Hooray! It is finally time for Virginia’s Grand Assembly! The girls from Norfolk Assembly are ready for a fun filled weekend of sessions, fun, and seeing our Rainbow family from other jurisdictions. Before all the big events take place, we first had to help set up the Grand Assembly room. We went down to the storage unit to unload all of the materials onto the truck to take to the Double Tree Inn where Grand Assembly will be taking place. It was a lot of hard work putting it all together but it looked so good in the very end! After everything was set up, we headed out to dinner to enjoy our break. After we ate, we headed back to the hotel to get some sleep for the big day tomorrow!

    Friday was a day filled with many practices and work for all the adults and the girls. It all started with Grand Cross of Color and Grand Officer practice. Soon after, our Norfolk girls, Kaitlyn and Phoenix, were able to receive their Grand Cross of Color! We were all so proud of them and all the other people who were able to receive this honor as well! Soon came Opening Night where all the state officers, representatives, pages, and flag bearers were introduced. Our Grand Worthy Advisor, Kensley, and all her grand officers did a wonderful job with Opening Session as well as their parts and floor work. All of the out of state guests were all introduced as well as the awards that were received to the girls. 

    Saturday was the Initiation of five new girls that became a part of our Rainbow family. All the grand officers did amazing on their parts and their floor work was outstanding. We heard the Rose Lecture, Dad’s Talk, and the Lambskin Apron Lecture.  We had the Memorial Service for the passing of our loved ones performed by the girls of Hampton Assembly #2.  Following that session was the Grand Officer, Grand Representative lunch where Gigi and Kensley exchanged many gifts. This next session of our Grand Assembly was a very emotional one. We had the majority service where Olivia W., Rachal M., Madeline M., and Abigail S. were conducted to womanhood. It was very emotional for our Rainbow family and our majority girls. Lastly, we had the Book of Memories where all the 2018-2019 Grand Officers signed their names. This was the last moment that Kensley would serve as Virginia’s Grand Worthy Advisor. We all left the Grand Assembly room with tears in our eyes but smiles on our faces. We were all so proud of Kensley and all of her accomplishments. 

    That same evening, we had our Grand Banquet. The food was all so amazing and we all had fun talking to all our Rainbow family. The first thing that was announced were the winners of the raffle baskets. Next were the scholarship winners as well as the winners of our competitions. Finally came the moment where the new grand stations were to be announced. The girls were all called for their new stations and Vanessa H. was announced as the Grand Worthy Associate Advisor for Virginia. Everyone was so excited for their new positions! We finished that evening with a dance where we were able to get support from the DeMolay boys. We all had so much fun!

    The next day, we had the installation of the 2019-2020 Grand Officers. Kaitlyn “Gigi” Costis went in as the new Grand Worthy Advisor. Her term focuses on the Wizard of Oz with her theme being “Somewhere Over the Rainbow Lies Your Pot of Gold.” She was also presented her mascot, the lion, by her Assembly, Manassas #13. We cannot wait to see all the wonderful things that Gigi will do throughout this year as Grand Worthy Advisor!

 

In Rainbow Love and Service!

Kaitlyn R.