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Inspirational Piece

Celebrating “The Delta Kappa Gamma

Song” in Our Changing World

By Carol Bostian

During the 2023 international conferences, members celebrated DKG’s vitality, relevance, and
sustainability in our changing world. Your Society…my Society…our Society…is 94 years old. We are
an organization because 12 amazing women saw the need for better professional preparation, recognition
for the accomplishments of women teachers, and opportunities for scholarships to continue improving
their positions. The Founders had a vision and the commitment to establish this organization for women
educators.
One of the DKG traditions established by the Founders is “The Delta Kappa Gamma Song.” Annie
Webb Blanton and Cora M. Martin wrote the words, and Lillian Mohr Fox composed the music. The song
was written to unite members as they work toward excellence in education, to celebrate this vision, and to
encourage continued change to keep the Society relevant.
Musicians look at a musical score for suggestions on how a piece should be performed. “The Delta
Kappa Gamma Song” score includes the notations “majestically” and “with accent.” This implies that the
song should be performed in a powerful yet beautiful way. As we sing the meaningful lyrics, the song
brings feelings of respect and admiration for DKG. The rhythm of the song is much like a march. Terms
in the song such as “firmly rally,” “guardians,” and “staunch, courageous” suggest that former and current
members march into battle for the noble causes of improving education and, especially today, sustaining
the Society!
We all know that the DKG song is not easy to sing, and it may seem somewhat outdated. But if you
carefully consider its words and think about moving forward with vitality, relevance, and sustainability,
the theme and the song go together hand in hand.
Let’s think about those three keywords: vitality, relevance, and sustainability.
Vitality: the state of being strong and active. The summer conferences were a time to be active
participants and enjoy time together. And DKG members continue to be a strong driving force in promoting
educational excellence. The DKG song speaks to vitality: “Duty ne’er
upon us palling.” Do you know what that means? Palling means “to lose
interest, dwindle.” When this word is used in the phrase “Duty ne’er upon
us palling,” DKG members are reminded to never allow our commitment
to promote women educators and foster excellence in education to decline.
The Society Purposes are just as important today as they were in 1929.
We must continue to be strong in our convictions and use courageous
voices that encourage change.
Relevance: closely connected or appropriate to what is being done. As
we look at the DKG song, we sing “Mindful of our sisters needing” and
“Onward! ‘tis our sisters need us.” DKG members are constantly there to
support others in our chapters, communities, and the world. Whatever is
needed at the time, DKG members are there to help. “Courage, Faith, and
Honor lead us! Wrongs in truth and justice heed us!” Our leaders, past,
present, and future, provide the guidance and direction necessary to keep
Suncatcher Rose Bud ©
our organization current and yet also “Forward moving ever!” Craft by Cindy G. Reynolds,
Sustainability: the ability to be maintained at a specific rate or Pennsylvania; Fall 2023 Art
level. This keyword is probably the one that we worry about most as our Gallery

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