Page 54 - The Scepter - Spring-Summer 2018_ Area Conferences Edition

Welcome to the 36th Annual Area II
Leadership Conference

April 12 - 15, 2018

On April 12 – 15, 2018, Lady Sandra R. Clark, National Area II Director, convened her first leadership confer-
ence at the Chase Center on the Riverfront, Wilmington, Delaware. A multitude of activities were held that em-
bodied the conference theme: “Awesome and Amazing Area II: Retooling and Rekindling Our TLOD Sister-
hood”. The area had grown to 14 chapters and rolled out the “pink carpet” for its three recently chartered chap-
ters: Patuxent River, Central Virginia, and Stafford County.
The conference opened up on Day #1, Thursday, with the Dale City-Prince William County Chapter warmly
greeting conference registrants with beautiful TLOD-themed decorations, light refreshments, and smiles that
conveyed a welcoming spirit. Later that evening a special event called “Cupcakes and Canvas” was held where
ladies relaxed in a comfortable setting while socializing with their TLOD sisters. Additionally, that night started
the first of several TLOD Area II Choir Rehearsals.
On the morning of Day #2, Friday, the Joint Opening Session allowed each chapter to showcase themselves and,
in some instances, provide a preview of what might follow at “Area II’s Got Talent” that evening. Teen Aloana
Hall, Acting Area II TTA President, provided “Greetings” to help open up the conference. Area II proudly wel-
comed Teen Sheena Dean, TTA National First Vice President, at the conference. Throughout the day, two ple-
nary sessions were conducted which included the TLOD National President, Lady Drema Lee Woldman, pre-
senting the “State of TLOD” which was received by a standing ovation from the Area II ladies. Conference at-
tendees celebrated the Top Teens of America (TTA) during the “TTA Blue and Silver Luncheon”. Afterwards,
the Top Teens actively engaged in the “Ruth Payne Smith Speaker’s Tournament”. Later that evening, rehearsals
were conducted for both the TLOD Presentation Ball and the TLOD Area II Choir. The night culminated with
“Area II’s Got Talent” which allowed the area’s Teens and Ladies to showcase their many talents.
On Saturday, Day #3, the leadership conference continued as new Top Ladies were presented during the area’s
“Rekindling the Crowns of Sisterhood” Luncheon. Lady Patricia Edwards (President, Alexandria City Chapter)
opened up with the ‘Welcome’. Lady Ernestine Diggs (Presentation Chair, Southern Maryland Chapter) led the
“Presentation of New Ladies” followed by “Grace” from the Area II Chaplain, Lady Tarra Taylor. At the request
of the National Area II Director, Honorary Member Lady Barbara Shaw enlightened all attendees with a special
presentation called “Strutting Our Crowns Yesterday and Today”. Accompanying Lady Shaw was Reverend Lula
G. Williams who did an awesome and amazing job during her performance in the role of the famous Under-
ground Railroad Conductor – Harriet Tubman. Rev. Williams leveraged this role to provide a history lesson in
the importance of wearing the “crown”. Next, Lady Janet Simmons (President, Southern Maryland Chapter and