The last few months, National Beta members from Warren County High School have been working hard to prepare their entries for the National Beta Convention. In June, they were able to celebrate that hard work when announced as winners of the following competitions: Third place, Small Group Talent and sixth place, Living Literature.
The WCHS club members originally competed and received awards during their state convention held in Nashville in November 2023. Their victories at the state level provided an opportunity to compete at the national level.
“Our Warren County High School Beta Club is full of students who continuously give to our community,” said WCHS Beta sponsor Rachel McGee. “This year, they have put in several hundred service hours, donations, and more to support groups and causes across Warren County. They have worked together to also have fun and help promote our community at the state and national levels.
One of the most exciting things I experienced at our convention was meeting kids and sponsors from other communities in Tennessee and nationally, who recognized us and our name from previous conventions. I hope to continue to instill in our students that yes, it is fun to compete and win, but it is also incredible to enjoy the journey.”
The National Convention, held in Savannah, Ga., June 16-19, provided all students the opportunity to compete. Over 3,000 Elementary Beta (grades 4-5), 4,800 Junior Beta (grades 6-8) and 6,100 Senior Beta (grades 9-12) students were able to represent their schools this summer.
Eleven WCHS students and 11 sponsors and family members traveled to Savannah on June 15-20. Club members included: Karigan Smith, Takota Moore, Eleanor Matheny, Kyle Smith, Arlo Ming, Tage Moore, Emma Coppinger, Sky Smith, Carly Stotts, Sara Grace Turner and Braylen Moore.
Parents, chaperones and guests included: Rachel McGee (WCHS sponsor), Lucy McGee (WCMS sponsor), J.B. and Sherri Smith, Annette Smith, Stephan and Crystal Coppinger, Paula Stotts, Brandy Moore, Tara Austin and Caroline McGee. While in Savannah, students spent time touring historic Savannah on foot and by river ferry, taking in a Savannah Party Animals baseball game, enjoying sand and sun at Tybee Island.
On their first full day at convention, Betas competed in the first of four competitions - Living Literature, one of the biggest events at convention. The club had one hour to construct a full life-sized scene from Neil Gaiman’s novel, “The Graveyard Book.” The scene included a 36-foot mural of a graveyard, two eight-foot freestanding trees, hand-carved tombstones and an eight-by-eleven and a half-foot stone and iron fence, all made from styrofoam supported with PVC pipes. Students then performed a “frozen” pose for a panel of five judges. Judging is followed by a public viewing of the competing scenes. WCHS Betas competed against more than 40 other teams from 18 states to earn their sixth-place ranking. All of the competitors represented schools who placed in the top ranking at their state conventions.
Two days later, Betas returned for the preliminary round of the Small Group Talent competition. Directed and choreographed by Takota Moore, students performed a four minute and fifty-seven second version of “When You’re an Addams” from the Addams Family Musical. Performers included: Karigan Smith (Morticia), Takota Moore (Gomez), Eleanor Matheny (Wednesday), Arlo Ming (Pugsly), Tage Moore (Uncle Fester), Emma Coppinger (Grandmama); Sky Smith, Carly Stotts, Braylen Moore, and Sara Grace Turner (Ancestors); and Kyle Smith (backstage). The living literature set was quickly redesigned into the Addams Family graveyard to provide a backdrop for the musical performance. Thirty-five schools competed at the national level. Later that afternoon, WCHS Betas learned they made the top three and were invited to perform the next morning at the closing ceremony in front of an audience of several thousand, where they later received an award for third in the nation.
“By far, the most exciting part of convention is the thrill of getting to compete and perform on a stage in front of over 9,000 betas, parents and volunteers from all over the country,” Takota Moore said. “It is so energizing to have fun doing what you love with the people you love. After working hundreds of hours on this routine on the choreography, vocals and set, it is so rewarding to share it with others.”
In addition to Living Literature and Group Talent, WCHS Beta Club also represented Tennessee in the Club Trading Pin Competition with a pin designed by Carly Stotts, in Apparel Design with a crocheted bag created by Sky Smith, and in Painting by Emma Coppinger. Four other students qualified for Nationals by placing at the state level, but were not able to travel to convention this summer. Those included Kora Forbes, Color Photography; Emily Davis, Pottery; Chloe Wanamaker, Woodworking; and Adison Wittekind, On-Site Drawing.
“The 2024 National Beta theme 'Beta: A Voyage of Adventure' reminds us there is so much to give in service, character and leadership that helps to get us to achievement, that it is in the 'doing' that we can truly excel - which only happens when we truly invest in the journey,” McGee said. “The 2025 theme is 'Radiate' and I hope to push our high school Betas to radiate throughout our community and continue to build friendships and a better Warren County. With our community’s help and support, maybe we can get them back to convention next summer!”
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 the ideals of 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.
