Page 41 - The Scepter - Volume III_2019 Spring-Summer_ 2019 AREA CONFERENCE EDITION - FINAL_Neat

Afterwards, the Top Teens actively engaged in the “Ruth Payne Smith Speaker’s Tournament”, Essay Contest, and
Spelling Bee. Later that evening, rehearsals were conducted for both the TLOD Presentation Ball and the TLOD
Area Two Choir. The night culminated with “Area Two’s Got Talent” which allowed Area Two to showcase their
many talents. A multigenerational dance contest between ‘Old Skool’ and ‘New Skool’ capped off the night prov-
ing to be a crowd-pleaser.

On Saturday, Day 3, the leadership conference continued with the Top Teens engaging in a Science, Technology,
Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) Outing. Also, new Top Ladies were presented during the area’s “Soaring
to New Heights” Ladies Luncheon. Lady Kym Elder (President, Prince George’s County Chapter) opened up
with the ‘Welcome’. Lady Patricia Edwards (President, Alexandria City Chapter) led the “Presentation of New
Ladies” followed by “Greetings” from Lady Ozell Dean (Founder), then “Grace” from the Area Two Chaplain,
Lady Tarra Taylor. Lady Patricia Perry (Area Two Senior Citizens Chairman) led activities focused on the sub-
theme of “Because We Care” that included trivia and then our Featured Speaker, Ms. Louise Rush, Director of the
Division of Aging, New Jersey Department of Human Services. Next, Lady Maria Campbell (Prince George’s
County Chapter) led “Soaring to New Heights in Fashion”. This segment of the luncheon featured the Area Two
Chapter Presidents as fashion models graciously and proudly walking down the runway representing their respec-
tive chapters and TLOD, Inc. The National 1st Vice President, Lady Sharon Beard, provided Special Remarks,
then the National Area Director, Lady Sandra R. Clark, delivered Closing Remarks for this celebratory event.

The ladies were fortunate to have National leadership engage with them by providing important information for
chapter operations. The National President, Lady Drema Lee Woldman, held a President’s Area Conference Lead-
ership Workshop titled “TLOD: Chapter Dynamics, Teambuilding, and Teamwork”. Furthermore, the National
1st Vice President, Lady Sharon Beard, and the National 2nd Vice President, Lady Eddie Lee Marsh, provided
updates on Programs and Projects. Plenary sessions closed with Lady Sandra Clark presenting the Area II Direc-
tor’s Report that was accepted with a standing ovation. Saturday’s full day of conference activities concluded with
the “Reclaiming Our History Gala”. The evening kicked off with the “Processional” with Lady Dawna Dilworth
(Area II Protocol Chairman, Prince George’s County Chapter) announcing the VIPs. The Co-Mistresses of Cere-
mony for the remainder of the night were Lady LaValette Boney (President, Hampton Roads Chapter) and Lady
Beverly Hill (Trenton Chapter, Recording Secretary). Lady Deloris James (President, Philadelphia Chapter) pro-
vided the “Welcome” then Lady Tarra Taylor (Area II Chaplain, Dale City-Prince William County Chapter) ren-
dered the “Invocation”. While Lady Patty Edwards (Presentation Chairman, Alexandria City Chapter) led the
Presentation of the New Top Ladies, Lady Ernestine Diggs (Assistant TTA Advisor, Southern Maryland Chapter)
and Lady Shante Spivey (Assistant TTA Advisor, Queens NY The Empire State Chapter) had the honor of leading
the Presentation of Mr. & Miss Top Teens.

The Ladies, Teens, Lords, and Guests all were honored by the “Blessing of the Dinner” being performed by
Founder Lady Ozell Dean. An important part of the evening was recognition of outstanding service during the
“Presentation of Awards” led by the Area II Awards Chairman, Lady Nicola Kennedy (Patuxent River Chapter)
and Co-Chairman Lady Karen Sharp (Patuxent River Chapter). Lord Kenny Clark joined Lady Sandra Clark on
stage, and they jointly recognized all of the Lords in attendance. The National President closed out the formal part
of the evening by leading “Acknowledgements” followed by the Area II Chaplain who rendered “Closing Prayer”.

The conference concluded on Day 4, Sunday, with a Memorial Service in celebration of the life of Ladies, Lords,
and Teens that remain in our hearts and thoughts. The celebration continued with a final event, the “Sunday Best
Breakfast.”

As always, special orchids are extended to all who have worked diligently throughout Area II and National in the
planning for this conference. The Area II Director and the entire Awesome and Amazing Area II are thankful for
Lady Tamara Harris and her daughter, Ms. Tiara M. Williams, serving as the official photographers. Special thank
you also to Lady Jackie Wilcher for serving as the 37th Annual Area II Conference Coordinator. Additional grati-
tude to Lady Patricia Cason, Area II Top Teens of America Advisor, for leading our TTA Program, TLOD’s #1
programmatic thrust. And last, but not least, thank you to the Area II Officers, Committee Chairmen, Presidents,
Lords, and last but not least the Top Teens of America!