by Sallie Rose Hollis
Ruston’s Zeta Rho chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha service group brought home a treasure trove of awards and honors from the organization’s statewide convention held this month – Chapter of the Year, Member of the Year, Pledge of the Year, top recruitment recognition, a member’s being installed as state president and more.
The awards were given at the 2025 state convention in Kenner, where six chapters from Lafayette to Haughton were represented.
Highest individual honors went to Zeta Rho-ESA’s Nancy Darland, who was named Member of the Year, as well as being installed as the 2025-2027 state president. Another special individual award went to Kathy Trammell as Pledge of the Year. Jennifer Patterson received top individual recognition, too, being installed as state parliamentarian.
“It’s a true honor to be named Member of the Year and to serve as state president for an organization that means so much to me,” Darland said. “Zeta Rho’s recognition reflects the heart and hard work of every member. We’re passionate about making a difference in our community and beyond.”
In addition to chapter of the year, other overall accolades included first place in recruitment (a 23% membership increase) and philanthropic hours (224.5 hours per member during 2024-2025). The chapter also received the Minutes on Time award, recognizing secretary Amy Ringheim’s work.
Additional individual honorees included Patterson, 15 years of ESA service, and Lester Fife, five years of service.
In an upcoming local year-end celebration, Ringheim and Cherri Barmore will be recognized for earning their third-degree Pallas Athene ranking; Ringheim also earned her second-degree. Pallas Athene awards acknowledge levels of service to the organization.
Also at that event, Trammell and Allison Davidson will be recognized for earning their First Pearl, a commendation given to new members who complete an introductory program designed to help them become familiar with the organization.
The local group works with the region’s annual St. Jude Radiothon sponsored by KXKZ 107.5 radio station, the Monroe St. Jude Dream Home, and other philanthropic projects such as Easterseals and Hope for Heroes. Zeta Rho’s total raised for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during the past year was $501,701.
Men or women interested in joining this international service group are invited to attend its next meeting in September after the chapter takes a summer break. Information concerning this gathering can be found nearer to the meeting date on the group Facebook page at Zeta Rho chapter / ESA (Epsilon Sigma Alpha).
