The newly elected District Governor, Rob Acerra picked up Gina Durham’s gavel and rung the NJ Circle K bell, officially adjourning the 46th annual District Convention on Sunday, March 28. As one service year ends, another begins, and what better way to wrap up the year than to celebrate the old and welcome in the new? Following the wise words of Dr. Seuss, this year’s District Convention revolved around the theme ‘Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” Host club Stockton College turned the Somerset Crowne Plaza into a Seussical world with pinwheel centerpieces and a banner based off the original cover illustration.
Throughout the weekend, members from different clubs intermingled with one another; some reuniting with familiar faces while others crossed paths for the first time. The atmosphere was full of excitement and the talk of the weekend revolved around the candidates for District positions: Governor, Secretary, Treasurer, Editor, and LTGs. The candidates had to endure countless questions during caucusing as well as initial fishbowl questions, testing their knowledge of Circle K and the positions they were running for. Most of the candidates were running unopposed with the exception of Governor, Editor, and Seabreeze LTG.
During the House of Delegates, the tension was high in the room as delegates made their decisions and casted their votes. In between voting sessions, delegates had to sit through the review of the Resolutions which caused a few delegates to take impromptu naps.
Despite the length of the session, the overall process was swift compared to previous years. In no time, members were off to the Saturday night Governor’s Ball where guys loosened their ties and girls kicked off their shoes, ready for a night of fun. Board members were raffled off for dances to fund raise for the District (the entirety of Rowan won a dance with district secretary, Jaime Picchi).
The next morning, members from all levels of the K-family gathered for the farewell brunch to remember the past service year, commemorate Karen Ann Conway’s last moments as governor, and welcome in the new members of the 2010-’11 District Board. Until next year New Jersey!