WS Chronicle

A new OES queen was crowned during the annual 30th District Queens contest held on Sunday, July 14 at the 14th Street Masonic Hall in Winston-Salem. The theme was “Wakanda Queens” and included performances by the 30th District Gleaner Branches (girls youth groups) as well as orations by the contestants about notable African queens and leaders. The MCs were Sis. Barbara Martin and Sis. Jackie McKoy. Many audience members dressed in African attire and participated in an opening musical performance and movement. The 2018-2019 queen, Sis. Ashley Carter, was saluted during her final promenade before the new queen was announced.

Locally organized chapters under the North Carolina Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star (OES), Prince Hall Affiliated, annually host queens contests around the state, including Winston-Salem, to raise funds for academic scholarships for deserving students across the state.

The first runner up was Sis. Jeano McKnight, member of Meridian Chapter No. 308. The second runner up was Sis. Marie Amos, Sisters of James H. Young Memorial Chapter No. 592. Other chapter contestants included Sister Mary Love, Beauty of the West Chapter No. 36; Sis. Mae Moore, Sisters of Bivouac Chapter No. 530; Sis. Melanie Taft, Rose McCloud Chapter No. 608; Sis. Rebekah Williams, Pride of the Yakinites Chapter No. 612; and Sis. Druscilla Fogle, Queens of Olympic Chapter No. 620.

Sis. Druscilla Fogle, who serves as Worthy Matron (President) of Queens of Olympic Chapter No. 620 – PHA in Winston-Salem, was crowned as the 2019 – 2020 30th District OES Queen.

When asked about this accomplishment, Sis. Fogle expressed, “Words alone cannot express the excitement that I have! God is SO good,” she said. “But this crown is NOT about me, Dru; it is the 30th District’s Crown.”

Sis. Fogle, one of seven other chapter representatives, competed for the crown by soliciting advertisements for the souvenir journal and collecting donations.

On Saturday evenng, Sept. 7, Sis. Fogle will go on to compete with other district queens from around the state during the OES Grand Chapter Session that will be held at the Benton Convention Center. And Dru feels that she can win. “As I get ready for this event, I am working hard to win the Category 2 Crown by asking for love offerings and hosting dinner plate sales,” she said. “This effort is to raise money for scholarships and this event will be festive and fun.”

To lend your support to Dru and learn more about giving a tax-deductible donation, and/or to purchase a ticket to attend the Queens Contest & Banquet in September, please call 336-865-5914 or send an email to dru73goldenbulls78fogle@aol.com.

Leaders of the 30th District (Winston-Salem) are Sis. Diana Acker who is the District Deputy Grand Matron (OES) and Bro. Terry D. Andrews who serves as the District Deputy Grand Master (Matron). Sis. Brenda C. Thompson serves the North Carolina OES Jurisdiction as Grand Worthy Matron along with Bro. Clinton Hamm who is the Grand Worthy Patron. The Honorable Daniel L. “DT” Thompson, 33O is the Most Worshipful Grand Master of North Carolina.