The Minnesota Catholic Daughters of the Americas 50th Biennial Minnesota State Convention was recently held in Detroit Lakes. Court St Cecilia Court #2025 had six local members in attendance: Regent Bev Philion, Shirley Johnson, Melanie LaCrosse, Donna Rystad, State Treasurer Vera Hannig, and Past State Regent Margee Keller. Also, District Deputy Alana Kuznia from Argyle.
The 50-year members from the local court were recognized: Nancy Cournia, Mary Garry, Helen Schmitz, Susan Harmoning, Phyllis Audette, Gen Knott, Gaylene Schmitz, Theresa Schmitz, and Mary Jean Majeres.
Special Speakers were Archbishop Bernard A Hebda from Saint Paul and Minneapolis, State Chaplain Father Larry Delaney from Fertile, New State Chaplain Deaon Paul Tschann, National Rep Darlene Moritz, and Dennis Eggebraaten.
New State Officers installed: Monica Copra, Cathy Nelson, Lisa Ouderkirk, Linda Schons, and Darlene Highet.
Two members were recognized by the State Regent and State Board for Outstanding Service: Bev Philion of Red Lake Falls and Dianne Rhode Szarke from Perham.
Court St. Cecilia was also recognized for third place for their involvement in the Spiritual Enhancement Program.
State Education Winners were announced:
First Place–Alex Gullingsrud, Red Lake Falls–1st Place Essay and National Entrant.
First Place–Nicole Gullingsrud, Red Lake Falls-1st Place Photography, and National Entrant.
Second Place–Jennika Reese, Crookston Cathedral-2nd Place in Art
Third Place–Bev Phillon, Red Lake Falls-3rd Place in Poetry
