed.S. (VI)-Chair,
Sarah Watters (I), Kara Owen (III), Brooke Michaud (IV), Karen Boyd (V), Jackie Greene (VI)-Con, Music: Lonnie Kirsch (IV) and Pam Westmoreland (IV), The Arts: Bonnie Anderson (III), Emergency Fund: Brianna Hand (VI), Nancy Marmesh-FL State President, and Carrie Frye-Honorary Consultant.
 
The goal of the Florida DKG EEC is to provide members of the state of Florida with guidance and awareness of educational excellence and/or to create a project to promote excellence in education. Multiple late-night conversations with Carrie Frye for clarity resulted in the suggestion of “inventing something and even creating an acronym!”
 
 
Our team has determined the following actions for our biennium:
Music Program Choir Performances - Lonnie Kirsch and Pam Westmoreland Americana Art Exhibit in April 2027 at the DKG FL Convention – Bonnie Anderson FL DKG Emergency Fund – Brianna Hand (collected $1,691 in September in Lake Mary) DKG Cares…DKG Shares – Chapter Level Social and Emotional Support Program FL DKG Virtual Field Trips (VFT) – Main Project (with an acronym!)  
At the upcoming Florida District Meetings (Districts I-VI), in addition to a 2-minute report, the FL DKG EEC will present the chapter-based program, DKG Cares…DKG Shares. The committee suggests chapters allow 7-10 minutes during meetings for members to pair together to engage in Social and Emotional support. The goal of the project is to give members a brief chance to confide in another member using the Chapter Guide for compassionate listening and affirmations. Mentors/Mentees foster growth in confidence, skills, and emotional well-being, which can lead to better academic and career outcomes. They provide guidance, motivation, and a safe space to develop leadership, learn life skills, and build confidence through constructive feedback and support. Science has identified social support as a resource that enables individuals to cope with stress.  All chapters are to participate in this endeavor, and we will measure its success. More information will follow to Florida Chapter Presidents following the completion of Florida District Meetings.
 
Our main project, FL DKG Virtual Field Trips (VFT) has begun with the creation and organization of a website (thank you, Brooke Michaud!) that will house Virtual Field Trips for teachers to take students on field trips virtually. Missy Jones, Florida Webmaster, will link our webpage to the State website for teachers to access. As we ramp up, our success will include the quantity of virtual field trips loaded for usage and the hits accessed by teachers. Please look forward to hearing about our progress. Thank you, FL DKG EEC team!

DKG Cares

DKG Cares Chapter Guide