President
Linda Lee
It is with great pleasure and honor that I have been selected to serve as the basileus of the Epsilon Lambda Chapter of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Incorporated.
I gratefully acknowledge the dedication and extraordinary commitment demonstrated by the members of this chapter.
We have stood the test of time as we foster the highest teaching ideas of our phenomenal organization. Exemplary programs are created to encourage the development of the potential of our youth.
I am thankful for the sisterhood of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc., and for the opportunity to carry the torch of enlightenment into the future — impacting our children, our communities, and those who will follow.
Let's continue to SAY YES to E3-Equity Empowerment Excellence.
April 5, 1991
〰️
April 5, 1991 〰️
(FOUNDER)
Kathaleen Rodgers
Epsilon Lambda was organized in the spring of 1991, in the home of Kathaleen Rodgers, under the guidance of Irene Taylor, a member of the Dallas, Texas, Alpha Rho Chapter. Kathaleen invited eighteen enthusiastic teachers to become members. She saw the need for a professional organization in Orange, Texas with its main focus being the Youth of our community.
On April 5, 1991 the group was officially inducted into The National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. The induction ceremony was held at the Southwest Regional Conference in Waco, Texas, under the direction of the regional director, Soror Gertrude Robertson. At that time ,we were assigned the name Epsilon Lambda. The charter members of this group are: Myra Alexander, Doris Allen, Delores Bell, Norma Jean Broussard, Pearlie Celestine, Donna Enard, Evera Enard, Emma Florence, Cendy Pearl Hall, Shirley Jenkins, Mary Anna King, Linda Lee, Jacqueline Marshall, Shelia Perry, Jeanne Rhines, Kathaleen Rodgers, Frankie White, and Thelma Woodrow.
Having had a membership intake process, Joyce Castle, Janice Harris, Pauline Hunter, and Ava Russell were inducted into our Chapter in May 1994. In October of 1998, Epsilon Lambda chapter was deeply saddened on hearing the death of our founder, Soror Kathaleen Rodgers.
New inductees of our chapter in May of 1999 were: Suzzone Crockett, Patricia Jones, and Wihelmenia Wills. On June 29, 2000 at the Lamar Student Center, Vada Rodgers-Neal, Callie Orebo, Jacqueline Rachal, Shelia Teate, and Patrice Simon were inducted into Epsilon Lambda Chapter.
September 23, 2005 Hurricane Rita caused significant damage to Orange, Texas. The Southwestern Region had love for their sisterhood. They sent each of us $100.00 and we were so thankful for their thoughtfulness.
In February 2012, we welcomed four additional sorors: Athena Jefferson, Melanie Roberson, Iberia Smith, and Victoria Perry.
October 13, 2016 brought a new light to the chapter as nine new ladies were inducted as follows: Christina Anderson, Kym Celestine-Franklin, Datchel Crochett, Delores Eddings, Nakia Francis, Yokishia Hope, Tiffany Richard-Brown, Sharon Robertson, and Cynthia Weeks. On December 13, 2021, four additional members were added as follows: Rashondria Daniel, Dr. Nina LeBlanc, Stephanie Smith, & Sharon Womack. Thirty years later, the chapter continues to foster true sisterhood and promote the highest teaching ideals throughout the Orange, TX community.
Since 2021, the chapter continues to support the Orange Community by reading at the local public schools, ringing the bell for the Salvation Army, putting up displays for Black History Month at the Orange Public Library and donate items to the Orange Villa Nursing & Rehabilitaion Center.
As we continue to grow, February 27, 2025, we welcomed five more members: Ebony Green, Dr, Crystal Tucker, Maika Turner, Beverly Robinson, and Willie Ann Taylor (The Phenomenal 5 Pillars of Education).
Officers
-
Linda Lee
President
-
Christina Anderson
1ST Vice - President
-
Kym Celestine-Franklin
2ND Vice - President
-
Iberia Smith
Secretary
-
Emma Augustine
Corresponding Secretary
-
Tiffany Brown
Financial Secretary
-
Stephanie Smith
Treasurer
-
Sharon King
Dean of Pledges
-
Callie Orebo
Editor of Krinon
-
Myra Alexander
Executive Advisor
-
Evera Enard
Parliamentarian
-
Jacqueline Rachal
Chaplain
Members (21 financial):
Front row (left to right) Cendy Hall, Maika Turner, Ebony Green, Dr. Crystal Tucker, Christina Anderson, Beverly Robinson, Willie Ann Taylor and Evera Enard.
Back row (left to right) Tiffany Brown, Sharon King, Cynthia Weeks, Iberia Smith, Athena Jefferson, Jacqueline Rachal, Myra Alexander, Emma Augustine, Linda Lee, Stephanie Smith, Callie Orebo, Kym Celestine-Franklin and Dr. Suzonne Crockett.
