Preceptor Tau chapter of Beta Sigma Phi would like to announce the awarding of the International Award of Distinction to Maria Elena Sanchez at the annual Christmas Party which was held December 13 at WNMU. The award is granted by the International Office of Beta Sigma Phi to members who have gone above and beyond in all aspects of Beta Sigma Phi. Mrs. Sanchez received a metal with her name engraved on it and a framed certificate proclaiming her accomplishment.
Maria Elena Sanchez has been a member of Beta Sigma Phi for Forty-seven years. She has held the office of President 7 times, Vice President twice, Recording secretary four times, corresponding secretary three times and treasurer ten times. She has held chairmanships on the social, service and ways and means committees. Maria Elena also has sponsored a friendly venture for a Santa Fe chapter as well as bringing four pledges into the organization and has also been a member advisor to a Ritual of Jewels chapter. One of her crowing accomplishments was to have the state convention for Beta Sigma Phi in Silver City. She worked countless hours as co-chair to realize her dream which became reality in 2008. Maria Elena spearheaded a service project a few years ago to get the traditional Christmas tree in Gough Park restrung with Christmas Lights, after it had not been decorated for many years. She took it upon herself to approach other organizations and community leaders to get the job done.
Maria Elena Sanchez has attending the New Mexico state convention twenty-one times and the International convention once. She is a vital member of Preceptor Tau and is always willing to help organize, brainstorm and participate in chapter functions. Currently, she is President of the chapter.
Preceptor Tau has had a very busy start of the 2018-2019 “Quilt of Friendship” sorority year. The chapter has had a Remembrance 911 social, a Fall Harvest celebration with “Stone Soup”, members celebrated Thanksgiving as a chapter and they also participated with the “Light Up a Life” celebration at Gila Regional Medical Center. At the chapters Christmas party, the ladies not only, recognized Mrs. Sanchez’s accomplishments but they also revealed their Secret sisters and drew new ones for the coming year.
The Chapter has many service projects they contribute to like, El Refugio, were they provided gifts and supplies. The Gospel Mission, where the chapter recently donated hats, gloves and coats and Wreaths Across America, where the chapter raised money last spring to help contribute to the program so all sites would have a wreath this year. Members also donated to the wreath program with additional wreaths. The chapter also helped with Calvary Christian School new home-economics department financially to help purchases supplies. Preceptor Tau recently concluded their large fundraiser of selling RADA knives, this fundraiser helps the chapter fund their many social and service projects throughout the year.
The members are looking forward to 2019 with excitement and energy for other special projects that in the works. Beta Sigma Phi is an International organization for women of different ages and backgrounds from all over the world to enhance themselves socially, culturally and to perform service to their communities.