Record Number of DCHS Beta Students Compete at State Convention
By LYDIA BERGLAR
News Editor
Photo courtesy of DCHS – Eloise Burick earned First Place State Champion in Creative Writing Division One.
Dade County High School Beta Club students set school records this year with 36 total students participating in 26 state competition categories. Numerous students who attended the state convention of Beta Club (a national honor society that promotes academic achievement, character, leadership, and service) noted the significance of the Beta community with Jacob Barger saying, “There were so many amazing people we met who were as kind as could be. The events themselves were challenging, yet still enjoyable. 10/10, would do again and again.”
Clay Allman added, “The trip was the most fun trip I’ve been on in school history, and every other Beta I met had nothing but respect for others.”
Carrigan Davison said, “I got to meet a ton of new people, I got to see a lot of amazing art and performances, and we got to go pin trading. If you’re in Beta, you need to go to the convention as soon as you can.”
The 23 Dade County High School students who competed in person (with 13 others participating remotely) were Clay Allman, Jacob Barger, Jalye Belue, Eloise Burick, Jacob Byer, Kamryn Carter, Alaynah Case, Carrigan Davison, Kendal Emmett, Macie Endicott, Gage Gray, Skylar Gerrells, Sam Hoover, Tanner Kunkel, Kae Link, Willow Lynch, Oivia Posey, Drew Sharp, Emma Stinnett, Heath Walters, Ethan Williams, Jacob Wise, and LG Wylie.
Spanning a variety of interesting areas, Dade competed in 26 categories: Performing Arts Small Group, Living Literature, Painting, Black and White Photography, Color Photography, Engineering, Robotics, Jewelry Design, Recyclable Art, Woodworking, Speech, Creative Writing, Poetry, Math, Social Studies, Agriscience, Language Arts, Biomedical Health Science, Spelling Bee, and Club Trading Pin.
Three students placed: Eloise Burick earned First Place State Champion in Creative Writing Division One, Liam Davison earned Second Place in Ninth Grade Math, and Harper Van Dusen earned Fourth Place in Ninth Grade Social Studies. All three are qualified to compete at the National Beta Convention in June 2024.
Emma Stinnett said, “I enjoyed seeing all the different talents other Betas had to offer. My favorite thing that happened was when a dude played a sick beat on the drums BLIND-FOLDED! I also enjoyed the fellowship with others. It was fun to meet new people and make new friends.”
DCHS Beta students enjoyed visiting Savannah, Ga. for the state competition.
Kamryn Carter added, “There is just something about BETA trips that is unlike anything else. We went not even knowing the other students and came home as a family. We may not have gotten the outcome we wanted, but we made memories to last.”
Ashley Harrison, Beta Club Sponsor, said, “At DCHS, our motto is ‘Seeing beyond the Mountains.’ The State and National Beta Conventions offer unique experiences to do just that. And time and time out, our students always shine! I am very proud of the DCHS Beta Club. We are continuing to grow and grow together as a club. We have many great service projects coming up soon, such as our first ever participation with Wreaths Across America in Trenton on December 17.”
Harrison thanked Phil Bell, Carrie Morris, and Amy Cole, saying, “Without their dedication to our students and willingness to sacrifice their time and efforts, this trip would not have been possible.”
