The National Continental Societies, Incorporated recognizes Continentals past and present for dedicated unselfish work to improve the standards of all youth with special needs, putting self aside to help foster and promote better health, education, employment, recreation and Arts and Humanities, for every youth regardless of race, creed or origin.
Continental Societies, Incorporated bestows this high honor to Continentals, one from each region for a permanent place to have and hold in history; as torchbearers and beacon light sharers. In addition, each past President is inducted into the Continental Hall of Fame.
Eastern Region
W. Chris Stewart
Prince George’s County, Maryland Chapter
Chris Stewart is president and chief executive officer of Educational Dimensions, Inc. (EDI), an educational training and consulting firm. With her leadership, EDI has worked with school districts throughout the United States and has provided a range of services to local and federal government agencies, colleges and universities, and corporations and other businesses. As an active member of the educational and training community, Chris provides research-based professional and personal development, curriculum support, leadership development and training, organizational reviews and performance/efficiency studies, business coaching and technical assistance, strategic planning, and program development and implementation. Her expert delivery of services has afforded her the opportunity to serve as a faculty member for the prestigious Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development, a world leader in educational training and research.
Eastern Region
Sandra E. Edgecombe
Columbia, Maryland Chapter
Sandra E. Edgecombe has committed herself to volunteerism for more than five decades. This commitment supports her philosophy that everyone has a responsibility to help others who may be less fortunate.
Sandra became a charter member of the Columbia, Maryland Chapter in June 1992. As a Continental, Sandra has worked diligently with her local chapter. In fact, in 1993 she acquired a $5,000 grant from the DC Department of Youth Services through the University of the District of Columbia for the chapter. This grant required that the members work with 12-16 year old young ladies who were in trouble legally or removed from their dysfunctional families. These young women were sent to Spruce Cottage, a youth detention center located in Laurel, Maryland. The contract required that chapter members provide activities and workshops to help change the lives of the girls from negative experiences to positive ones. Fulfilling the contract commitment was a unifying experience that demonstrated the importance of supporting our at-risk children and youth.
Mid-Atlantic Region
Edythe Tucker Haynes
Charleston Chapter
Edythe T. Haynes, is a native of Colleton County, S. C. She is the fourth of five children who attended the public schools there. Upon completion of high school with honors, she matriculated at South Carolina State University where she received a B. S. degree in Education and the M. Ed. Degree in Educational Psychology. For a brief time, she was employed in Colleton County Public Schools and the Virginia Public Schools before returning to college to do further study and to receive the Masters +30 hours.
Midwest-Western Region
Annie Lee Coleman Barnett
Chicago Chapter
Annie Lee Coleman Barnett, affectionately known as “Ann” by her family and friends, has a burning compassion and love for people, especially children. For over 30 years, this love and compassion has compelled her to devote her life to serving children and youth. She strongly believes that every child can reach his/her God given potentials through love, discipline, education and Godly nurturing.
On the local level, Continental Barnett serves as Chicago Chapter President. She has served as Financial Secretary, Chair of the following committees: Scholarship, Membership, Constitution, Conclave Host Chapter, Conclave Souvenir Journal. She also served on the Health, Education, and Employment Committees.
Southeastern Region Region
Helen I. Phillips Mahone
Tuskegee Chapter
Chartered in 1971, Helen Mahone is a charter member of the Tuskegee -Montgomery Chapter of Continental Societies, Incorporated. Throughout the Tuskegee Chapter’s 39 years, Helen has remained an active member, serving wherever she was needed. She served as her chapter’s Financial Secretary, Treasurer, Chaplain, and chaired many committees. She has been honored on four occasions by her Chapter and the Region for her advocacy on behalf of children and youth.
Helen is a native of Tuskegee, Alabama, educated in the public schools and attended Tuskegee University. Her work experience includes Area Manager for North Carolina Mutual Insurance Company, Clerk at the PX in the Reception Center at Fort Benning, GA, and Manager of Dorothy Hall Guest House on the Tuskegee Campus. She has been a member of the Greenwood Missionary Baptist Church in Tuskegee for over 63 years and continues to be an active member, providing service whenever needed. Helen enjoys cooking, entertaining, gardening and spectator sports (Braves baseball).