Merry Lee Powell, National WCTU President; Margaret Ostenstad, World WCTU President; Loreta Jent, National WCTU Education Director; Larry Jent, Honorary WCTU Member.
150th Annual National WCTU Convention Held in Reno, Nevada
Reno, Nevada, August 7-11, 2023. The National Woman’s Christian Temperance Union held its 150th Annual National Convention at the Whitney Peak Hotel in Reno, Nevada. Attending from this area were Loreta and Larry Jent of rural Fort Scott.
WCTU delegates and members took a step back in time during a pre-convention event. They traveled to Virginia City which was a Mining Town in the 1880’s.
The opening ceremony began with all State Presidents, dressed in their white gowns, marching into the convention hall carrying their state flag, which has always been their tradition. It was an honor to have World President Margaret Ostenstad travel from Norway to participate.
The national winners of the kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade and 3rd grade coloring contests were announced, as well as the winners of the national poster and essay contests. Ribbons and prize money was awarded.
On Thursday evening the elected officers were sworn into office and given the “White Ribbon Salute” during a formal banquet.
The Woman’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) is a non-partisan, non-denominational, non-profit organization. For 150 years, the united “mother’s love” has educated against the use of alcohol and other drugs. It’s “Do Everything Policy”, allows for national, local and state unions to work on any issue they believe necessary to protect the family. Please visit WCTU.org for more information.