History of the Cornetet Award
A bequest to The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International from the Lucile Cornetet estate was
the basis for the establishment of the Lucile Cornetet Professional Development Fund. Miss
Cornetet was a long-time educator in Ohio. The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International
promotes the professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education.
The Delta Kappa Gamma Educational Foundation supports and encourages intercultural
understanding and educational excellence.
Lucile Cornetet, member of Beta Lambda Chapter of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International in Columbus, Ohio, bequeathed the largest gift ever granted to The Society. Miss Cornetet passed away June 7, 2001, at the age of 92. She was a language specialist certified in Latin, French, English and Spanish. She earned a bachelor of science degree and master of arts degree at Ohio State University. She taught 39 years, including 34 years as a Latin teacher in the Columbus City Public Schools. She was a model of caring; but a demanding teacher.
Lucile Cornetet was a worldwide traveler and an expert photographer and member of the Photographic Society of America. She loved to talk to community groups and share her travel experiences and photographs. She was a recipient of the Teachers Freedom Foundation Award, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.
As a Delta Kappa Gamma member for 37 years, she was a sincere, modest, loyal worker who treasured her membership. Certainly her generous bequest for the benefit of others speaks volumes about her belief in the potential of educators. She exemplified the ideals of friendship, loyalty and helpfulness. When asked what a one-sentence descriptive statement about her would say, Lucile's answer was, "I am a kind, loving person filled with a zest for living." All who knew her would agree!
The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International Executive Board approved the appointment of a special committee to investigate using the funds from the Lucile Cornetet Bequest for the advancement of professional development. The Lucile Cornetet Fund for Professional Development was established in 2005.