Kathy Russell and Melinda Sams of Calhoun; and Barbara Cousins and Janet Martin of Cartersville, all members of Calhoun’s Tau Chapter, attended the 2012 annual convention of National Kappa Kappa Iota, Inc., a professional organization for educators, held at the Sheraton Read House in Chattanooga, Tenn., June 19-24, 2012.

The meeting was presided over by National President Jeanne Blain of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. More than 300 members and guests attended.

Kappa Kappa Iota, founded in Stillwater, Okla., in 1921, is the oldest organization for educators in the United States. In addition to providing a network for outstanding educators to share teaching practices and methods, this year more than 3,500 members nationwide have contributed over $100,000 to local and national charities which support battered adults and children. National Scholarships were also awarded.

In addition to the business sessions and awards programs at the convention, delegates attended professional and personal development workshops. Kathy Russell, of Tau Chapter in Calhoun, represented Georgia as the 2011-2012 state president, participating in the opening Flag Ceremony and Board of Directors meetings.

The convention activities culminated in the installation of the 2012-2013 national officers and State Presidents. Christena Poole of Council Bluffs, Iowa was installed as the National President. Melinda Sams, of Tau Chapter in Calhoun, was installed as National Third Vice President, and Janet Martin, also of Tau Chapter, was installed as Lambda State (Georgia) President.