The Beta Omicron Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma held the 9th annual Red Rose Mah Jongg Tournament on April 7, at the Gadsden Country Club.
Profits, as well as donations to the tournament, enabled Delta Kappa Gamma to award a scholarship to a local high school senior who will be majoring in education in the Fall.
More than 90 Mah Jongg players from 4 states – Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee – participated in the tournament, which made it the most successful in 9 years.
Players could choose from American (single) or Royal Mah Jongg. Prize money was awarded to the 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-place winners in each group. Door prizes were given out during lunch, and 15 raffles were held. Items were awarded at the end of playing time.
Delta Kappa Gamma consists of active and retired teachers who support early-career educators by mentoring and supplying classroom assistance. Members also support service projects by donating supplies to teachers, books to local libraries and food donations to local food banks. All are part of the monthly activities for the Etowah County Delta Kappa Gamma chapter.
The 2026 Delta Kappa Gamma Scholarship, in the amount of $7,500, was awarded to Raylee Grace Neal from Westbrook Christian School. Neal is the daughter of Andrew and Rachel Neal.
After graduating third in her class, she plans to attend Auburn University to pursue a degree in education. Neal is very active in her school and community and is involved in many clubs, activities, and sports all while maintaining excellent grades and winning numerous honors and awards. She has also completed dual-enrollment classes to earn college credit. She is also a member of the National Honor Society and National Beta Club.
Neal is also a recognized leader in her school. She has served as team captain on her volleyball and basketball teams, on the leadership team for chapel, class president, class treasurer and other leadership roles.
Neal’s teachers say her character, work ethic, and commitment to excellence set her apart from her peers. They describe her as being a self-motivated, diligent high achiever who maintains integrity and pride in all of her endeavors. They say she is honest, loyal, trustworthy and shows great respect for others.
Neal says that she wants to become an educator so she can teach children that they have a purpose in life. She says she is meant to be a teacher and believes that is why God created her. Neal’s long-range plans are to earn a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership or Guidance Counseling. Neal and her family say that the DKG scholarship is truly a blessing.
