Alpha
Delta Kappa
Initiation
Ceremony
2009
Pledge
Ceremony
(Optional)
(Prior
to this Pledge Ceremony, the membership chairman should hold a meeting(s) of the
prospective pledges. They should have been thoroughly oriented, not only to the
history and guiding tenets of ALPHA DELTA KAPPA, the structure of the
organization and obligations of membership, but also financial requirements —
membership fee/badge cost as well as the dues structure at all levels.)
(The
sergeant-at-arms escorts the pledges into the room and presents them to the
membership chairman, WHO IS STANDING WITH THE CHAPTER PRESIDENT AND
PRESIDENT-ELECT, on the opposite side of the table to which the pledges are
brought.)
(The
table may be covered with a cloth upon which may stand the Greek letters AΔK
as well as a single candlestick with a white taper, matches and a candle snuffer.
Pledge cards to be distributed may also be on the table.)
MEMBERSHIP
CHAIRMAN (To pledges):
We are delighted to welcome you as pledges of ALPHA DELTA KAPPA. May I present
to you our president (she
turns toward the president) . . . Madam President, it is my privilege
to present to you … (names
the pledge[s]) as pledge(s) to … Chapter of … (State/Province/Nation)
ALPHA DELTA KAPPA.
PRESIDENT:
(To pledges) It is
a pleasure to have you here for this pledge ceremony. The sisters who
recommended you for membership in ALPHA DELTA KAPPA will now share the reasons
why they feel you should be one of us.
(Each
sponsor will speak briefly on behalf of her candidate)
MEMBERSHIP
CHAIRMAN: (To pledges)
Now that you have heard the high esteem in which these sisters hold you, you may
begin to understand why you were unanimously elected to membership in …
Chapter.
PRESIDENT:
Our membership chairman has discussed with you the purposes, the history and the
financial requirements of ALPHA DELTA KAPPA. To be sure that you fully
understand the duties and responsibilities which are the obligation of each
member of this sorority, our president-elect will review some of them with you.
PRESIDENT-ELECT:
You were chosen for membership because it was felt that you would help promote
educational and charitable projects and activities that are a vital part of the
ALPHA DELTA KAPPA program and responsibilities. We feel certain that you will
uphold the ideals of education as well as the principles and purposes of ALPHA
DELTA KAPPA.
The
president-elect should brief pledges again with regard to the following facets
of membership:
Active
participation in chapter meetings as well as attendance at all meetings/conventions/conferences/gatherings
at all levels of ALPHA DELTA KAPPA.
Financial
responsibilities
Knowledge
about the sorority, including scholarships and grants available to individual
members/family members/others State/Provincial/National altruistic and
scholarship endeavors
Other
PRESIDENT:
Are the duties and responsibilities of membership in ALPHA DELTA KAPPA clear to
you?
PLEDGE(S):
Answer, “Yes,
they are.”
PRESIDENT:
Our Membership Chairman will light a candle which will signify our mutual pledge.
May the candle brighten the path of each and every member of our sorority. (She
lights the candle and then reads the following:)
To light
a candle
The
centuries merge in the candle glow and the golden light becomes symbolic of all
that brightens man’s life . . . The light of the sun, the light of love, and
the light of learning.
The
teacher of children possesses that rare opportunity to light a candle that keeps
a very special kind of magic shining inside a child. Not every person is blessed
with this nearness to another human life. A teacher can bless a child with the
awareness of himself as the noblest creature that has come from the hand of god.
She can
set aglow for him the most essential flame of life . . . The flame of faith in
himself.
Blessed
with a sense of personal worth and dignity, he finds himself a unique human
being, capable of making a singular and significant contribution to life.
The
teacher knows how to light this flame. She knows all the simple and wonderful
ways . . . By a smile or a nod, by sharing a joke, by accepting a gift, by
listening, by speaking a word of encouragement or approval. She reminds herself
that a lighter of candles has accepted the assignment of loving the unlovable.
Thousands
of teachers have discovered the joy of this very special lighting of candles.
A sense
of personal worth, self-respect, faith in oneself: these are the candles that a
teacher can light . . . Not just on special occasions, but on every day
throughout the year.
So, we
light your candle, the ALPHA DELTA KAPPA candle! And just as the candle glow has
been a symbol of light and love and learning throughout the years, may your life
in ALPHA DELTA KAPPA glow as brightly as you share with us your fellowship, your
talents, and your leadership.
PRESIDENT:
We welcome you as pledges to … Chapter of … (State/Province/Nation) ALPHA
DELTA KAPPA. Please raise your right hand and repeat after me.
“I
hereby promise / to respect the principles of ALPHA DELTA KAPPA / to be loyal to
its members / to honor my profession and my country / and to hold to the
principles of truth and integrity.”
PRESIDENT:
(Continues) As
pledges, you are entitled to attend our chapter meetings of ALPHA DELTA KAPPA,
where you will become better acquainted with us.
… (Membership
Chairman) will present a pledge card to you along with a brochure
pertaining to our International organization, including information of programs,
scholarships and grants. We look forward to the day of your initiation when you
will become our sister in this prestigious sorority for women educators.
MEMBERSHIP
CHAIRMAN: These
pledge cards certify that you are pledged to ALPHA DELTA KAPPA and are now
eligible for initiation. (She
presents the cards and then snuffs out the candle.)
PRESIDENT:
This concludes our
pledge ceremony. May I offer my congratulations to you for having been selected,
as a leading educator, to become a member of ALPHA DELTA KAPPA.
You may
feel justifiably proud. We trust that your participation in the functions of
this sorority will enrich you personally and professionally.
(MEMBERS
PRESENT WILL GREET AND WELCOME THE
Membership
Ceremony (Original)
This
ceremony is for granting membership in the
Family
and friends may be invited to observe the Initiation Ceremony if the chapter
wishes.
MEMBERSHIP
CHAIRMAN: (Secures complete file of information from members-elect and acts as
hostess until the sergeant-at-arms presents them for initiation. Collects the
membership fee and badge money from the members-elect prior to the actual
initiation.)
SERGEANT-AT-ARMS:
(Instructs members-elect as to the protocol for the initiation ceremony.)
NOTE:
THIS RITUAL IS MORE EFFECTIVE WHEN MEMORIZED.
(The
sergeant-at-arms escorts the members-elect, individually or in a group, and
introduces them to the president, who in turn will present them to the
initiating team.)
CHAPLAIN:
(After introductions)
Let us pray. Our Gracious Heavenly Father, we bow in humble gratitude before You
and thank You for all the blessings of this abundant life.
Accept
our heartfelt thanks for this occasion, which brings us together again in love
and fellowship, to share the blessings we enjoy in ALPHA DELTA KAPPA with these
new members. We are thankful for their decision to become one of us. May their
lives be richly blessed through this sorority.
Give
each of us a new vision of FAITH, HOPE, LOVE AND SERVICE and may we be inspired
to attain greater heights of spiritual, social and professional achievements
through our associations in ALPHA DELTA KAPPA.
May the
highest principles of love and service which motivate this sorority be an
abiding influence in our lives always. Guide us in all we do and say, and may it
be done to Your honor and glory, for we pray in Your name. Amen.
PRESIDENT:
(To members-elect)
Please make your responses together . . . Do you declare that this desire to
become a member of ALPHA DELTA KAPPA is of your own free will?
If so,
please answer “Yes, it is my desire.”
(Members-elect
respond)
PRESIDENT:
(Continues) Before
you are initiated into this international honorary organization, you may be
assured that you, as a member, will never be asked to do anything that will
conflict with your religious, political or civic beliefs. Is it still your
desire to affiliate with this organization?
If so,
please answer “Yes, it is my desire.”
(Members-elect
respond)
PRESIDENT:
(Continues) We
wish to share with you the honor of being eligible for membership and of being
invited to affiliate with ALPHA DELTA KAPPA.
Because
the Founders of ALPHA DELTA KAPPA were women with vision and strength of purpose,
through the years they worked to build the foundation of this organization for
women educators. They gave a full measure of time and energy enriched with the
highest ideals of noble living.
PRESIDENT:
(To the members-elect)
Our historian will now explain to you the origin and ideals of ALPHA DELTA
KAPPA.
HISTORIAN:
Cognizant of the need for an organized means of professional and social contact
for women educators, which would be recognized by both laymen and professionals,
our Founders decided to form this Greek letter sorority. It was made a fraternal
organization with membership offered to women educators meeting definite
qualifications. These standards which each one who comes into this sorority must
have attained are as follows:
1. She
must be an accredited educator with enriched ability and be outstanding in her
personal qualifications.
2. She
must be highly recommended by educators.
3. She
must be a person who has attained a high degree of social acceptance in both
professional and community relationships.
I am
happy to say that you have met these qualifications.
PRESIDENT:
(To members-elect)
The president-elect will now explain the significance of our name — ALPHA
DELTA KAPPA.
PRESIDENT-ELECT:
(Exhibiting to members-elect the Greek letters signifying ALPHA DELTA KAPPA.)
It is important, as a member of ALPHA DELTA KAPPA, to know that these Greek
letters signify qualities which we, as ALPHA DELTA KAPPA sisters, strive to
emulate. They are represented by the mythological goddesses ATHENA, Demeter and
Proserpina.
Before
you is the Greek symbol ALPHA. ALPHA stands for ATHENA, who was in control of
the air and the heavens. She was the GODDESS OF WISDOM, her name meaning “mind.”
The Greek symbol ALPHA is the first in our name trilogy.
ATHENA
had as her symbol the olive tree. Olive green was her color; therefore, in ALPHA
DELTA KAPPA we take olive green as one of our colors.
The
second symbol of our trilogy is the Greek DELTA, which signifies DEMETER,
GODDESS OF SOWING AND REAPING known as the GODDESS OF THE EARTH.
As
educators, our aim is to sow the desire for learning in the minds of youth in
order that the benefits of knowledge and experience may be reaped by them and
shared with their fellow men.
Demeter
was symbolized by a sheaf of corn, and yellow was her color. Therefore, one of
our colors is golden yellow, which, combined with the olive green of ATHENA,
constitute the official colors of our sorority. When they are in combination, we
are reminded that, as members of ALPHA DELTA KAPPA, our aims shall be the sowing
and the reaping of knowledge.
The
third symbol of our trilogy is the Greek KAPPA. It stands for KORE, whose Roman
name is PROSERPINA GODDESS OF SPRING.
Mythology
relates that she spent the spring and summer seasons on the earth making it
beautiful with crops and flowers. Thus, as educators, we strive to awaken the
minds of youth so that their lives may become more beautiful through the
inspiration imparted to them. Proserpina is represented by the cornucopia, the
symbol of plenty.
The
purple violet has been chosen as our symbolic flower because it is most
indicative of spring.
PRESIDENT-ELECT:
(Continues) (To members-elect)
Will you please repeat after me?
(The
members-elect repeat in unison prompted by the president-elect)
ALPHA
stands for ATHENA / GODDESS OF WISDOM / symbol — the olive tree / color —
green/
DELTA
stands for DEMETER / GODDESS OF SOWING AND REAPING / symbol — a sheaf of corn
/ color — golden yellow.
KAPPA
stands for KORE / GODDESS OF EARTH AND SPRING / symbol — a cornucopia —
overflowing with flowers.
PRESIDENT:
You are now ready to receive further information about our sorority. Before you
is an enlarged replica of our badge, inscribed with the Greek letters — ALPHA
DELTA KAPPA, the meaning of which has already been explained to you. It is
composed of a Greek temple corner, upheld by three columns, upon which rests a
scroll inscribed with our symbolic letters. The cornerstone upon which these
columns stand is set with pearls. These jewels should inspire us to enrich our
lives with the pearls of living.
The
three columns represent ATHENA, DEMETER AND PROSERPINA — whose precepts
support the temple which symbolizes our sorority as a whole.
You have
now been given the meaning of our name and our badge. Your badge will now be
presented to you.
PRESIDENT:
(Continues) (Those members who will be pinning the members-elect should stand
next to their initiate)
ALPHA
DELTA KAPPA presents to you this badge of gold to wear, to cherish, and to keep
as a remembrance of the principles and precepts symbolic of our sorority and our
proud profession.
FOR
ALPHA DELTA KAPPA BADGE
Gold are
its pillars in their purity of purpose — wisdom; knowledge, with a single
purpose . . . the unfolding of that knowledge; and abundance . . . the
blossoming of springtime buds into those qualities fundamental to the life
complete.
Take
then, this badge, with its motto, “ALL FOR ONE,” and its guard, unique in
its own symbolism, “ONE FOR ALL.”
(As
members pin the new members-elect, using the correct placement of the badge, the
president reads the following):
The
badge is worn at all sorority meetings and at other educational meetings. The
correct placement of the badge is over the heart on a single garment or an
ensemble. It is placed above all other ALPHA DELTA KAPPA pins. It is not worn
with formal attire, on a lapel, or attached to a support base or ribbon. The
badge is worn with only one guard, either the “K” or one designating an
office.
FOR
INTERNATIONAL BADGE
This
special badge was designed for members residing outside the
Take
then, this badge, with its motto, “ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL.”
(As
members pin the new members-elect, using the correct placement of the badge, the
president reads the following):
The
badge is worn at all sorority meetings and at other educational meetings. The
correct placement of the badge is over the heart on a single garment or an
ensemble. It is placed above all other ALPHA DELTA KAPPA pins. It is not worn
with formal attire, on a lapel, or attached to a support base or ribbon.
FOR BOTH
CEREMONIES
PRESIDENT:
(Continues) You
will now take the vow of membership into ALPHA DELTA KAPPA. All members please
stand, raise your right hands, and repeat after me:
“I
promise / upon my honor / that I will, to the best of my ability / follow the
precepts and principles of ALPHA DELTA KAPPA / that I will uphold my sisters in
this sorority / and support them / in accordance with the law / and the
principles of ALPHA DELTA KAPPA / in anything which they may ask of me.”
CHAPLAIN:
Let us pray.
Father
in Heaven, we lift our hearts and voices again to You, praising You for the
knowledge and inspiration which has been given to us through the history of the
ages. We thank You for the hope of things to come.
We ask
Your divine blessings on ALPHA DELTA KAPPA, whenever and wherever its members
may meet. Extend our efforts to far horizons in prompting professional
advancement and building ideals which will make for human happiness and a better
world in which to live.
Make us
conscious of all Your blessings and give us the wisdom and courage to fulfill
our obligations. May we ever be mindful of those, who through the years, by
vision and steadfastness of purpose, have made the expansion of this sorority
possible.
Fortify
each of us with the same vision and zeal to carry on the work of this
prestigious organization. Guide us in all actions and decisions; encourage us to
nobler living; inspire us to give greater service; and send Your grace, mercy
and peace to abide with us. Amen.
PRESIDENT:
We are happy to welcome you, our new sisters, to membership in ALPHA DELTA
KAPPA.
(This
ceremony may conclude with the singing of “The Lamp of AΔK.”
(This
ceremony is for granting membership in the
(Family
and friends may be invited to observe the Initiation Ceremony if the chapter
wishes.)
MEMBERSHIP
CHAIRMAN: (Secures complete file of information from members-elect and acts as
hostess until the sergeant-at-arms presents them for initiation. Collects the
membership fee and badge money from the members-elect prior to the actual
initiation.)
SERGEANT-AT-ARMS:
(Instructs members-elect as to the protocol for the initiation ceremony.)
NOTE:
THIS RITUAL IS MORE EFFECTIVE WHEN MEMORIZED.
(The
sergeant-at-arms escorts the members-elect, individually or in a group, and
introduces them to the president, who in turn will present them to the
initiating team.)
CHAPLAIN:
(After introductions)
We are grateful and thankful for all the blessings of this abundant life. This
occasion brings us together in love and fellowship to share the blessings we
enjoy in Alpha Delta Kappa with these new members. We are thankful for their
decision to join us and hope that their lives will be richly blessed through
this sorority.
May each
of us have a new vision of FAITH, HOPE, LOVE AND SERVICE. May we be inspired to
attain greater heights of social and professional achievements through our
associations in ALPHA DELTA KAPPA.
May the
highest principles of love and service which motivate this sorority be an
abiding influence in our lives always.
PRESIDENT:
(To members-elect)
Please make your responses together . . . Do you declare that this desire to
become a member of ALPHA DELTA KAPPA is of your own free will?
If so,
please answer “Yes, it is my desire.”
(Members-elect
respond)
PRESIDENT:
(Continues) Before
you are initiated into this international honorary organization, you may be
assured that you, as a member, will never be asked to do anything that will
conflict with your religious, political, or civic beliefs. Is it still your
desire to affiliate with this organization?
If so,
please answer “Yes, it is my desire.”
(Members-elect
respond)
PRESIDENT:
(Continues) We
wish to share with you the honor of being eligible for membership and of being
invited to affiliate with ALPHA DELTA KAPPA.
Because
the Founders of ALPHA DELTA KAPPA were women with vision and strength of purpose,
through the years they worked to build the foundation of this organization for
women educators. They gave a full measure of time and energy enriched with the
highest ideals of noble living.
PRESIDENT:
(To the members-elect)
Our historian will now explain to you the origin and ideals of ALPHA DELTA
KAPPA.
HISTORIAN:
Cognizant of the need for an organized means of professional and social contact
for women educators, which would be recognized by both laymen and professionals,
our Founders decided to form this Greek letter sorority. It was made a fraternal
organization with membership offered to women educators meeting definite
qualifications. These standards which each one who comes into this sorority must
have attained are as follows:
1. She
must be an accredited educator with enriched ability and be outstanding in her
personal qualifications.
2. She
must be highly recommended by educators.
3. She
must be a person who has attained a high degree of social acceptance in both
professional and community relationships.
I am
happy to say that you have met these qualifications.
PRESIDENT:
(To members-elect)
The president-elect will now explain the significance of our name — ALPHA
DELTA KAPPA.
PRESIDENT-ELECT:
(Exhibiting to members-elect the Greek letters signifying ALPHA DELTA KAPPA.)
It is important, as a member of ALPHA DELTA KAPPA, to know that these Greek
letters signify qualities which we, as ALPHA DELTA KAPPA sisters, strive to
emulate. They are represented by the mythological goddesses ATHENA, Demeter and
Proserpina.
Before
you is the Greek symbol ALPHA. ALPHA stands for ATHENA, who was in control of
the air and the heavens. She was the GODDESS OF WISDOM, her name meaning “mind.”
The Greek symbol ALPHA is the first in our name trilogy.
ATHENA
had as her symbol the olive tree. Olive green was her color; therefore, in ALPHA
DELTA KAPPA we take olive green as one of our colors.
The
second symbol of our trilogy is the Greek DELTA, which signifies DEMETER,
GODDESS OF SOWING AND REAPING known as the GODDESS OF THE EARTH.
As
educators, our aim is to sow the desire for learning in the minds of youth in
order that the benefits of knowledge and experience may be reaped by them and
shared with their fellow men.
Demeter
was symbolized by a sheaf of corn, and yellow was her color. Therefore, one of
our colors is golden yellow, which, combined with the olive green of ATHENA,
constitute the official colors of our sorority. When they are in combination, we
are reminded that, as members of ALPHA DELTA KAPPA, our aims shall be the sowing
and the reaping of knowledge.
The
third symbol of our trilogy is the Greek KAPPA. It stands for KORE , whose Roman
name is PROSERPINA, GODDESS OF SPRING.
Mythology
relates that she spent the spring and summer seasons on the earth making it
beautiful with crops and flowers.
Thus, as
educators, we strive to awaken the minds of youth so that their lives may become
more beautiful through the inspiration imparted to them. Proserpina is
represented by the cornucopia, the symbol of plenty.
The
purple violet has been chosen as our symbolic flower because it is most
indicative of spring.
PRESIDENT:
You are now ready to receive further information about our sorority. Before you
is an enlarged replica of our badge, inscribed with the Greek letters — ALPHA
DELTA KAPPA, the meaning of which has already been explained to you. It is
composed of a Greek temple corner, upheld by three columns, upon which rests a
scroll inscribed with our symbolic letters. The cornerstone upon which these
columns stand is set with pearls. These jewels should inspire us to enrich our
lives with the pearls of living.
The
three columns represent ATHENA, DEMETER AND PROSERPINA — whose precepts
support the temple which symbolizes our sorority as a whole. You have now been
given the meaning of our name and our badge. Your badge will now be presented to
you.
PRESIDENT:
(Continues) (Those members who will be pinning the members-elect should stand
next to their initiate) ALPHA
DELTA KAPPA presents to you this badge of gold to wear, to cherish, and to keep
as a remembrance of the principles and precepts symbolic of our sorority and our
proud profession.
FOR
ALPHA DELTA KAPPA BADGE
Gold are
its pillars in their purity of purpose — wisdom; knowledge, with a single
purpose . . . the unfolding of that knowledge; and abundance . . . the
blossoming of springtime buds into those qualities fundamental to the life
complete. Take then, this badge, with its motto, “ALL FOR ONE,” and its
guard, unique in its own symbolism, “ONE FOR ALL.”
(As
members pin the new members-elect, using the correct placement of the badge, the
president reads the following):
The
badge is worn at all sorority meetings and at other educational meetings. The
correct placement of the badge is over the heart on a single garment or an
ensemble. It is placed above all other ALPHA DELTA KAPPA pins. It is not worn
with formal attire, on a lapel, or attached to a support base or ribbon. The
badge is worn with only one guard, either the “K” or one designating an
office.
FOR
INTERNATIONAL BADGE
This
special badge was designed for members residing outside the
Take
then, this badge, with its motto, “ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL.”
(As
members pin the new members-elect, using the correct placement of the badge, the
president reads the following):
The badge is worn at all sorority meetings and at other educational meetings.
The correct placement of the badge is over the heart on a single garment or an
ensemble. It is placed above all other ALPHA DELTA KAPPA pins. It is not worn
with formal attire, on a lapel, or attached to a support base or ribbon.
FOR BOTH
CEREMONIES
PRESIDENT:
(Continues) You
will now take the vow of membership into ALPHA DELTA KAPPA. All members please
stand, raise your right hands, and repeat after me:
“I
promise / upon my honor / that I will, to the best of my ability / follow the
precepts and principles of ALPHA DELTA KAPPA / that I will uphold my sisters in
this sorority / and support them / in accordance with the law / and the
principles of ALPHA DELTA KAPPA / in anything which they may ask of me.”
CHAPLAIN:
We are thankful for the knowledge and inspiration which has been given to us
through the history of the ages. We look to the future with hope of the things
to come.
Let us
extend our efforts to far horizons in prompting professional advancement and in
building ideals which will make for human happiness and a better world in which
to live. May we be conscious of all our blessings. We strive for wisdom and
courage to fulfill our obligations. May we ever be mindful of those, who through
the years, by vision and steadfastness of purpose, have made the expansion of
this sorority possible.
Let us
be fortified with the same vision and zeal to carry on the work of this
prestigious organization.
May all
our actions and decisions be guided by wisdom. May we be encouraged to nobler
living and inspired to give greater service through our association with other
members of Alpha Delta Kappa.
PRESIDENT:
We are happy to welcome you, our new sisters, to membership in ALPHA DELTA
KAPPA.
(This
ceremony may conclude with the singing of “The Lamp of AΔK.”
Membership
Ceremony-Contemporary
(This
ceremony is for granting membership in the
(Family
and friends may be invited to observe the Membership Ceremony if the chapter
wishes.)
MEMBERSHIP
CHAIRMAN: (Secures complete file of information from members-elect and acts as
hostess until the sergeant-at-arms presents them to the ceremonial team.)
TREASURER:
(Collects the new member fee and badge money from the members-elect prior to the
membership ceremony.)
SERGEANT-AT-ARMS:
(Instructs members-elect as to the protocol for the ceremony.)
NOTE:
THIS CEREMONY IS MORE EFFECTIVE WHEN MEMORIZED.
(The
sergeant-at-arms escorts the members-elect, individually or in a group, and
introduces them to the president, who in turn will present them to the
ceremonial team.)
CHAPLAIN:
We are thankful for this significant occasion, which brings us together in love
and fellowship to share the blessings we enjoy in ALPHA DELTA KAPPA with these
new members.
We are
thankful for their decision to join us and hope that their lives will be
enriched through this organization.
PRESIDENT:
Before you become a member of this international honorary organization, you may
be assured that you, as members, will never be asked to do anything that will
conflict with your religious, political, or civic beliefs. Is it still your wish
to join this organization?
If so,
please answer, “Yes, it is my wish.”
(Members-elect
respond.)
HISTORIAN:
We wish to share with you the honor of being eligible for membership and of
being invited to affiliate with ALPHA DELTA KAPPA. Our Founders - Agnes Shipman
Robertson, Marie Neal, Marion Southall, and Hattie Poppino – were women with
vision and courage who began this organization in 1947. Since then, outstanding
women educators in every
1. She
must be an accredited educator with enriched ability and be outstanding in her
personal qualifications.
2. She
must be highly recommended by educators.
3. She
must be a person who has attained a high degree of social acceptance in both
professional and community relationships.
I am
happy to say that you have met these qualifications.
PRESIDENT:
On the table, we have several symbols of our organization. The President-elect
will explain their significance to you.
PRESIDENT-ELECT:
(Indicates the Greek letters AΔK)
The letters Alpha, Delta, and Kappa, chosen for our organization’s name, are
derived from three figures of Greek mythology and signify the qualities which we
strive to emulate. Alpha is for ATHENA who represented the concept of WISDOM, an
aim of all educators. Her symbol was the olive tree; olive green is one of our
colors.
Delta
stands for DEMETER, symbolic of SOWING AND REAPING; as educators, we wish to sow
the desire for learning in order to reap the benefits of knowledge and
experience. Her symbol was a sheaf of golden yellow corn; thus, gold is our
second color.
KAPPA,
stands for KORE, indicative of SPRING with its new crops and flowers. We, too,
want to awaken the minds of youth so their lives may become more fruitful. The
cornucopia serves as the symbol of plenty with the purple violet, our
organization‘s flower, so indicative of spring.
PRESIDENT:
Before you is an enlarged replica of our badge, inscribed with the Greek letters
– ALPHA DELTA KAPPA. It is composed of a Greek temple corner, upheld by three
columns, upon which rests a scroll inscribed with our symbolic letters. The
cornerstone upon which these columns stand is set with pearls.
These
jewels should inspire us to enrich our lives with the pearls of living.
The
three columns represent Athena, Demeter and Kore, whose precepts support the
temple which symbolizes our organization as a whole.
We have
shared the meaning of our name and our badge. Your badge will now be presented
to you.
(Those
members who will be pinning should come and stand next to their members-elect).
PRESIDENT:
(Continues) ALPHA
DELTA KAPPA presents to you this badge of gold to wear, to cherish, and to keep
as a remembrance of the principles symbolic of our organization and our proud
profession.
FOR
ALPHA DELTA KAPPA BADGE
Take
this badge with its motto, “ALL FOR ONE,” and its guard unique in its own
symbolism, “ONE FOR ALL.”
(As
members pin the members-elect, using the correct placement of the badge, the
president reads the following):
The badge is worn at all ALPHA DELTA KAPPA meetings and at other educational
meetings. The correct placement of the badge is over the heart on a single
garment or an ensemble. It is placed above all other ALPHA DELTA KAPPA pins. It
is not worn with formal attire, on a lapel, or attached to a support base or
ribbon.
The
badge is worn with only one guard, either the “K” or one designating an
office.
FOR
INTERNATIONAL BADGE
This
special badge was designed for members residing outside the
(As
members pin the members-elect, using the correct placement of the badge, the
president reads the following): The
badge is worn at all ALPHA DELTA KAPPA meetings and at other educational
meetings. The correct placement of the badge is over the heart on a single
garment or an ensemble. It is placed above all other ALPHA DELTA KAPPA pins. It
is not worn with formal attire, on a lapel, or attached to a support base or
ribbon.
FOR BOTH
CEREMONIES
PRESIDENT:
You will now take the vow of membership into ALPHA DELTA KAPPA. All members
please stand as you are able, raise your right hands, and repeat after me:
“I
promise / upon my honor / that I will, to the best of my ability / follow the
precepts and principles of ALPHA DELTA KAPPA, / that I will uphold other members
in our organization / and support them / in accordance with the law / and the
principles of ALPHA DELTA KAPPA / in anything which they may ask of me.”
CHAPLAIN:
(*Note: The chaplain may substitute her own words of inspiration as appropriate
for the membership of her chapter.) We
are thankful for the knowledge and inspiration given to us through our history
and look to the future with hope of things to come.
May each
of us gain a new vision of strength and support to serve ALPHA DELTA KAPPA; may
we be guided in our actions and be inspired to give greater service to others.
PRESIDENT:
We are happy to welcome you to membership in ALPHA DELTA KAPPA.
(This
ceremony may conclude with the singing of “The Lamp of Alpha Delta Kappa.”)
Password
and Handshake
Password
The
Alpha Delta Kappa password will no longer be required for entrance into Alpha
Delta Kappa business meetings. However, if a member wishes to continue to use
the password to enter a business meeting, this is her option. The password
should be explained to new member(s) during a meeting where only members are
present. The explanation is as follows:
“Our
password, kore, is taken from our Greek name.
The
password should be given to Alpha Delta Kappa members only and should never
appear in print.”
Handshake
The
Alpha Delta Kappa handshake is now retired. It will no longer be required for
entrance into Alpha Delta Kappa business meetings. However, if a member wishes
to continue to use the handshake, this is her option.
The
handshake, by which you may recognize a sister in Alpha Delta Kappa, is a
handshake with the hands clasped and the forefinger laid pressed against the
wrist. As the grip is released, press the knuckle of the second finger with your
thumb. By this handshake a sister makes herself known as a member of Alpha Delta
Kappa. If a person responds with a similar grip and pressure, you will know that
she is a sister.