Beta Sigma Phi reveals sweethearts
Locally, Beta Sigma Phi recognizes a Valentine sweetheart for each chapter within the international organization. Beta Sigma Phi is a non-academic sorority comprised of 200,000 members in chapters around the world. The sorority was founded for the social, cultural and civic enrichment of its members. The Greek letters of Beta Sigma Phi represent life, learning and friendship, which is the organization's motto.

REBECCA CROWELL THETA DELTA

This year's Valentines are Rebecca Crowell, Theta Delta; Dawn Korenek, Beta Theta Omega; Tami Triska, Alpha Lambda Sigma; and Carolyn Woodyard, Alpha Pi Master.

In 1931, during the Great Depression, there was a need for an organization that could bring women together and expose them to a social, cultural and educational climate that was not available in those difficult times. Most importantly, there was a need for friendship and support from other women. Members worked together to raise $22 million in war bonds during World War II. The 1950s brought peace and prosperity to the world, and Beta Sigma Phi membership doubled.

DAWN KORENEK BETA THETA OMEGA

To date, Beta Sigma Phi has donated approximately $1 million to medical research and treatment and to such institutions as homes for children. Locally, chapters raise money for student scholarships and other needs, such as donations to the Women's Crisis Center and other organizations within the community.

Rebecca Crowell

Theta Delta

Rebecca Crowell of Louise

has been a member of Beta

Sigma Phi for four years and has

held the offices of recording secretary

and president.

"We have a great group of girls that love to get together and have fun," she said.

Being chosen as Valentine of the group

also has special significance. "I feel like everyone in our group deserved to be the Valentine sweetheart," she said. "It is a special honor to have been chosen by my sisters."

Crowell and husband John have a 2-year-old daughter Claire. She is a teacher at El Campo Middle School and enjoys shopping and spending time with family and friends.

TAMI TRISKA ALPHA LAMBDA SIGMA

She is a member of St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church and St. Procopius Catholic Church.

Dawn Korenek Beta Theta Omega Dawn Cswaykus-Korenek has been a member of Beta Sigma Phi for seven years and is currently serving as vice president.

"Being chosen as Valentine girl has been an honor signifying the years of dedication and recognizing all the recruiting I contributed to assist maintaining our organization," she said. "Our group plays a role in the community, from meals we provide to those in need at the holiday, Easter activities and offering scholarships to those pursuing an important endeavor for their educational dreams. Being chosen represents a group recognizing what I have to bring and contribute to the group, which in itself is priceless. This group of women is so strong, kindhearted and spiritual; this allows another spiritual connection with those that become an extended part of your family."

Korenek and husband Kevin have four children, Kolby, 6; Blake, 4; Jacob, 2; and Bradyn,

CAROLYN WOODYARD ALPHA PI MASTER

1.

Korenek believes in the work she and her sorority sisters

accomplish throughout the year.

"I like being a part of this sorority due to the effort each of us gives to our organization and how that plays a role in giving back to our community," she said. "I am proud that we offer something at such a sacred holiday such as Easter. In addition, all of us are at similar points in our lives; therefore, we share home stories, hilarious child-raising stories and allow support to each area of our lives. This year our group offers such unity and strength for one another, and we truly appreciate all of our skills that each of us have to share with our group. Regardless of what your day holds, go to a meeting, and you forget the things that may have contributed to a not-so-good day. Also, I have developed some great and lasting friendships through this group that have brought special meaning to my life."

She is a licensed specialist in school psychology and is a special education counselor for Wharton County Special Services Co-Op serving Wharton, Boling and East Bernard. "I provide psychological support services to students that exhibit behavior difficulties and provide intervention strategies to teachers to offer students classroom support contributing to their success," she said.

She is also a member of the Texas Association of School Psychologist and the National Association of School Psychology. She is a nationally certified school psychologist.

In her spare time she enjoys being with her boys and my husband. "They play such a pivotal role in my spiritual development and give me the inner drive to share things with others in the community, one being my sorority," she said. "My family enjoys sharing our happiness with others; so I do enjoy giving back to others. I always find other projects for some 'me' time, but ultimately it is a project resulting in giving to others."

She is currently involved with the PTC at St. Philip's Catholic School, serves as secretary on the Boys & Girls Club board of directors and has been involved with the Boys & Girls Club soccer league, coaching her older son's team.

Tami Triska Alpha

Lambda Sigma

Tami Triska has been a member of Beta Sigma Phi for five years. She has served as secretary and corresponding secretary.

"I was excited and honored to have been chosen as Valentine Sweetheart," she said.

She and husband Chris have two children, Mary Helena, age 10; and Victoria Marley, age 7. She works as secretary for El Campo Memorials.

When Triska moved to El Campo six years ago, she said, "I did not know anyone except my family. My sister-in-law asked me to join this group and everyone in it has been wonderful. They have opened their friendship to me and my family and it has made my adjustment to El Campo a lot easier."

She enjoys running and "all things fashion," she said. "I competed in the White Rock marathon and Houston Aramco half marathon. I ran the White Rock Marathon for Team-in-Training, which raises money for leukemia and lymphoma."

Triska is a member of the Sesame Club and St. Philip Catholic Church. She was a member of the Big Brothers and Sisters organization for nine years in Dallas. " I had the same little sister for the whole nine years," she said. Carolyn Woodyard

Alpha Pi Master

As a lifetime member of Beta Sigma Phi, Carolyn Woodyard, Alpha Pi Master's Valentine girl, had progressed through all five chapters.

During this span of almost 50 years, she has received the Order of the Rose, which is given after 15 years of membership; the Silver Circle upon competition of 25 years; and next year she will be eligible for the Golden Circle.

"My greatest accomplishment and the one I am proudest of is being selected 'Girl of the Year' in every chapter beginning with 'Pledge of the Year' in 1959.

"My sorority sisters really are my extended family," Woodyard said. "We share many memories and cherish the time we spend together."

Woodyard and huband Jaye's family include son Richard Woodyard; daughter and son-in-law Jayne and Kenny Drozd; and son and daughter-in-law Jeff and Daphne Woodyard; and grandchildren Jordan and

Jarett Drozd and Avery Woodyard.