Meet Meryl Orth:
Our Spotlight member is Meryl Orth. Meryl Orth is more than a Delta Kappa Gamma member- she’s been a key player at the chapter, state, and local levels of the society.
In April 1979 someone noted her passion for education and invited her to be a charter member of Westman Delta. During the 45 years since her induction, she has become passionate about DKG. As a result, she has recruited local educators at the local school system, as well as the University of Brandon to be a part of Westman Delta. She has also given explanations of the benefits of the society to new members with the provincial organization and worked tirelessly to bring in new members, and to spread the news about DKG. Meryl served as chapter president 2002-2004 and served as vice-president several times.
Meryl’s passion extended beyond the chapter level. As membership chair at the state
level, she was responsible for the strategic planning to increase membership in
Manitoba DKG. Her efforts at that level included being part of the revitalization of MB
DKG starting in 2017. Likewise, she thought of ways DKG could be promoted through
newsletters and papers of educators. Her involvement beyond her chapter has included
attending both International Conventions and three North West Regional Conferences.
Since joining in 1979 she has also attended the provincial conventions and general
meetings for her region.
While Meryl did much for her chapter and state, she was also active in other civic
endeavors. She co-chaired a wellness fair called MILESTONES focusing on three- and
four-year-old children. It provided screenings in vision, dental, hearing, speech and
language and general development with appropriate supports given to the child before
he or she entered the school system. No child was left behind. The initiative was
funded originally by DKG International and is still operating today. She also served on a
multitude of boards and committees including serving as the treasurer of Child and
Family Services foundation of South -Western Manitoba and serving on their board for
10 years. She was Chapter President and board member of the Learning Disabilities
Association of Manitoba Grandon. She also served as the President of the Brandon
Association of Retired Teachers. Many of her community contributions were health
related. For instance, she served on the University of Manitoba Advisory Committee for COVID and Ageism Projects and on the Shared Health Patient and Family Advisory
Network for MB. Likewise, for five years she chaired the Health Checks - There is a
whole lot of Living Left to do! Steering Committee. There is a Whole Lot of Living to Do !
initiative is a program in Manitoba, primarily focused on age-friendly
initiatives and community events for older adults. Meryl also canvassed for
organizations such as Canadian Cancer Society, Alzheimer's Society, Heart and Stroke
Multiple Sclerosis and Diabetes and Fund raised at Relay for Life for 11 years.
Part of the reason for her passion for health and wellness was being a caregiver to her
elderly mother. This experience caused Meryl to realize how navigating the health and
wellness system was hampered by many issues and barriers as individuals aged. As a
result, she reached out to provincial and non-profits and the regional health authority, as
well as professional consultants and researchers at the universities and government
agencies to facilitate an event that would offer information on health-related issues
pertaining to the elderly, hearing vision, dental etc. This event and the steering
committee became known as Health Checks.
With her clear passion for Delta Kappa Gamma’s Vision and Principals and her
community it is no surprise that her passion was evident in her educational roles as
well. Meryl has always been a strong advocate for children in general, but especially
those who face barriers, challenges or limitations. She taught most of her career as an
early years classroom teacher, as well as being a resource teacher and reading
recovery and literacy professional. She holds a master’s degree in special education,
and she has helped to design, implement and conduct research in the field of Special
Education. Moreover, she personally prepared briefs for the Dept. of Education where
her work was acknowledged by the Honorable Minister of Education and Training, Linda
McIntosh in 1999. Meryl impacted education in two other ways. First, by being involved
in several case studies to measure social and physical competencies. Then, by serving
as a facilitator in the annual co-operative living workshop for Brandon School Division in
promoting teacher growth and student learning.
Meryl has unsurprisingly received a multitude of awards over the years. Her educational recognition includes King George Teacher of the Year Award - 1984, and the
Distinguished Service Award from the Learning Disabilities Association of Manitoba –
1997. Her community awards include YWCAA Woman of Distinction Award in 2000,
Community Service Award for the Westman Delta for Milestone's, Certificate of Merit for
the Canada 150 Service Recognition for outstanding contribution in Building a Stronger
Canada 2017, Queen Elizabeth 11 Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2022 for her leadership
and service to Manitoba and Canada. The UN Decade of Healthy Aging Progress
Report 2012-2023 Platform for Case Studies also recognized Meryl's work in Health
Checks - There's a whole lot of Living Left to Do.
Meryl’s passions have never faded as she continues to be grateful for the invitation to
become a member of Westman Delta chapter of DKG. Her peers recognize that she has
always appreciated the mentorship, guidance and leadership development she received
from fellow DKG members like Dr. Betty Gibson, Ena Leskiw and Bea Jolly. They know
that she treasures and values the lasting friendships and the professionalism she has
been exposed to throughout all levels of the society and appreciate her solid support for
many of her DKG sisters. Their respect for Meryl comes from her ability to spot a need
and then take action to fill it!
Throughout her life Meryl has had a passion for lifelong learner and encouraged others to be as well. She is a credit to DKG, and to her community because if you give Meryl a job, come rain or shine she will get it done!
Congratulations Meryl!