CHARLENE MCCARTHY WAS honored by the Beta Sigma Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society. From left are Pauline Hill, Beta Sigma co-president; McCarthy; and in back Debra Pajula, Beta Sigma co-president.

NORWAY — Beta Sigma Chapter of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International honored Charlene McCarthy of Norway as recipient of DKG Michigan State Organization’s Lifetime Service Award, and International DKG 50-year membership certificate and pin at its May 14 meeting in Menominee.

McCarthy had a lifelong career dedicated to children’s education and 30 years of commitment to the DKG Society. She was initiated in 1972 into the DKG U.P. Delta Chapter, and in 1973 when Beta Sigma Chapter was formed, McCarthy became a charter member.

McCarthy brings her experience, expertise and incredible work ethic to the group. She is always willing to help and assist wherever she is needed. Her help with the finance, treasury and setting up for our outdoor and indoor meetings during these years of dealing with COVID-19 restrictions was appreciated.

During these 50 years, McCarthy has served as chair of these committees; Program, Nominations, Historical, Scholarship, Personal Growth and Services, Membership, Initiation, and Necrology. She served on the State Minutes Approval Committee, and she chaired the Upper Peninsula four-chapter meeting in Escanaba in 1985.

McCarthy was president of Beta Sigma from 1988 to 1990. She served as vice president, both recording and corresponding secretary, treasurer, and parliamentarian. She was honored in 1996 as Beta Sigma Chapter’s Woman of Distinction.

McCarthy’s background includes a B.S. degree in education from Michigan State University and graduate studies at Northern Michigan University. She began her teaching career at Alpena High School, where she taught business subjects. She moved back to Norway and continued teaching as a substitute in Dickinson County junior and senior high schools.

She spent the majority of her career teaching economics and business at the Iron Mountain High School for 17 years. She is now retired from her successful 25-year teaching career. Her positive, kind, efficient, organized ways made her a mentor to many students, co-workers and Beta Sigma members. She always presents and carries herself with the utmost of professionalism. She continues to be a leader in her field and the chapter.

McCarthy was raised and educated in Norway. She and her husband, Tom McCarthy, a retired educator, also ran the Coast to Coast Hardware Store in Norway. They raised two children and have three grandchildren. She and Tom are members of St. Mary Catholic Church in Norway. They are avid gardeners and she can be seen judging processed goods at the Dickinson County Fair. They enjoy following their grandchildren’s sporting events and spending time with family.

The Beta Sigma Chapter includes members from Michigan’s Dickinson, Delta, Menominee, and neighboring Wisconsin’s Marinette, Oconto, and Florence counties.