Ilion High School Traditions

Sororities

MESS NIGHT


A handful of the Beta Chi Rho Sorority "Sisters" - 1966

Ilion's three Sororities were made up of girls in grades 9 - 12. The sororities operated as charitable organizations and devoted their efforts to helping others less fortunate. Some activities sponsored by the girls included; holding a Christmas party for children at Rome State School, giving food baskets and clothing to families at Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. The Beta Chi Sorority was one of the chapters of Beta Chi Inc. of New York State. Beta Chi sponsored a $100 Nursing scholarship that was presented to an IHS student, entering the nursing field. In the 1970's, Philia sent packages to area servicemen in Vietnam and they sponsored a Greek orphan girl.

Members were accepted in May of each year, and initiated during June. For one entire week, each new inductee became the "slave" of her big "sister". For those who were determined to join, there was MESS NIGHT .....(think raw eggs), to survive. Once initiated, the inductees were formally installed at a mother-daughter banquet, that was held in September.


A few of the Delta Omega Phi Sorority "Sisters" - 1966

Some of the Philia Charity Sorority "Sisters" - 1965

 

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First Published January 15, 1999
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