Wolverine Beta Club Places Ninth in the Nation
Photo courtesy of Ashley Harrison/DCHS – The Wolverine Beta Club poses in costume at the national convention. From left, Alaynah Case, Skylar Gerrells, J. Crane, Aiden Ross, Jayda Belue, Arianna Clayton, and Kamryn Carter.
By LYDIA BERGLAR
News Editor
Performing in front of over 3,000 people, the Dade County High School Beta Club earned ninth place in the nation for their production of the “Sweeney Todd” opening act.
National Beta Club’s national convention was held June 16-20 in Louisville, Ky. The senior Wolverine Beta Club earned first place at the Georgia State Beta Competition, which qualified them to compete on the national stage.
Seven DCHS students (and graduates) performed in the troupe: Alaynah Case, Skylar Gerrells, J. Crane, Aiden Ross, Jayda Belue, Arianna Clayton, and Kamryn Carter. (Crane, Ross, Belue, and Clayton graduated in May, while Carter, Case, and Gerrells will begin their senior year in August.)
Carter reflected on the bittersweet nature of having teammates who graduated. “This was such an awesome experience to have with my Beta family one more time! The whole thing was a little bittersweet since this was the last time any of us would get to share the stage together, but I couldn’t be more proud of our troupe.”
Photo courtesy of Ashley Harrison/DCHS – The troupe poses with their ninth place plaque. From left in the back row: Jayda Belue, J. Crane, Aiden Ross, and Arianna Clayton with Kamryn Carter and Skylar Gerrells in the front.
Multiple students noted their pride in the team, with Case saying, “The national-level competition…is a testament to our hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence and to each other.”
Crane found that participating in the club enriched her high school experience. “Beta has helped me work towards being a better performer and student by encouraging me to hold myself to a higher standard. I made friends with people that I otherwise wouldn’t have. As a Beta alumni, I highly recommend high school students to join.”
Clayton added, “It was a wonderful learning experience and a great way to connect with like-minded student scholars from around the nation. The overwhelming support from our sponsors within Dade County, the guidance from our coaches, and the dedication to compete from within our team made this experience unforgettable.”
Ashley Harrison (math teacher, Beta Sponsor, and National Honor Society Sponsor) led the venture. She said, “I am beyond proud of these amazing students and very thankful to my co-sponsor, Ms. Jessica Wilson. Ms. Wilson gives tirelessly to these kids in all their efforts. We are blessed to have her on our team. We would also like to express sincere appreciation to Mr. Philip and Mrs. Lisa Bell who served as Transportation Chief and chaperones.”
The students and teachers alike gave shout-outs to the local businesses who supported the trip. Trenton Pressing, Red Fox Service and Repair, Trenton Telephone Company, Reeves Heating and Air, A Hand Up Ministry, Lawson Medical Clinic, Rising Fawn Gardens, the National Beta Club, and a generous anonymous donor.