Afternoon Grand Assembly Day 7/18/2020

The afternoon session for Grand Assembly Day started out rushed.  We had very little time for lunch and I ended up going to Subway at a nearby shopping center to get something since there could be no food at the lodge.  I only ate part of my lunch before we had to leave since the grand officers needed to be back at the lodge for practice.  I made it, but I think I was 2 minutes late.  I was just glad that I was not the last one to get back from lunch.  The afternoon session had the Book of Memories and the installation for the 2020 – 2021 grand year. 

Thankfully, there was a break between the Book of Memories and the installation.  I was able to change and get everything ready for the mascot presentation.  However, the surprise was on me because I found out that just as I was about to walk into the installation ceremony, I was told that I had to present the mascot to the new GWA myself.  It made for an interesting afternoon.  When everything was done, I was definitely happy that all went well and that I could stop by Sonic on the way home for something else to eat and not be rushed.  Congratulations to all the 2019 – 2020 grand officers for a great year and to all the 2020 – 2021 grand officers for your new appointments!

Isabella C.

Hi guys it’s Ella and I am going to tell you about Grand Assembly. It was sad that we could not all be there and that we had to wear masks but those of you that stayed home are lucky because it was super, super hot in those masks.  It was a super special day to me because it was my initiation! It was also special because my friends initiated me.  I just wish Katie could have held my hand!  Overall Grand Aassembly was a success!!! Thank you, Dad Joe and Dad Fussell, for working hard to get us a place where we could meet.  I think you all should come next year if stuff gets back to normal!

In Rainbow Love and Service, 

Ella, Ashburn #11

                This year, due to the at home stay for everyone in Virginia, Virginia Rainbow created a Virtual Grand Banquet presentation for all the Rainbow girls and adults to enjoy while being stuck at home. I was able to enjoy watching this with my Rainbow sisters from Norfolk, Ashburn, and Manassas. The food we chose to prepare for our banquet was yummy and delicious tacos! It was a great time to be able to talk to each other and enjoy some really great food to help make it feel like we were all attending the real Grand Banquet.

Finally, the time came to start the video of the Grand Banquet presentations and announcements. First on the agenda was an introduction of all the Grand Flag Bearers, Representatives, and Officers. Each of these girls were presented with either a picture or video of themselves, as well as, their different flag, state or states, and office positions. The flag tributes each girl did were amazing! I loved all of their speeches about their certain flag! Soon after the first segment, we went into announcements of the Rose Lecture winner from competitions. I was so excited that the winner was one of my best friends, Katie, from Manassas #13! Right after competition announcements, we listened to hear the Assembly of the Year winner. We were all cheering for the 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place winners! Ashburn Assembly came in 3^rd, Quantico-Freedom came in 2^nd, and Manassas came in 1^st! We were so excited for them all!

Next came the announcement of the new State Rainbow Dad. Vanessa came up with a very cute and creative way to announce who the new State Rainbow Dad was going to be. We were all so excited to hear that Dad Harold got picked to be the State Rainbow Dad and his son, Zachary, is to be the Assistant to the State Rainbow Dad! Lastly, Mom Jenkins announced the new Grand positions for the 2020-2021 year. I personally was very nervous because I applied for a very special Grand Office and I was anxiously waiting to see if I had received it. Mom Jenkins announced all the new GEB and JGEB members, Flag Bearers, Grand Representatives, and then the new Grand Officers. Once it got to who the new Grand Worthy Associate Advisor was I couldn’t breathe. I am so honored that Mom Jenkins chose me to be the next Grand Worthy Associate Advisor! Everyone in the room was cheering and my mom burst into tears!

The Virtual Grand Banquet came to an end and everyone enjoyed it! I am so excited for Gigi to finish out her year strong and for Vanessa to have a great start to her year! The Virtual Grand Banquet was amazing and all the adults and girls who were a part of it did an absolutely outstanding job!

In Rainbow Love, 

Kaitlyn, Norfolk #15