Houma – 160 Beta Sigma Phi members from throughout Louisiana attended the State Convention in Houma recently.

Mickey Mast and Brenda Hobbs represented the Lambda Kappa Chapter from Breaux Bridge.

Laura Ross Wingfield, president and daughter of one of the founding fathers of the organization, was the guest speaker for the event. She summarized the 2011 theme of “New Paths to Friendship” by showing the growth in the number of new chapters internationally and the increase in membership.

She celebrated the theme by describing the path of Beta Sigma Phi since the passing of the torch to the next generation of leadership.

The livelihood of the sisterhood was put in jeopardy during the last few years when significant changes occurred regarding fee increases, staff freezes on hiring and wages, technological improvements and limited staff travel to state conventions.

After this initial “trial by fire,” innovative strategies were put into place to bridge new paths to maintaining the motto of “Life, Learning and Friendship.”

Wingfield challenged each sister to extend the hand of friendship to new members.

A second presentation was made regarding the service component of the organization. The “Servant’s Heart” described the passion that all members contribute to improving our communities. Lambda Kappa members support this service goal by volunteering every month to help others and organizations that need our talent.

“Parade Down Da Bayou”, the convention theme, continued with Karaoke, Mardi Gras Mambo Dance Party, and Break-Out/ Krewe sessions.

After lunch, a memorial service was held to honor the recently deceased members of all chapters.

The convention bid for 2012 went to the Baton Rouge City Council. The “Sun, Sea, Me” cruise will depart from New Orleans on the Elation ship by Carnival Cruise Lines next March.