For the last few months, National Junior Beta members from Putnam County Middle School (PCMS) have been working hard to prepare for competition at the National Jr. Beta Convention.
In June, PCMS students Kannericka Nelson, James Bollen, and Maura Carmichael attended the National Beta Convention in Louisville, Ky., where approximately 5,000 Elementary Beta members (grades 4-5), 8,000 Junior Beta students (grades 6-8) and 7,900 Senior Beta members (grades 9-12) represented their schools.
When the results were tallied, Nelson placed fifth in handmade jewelry, Bollen scored a sixth-place result in sixth-grade science and Carmichael competed at the national level in eighth-grade science. Each of the PCMS students originally received awards last December during the State Beta Convention, with their victories at the state level providing the opportunity to compete on a national stage.
“As the sponsor of the Jr. Beta Club at PCMS, I am extremely proud of the success of our club. Our students work hard to represent our school, serve our community, and be the best citizens that they can be,” PCMS Media Specialist Jan Mullis said.
“Principal (Monica) Macklin and (8th-grade teacher) Cyndi Plemons chaperoned the trip to nationals and I am grateful for their willingness to take time from their summer to ensure these students had the opportunity to showcase their talents.”
The PCMS Jr. Beta Club includes more than 100 members who maintain high academic standards, exhibit exemplary citizenship and show a willingness to serve their community.
With more than 500,000 active members and 8,750 clubs nationally and internationally, National Beta has become the nation’s largest independent, non-profit, educational youth organization.
National Beta promotes academic achievement, character, service, and leadership among elementary and secondary school students. National Junior Beta includes grades 4-8 and National Senior Beta includes grades 9-12. Visit betaclub.org for more information.