CONTRIBUTED PHOTO New P.E.O. initiates Lily Marquess (left) and Kandy Wittry-Kern (right) are congratulated by new Chapter MJ President Bethany Currie.

When Lily Marquess was initiated into the P.E.O. sisterhood at the April 7 meeting of Chapter MJ, she became the fourth generation in her family to become a P.E.O. Lily’s mother, Bethany Currie, presented membership pins to both new initiates as a part of the initiation ceremony, and fittingly, Lily received her great-grandmother’s pin.

“It’s an honor to be able to become a member of a group that has welcomed so many women in my family,” said Marquess. “It’s a nice tradition to be able to pass along,” agreed Currie.

Kandy Wittry-Kern, a second new member who was initiated that evening, said, “I feel honored and privileged to be part of a group that supports women in need.”

In addition to the initiation of new members, chapter members heard a presentation by guest speaker Nan Benson, Marshall County Auditor and Recorder, as a part of the chapter’s program theme for the year, “Shining the Light” on contemporary women of influence. Benson shared insights into the challenges and successes of her office.

Following the business meeting, refreshments were served by hostess Mary Giese and co-hostess Diane Hunt.