Beta News

Malayna Elrod, writer

Beta Club is the largest independent, non-profit, educational youth organization in America. And for more than 80 years, it has prepared today’s students to be tomorrow’s leaders. Their mission statement is to “promote the ideals of academic achievement, character, service and leadership among elementary and secondary school students”. Between the Junior Beta (grades 4-8) and Senior Beta (grades 9-12), the organization has helped nearly seven million students learn how to make a life for themselves—and, since 1991, it has awarded over $6 million in scholarships. Beta’s mission originated with Dr. John W. Harris, a professor at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, who founded the organization in 1934. Over 80 years have passed, but his vision and Beta’s mission has remained the same. And most everyone who has been fortunate enough to be called a member has embraced those ideals and applied them to their own lives.

Fredericktown Beta Club members participate in tons of activities that help the community.This is a great way that Beta can give back to people in need. Every year Fredericktown Beta Club donates canned food to our local pantry. For every five cans you get one beta point. People in Beta earn points so they can attend Beta Convention in December. At Beta Convention, students compete in academic contests, submit art and photography, and have a talent team that competes every year. When you are a junior or a senior, you are eligible to participate in the Beta Convention as long as you have reached the required amount of Beta points.  There is a decent amount of Beta members that go every year to compete. This year’s attendance was low due to the change in location and time of convention. Unfortunately, our Beta members did not bring home any awards from state this year. They always have next year!

Beta still has a fun year ahead. Next semester, Beta will be attending the Fox Theater performance of School of Rock in January. Tickets are limited this year, so get one while you can; they are thirty dollars! Mrs. Hovis and Mrs. Singleton could always use the Beta members’ help in running the concession stand at games. You may sign up by Mrs. Hovis’s door.