PRESIDENT’S ACCEPTANCE SPEECH
In Part

 

Thank you for allowing me to serve as the Texas State Council President. I am truly honored that you have confidence in my ability to serve in this position.

                                              

I joined ESA in 1992. The first time I served as chapter president was in 1995-96. My chapter at that time was Alpha Gamma #5284 in Grand Prairie. My theme that year was “Spread Your Wings with ESA.” And my symbol was the butterfly. I have chosen to use the same theme and symbol this year.

 

I recognized back then, that ESA had the potential to impact the lives of not only people outside of the organization, but also ESA members. The metamorphosis of the butterfly has always been an amazing source of wonder to me. It’s hard to imagine that something so unlovely can become a thing of beauty. I have seen that same transformation in some of our members. Members, who would barely stand and tell you their name, after being in ESA, went on to serve on school boards and in other leadership roles. This transformation occurred because they were around people who encouraged them to spread their wings, and try new things, or to take an office in their chapter, district, or state. More importantly, they knew others wanted them to succeed and it made them feel important, and needed.

 

I believe we have a responsibility to encourage and support each other. If we are to spread our wings, we must know that others sincerely want us to succeed. I would not be standing here today as president, if I had not received that support from my chapter, district, and my friends.

 

We belong to such a great organization, and I cannot imagine not wanting to share ESA with others. When you are helping save the lives of children, providing educational opportunities for deserving young people, supporting the military & their families, giving aid to the elderly, and meeting new friends, how can you keep from sharing that with others?

 

One of my goals for the year has to be membership. Not just gaining new members, but keeping the ones we have at this time. We need to share ESA with new people and let our existing members know how important they are, and how much they are needed to continue the many services of ESA.

 

Another goal is to make our meeting informative as well as enjoyable. We’ll be trying some new things at our meetings. Some may work, others may not work. We won’t know until we try.

 

My challenge to the members in Alpha Gamma many years ago is the same challenge to you today. You can sit on the ground and watch others, or you can “Spread Your Wings and Fly.” As for me, I choose to fly. Come and join me in this flight for ESA.