The Annual BETA Convention and Junior BETA Convention was held at Opryland Hotel in Nashville, TN on March 2nd-4th. Over 100 students from DeKalb Middle School and DeKalb County High School attended the three day convention which included over 8,000 students from across the state. The convention is a time for high achieving students from all across Tennessee to come together and compete in a variety of categories in order to express their various talents.  It could be coined as an academic bowl for many. However, other talents are expressed through music, arts, crafts, and literature. DeKalb Middle School Students are required to have an “A” average in order to be a member of this club. DeKalb Middle School was well represented at the convention with 92 members in attendance.  This academic club is led by Lori Hendrix, Lisa Norton and Tonya Sullivan.
“It is evident that DeKalb Middle School puts academics and achievement as a top priority, as our students have excelled each year earning our club a spotlight on the Beta radar”, said Randy Jennings, principal of DeKalb Middle School, “We were notified that DeKalb Middle School BETA Club has received the National BETA Club School of Distinction Honor.  I am very proud of our students and the hard work and dedication that they devote to academics.  We have set the standards for BETA Club membership high so that it is an honor to become a member and remain in good standing.  I would also like to thank Mrs. Sullivan, Mrs. Hendrix and Mrs. Norton for taking the time to sponsor the Beta Club. The parent support is phenomenal, as approximately twenty parents attended the conference to show their commitment to education.  DeKalb Community Hospital also sponsored our group of young, talented students in the area of Living Literature with financial, as well as, hands on support. Support from the community and parents speak loudly to our students.  They love knowing that their parents, school board members, director of schools, principals, teachers, and community recognize their academic achievement.”
“We are proud to support students in DeKalb County that go above and beyond what’s expected of them,” said Shan Burklow- Marketing Director of DeKalb Community and Stones River Hospitals, “These students are motivated to work hard, keep great grades, all while preparing weeks in advance for various academic competitions and demonstrations. These kids are our future. We are honored to help them reach their goals.”
Teacher Tonya Sullivan agreed, “Students at DeKalb Middle School are making great things happen during a time where huge demands are being placed on them with curriculum changes and more rigorous class work is required. Our students never cease to amaze me with their commitment to education!  Education is demanding much of them, and DMS students are delivering! The convention is a time for these kids to be exposed to other talented young men and women. Being in the presence of approximately 8000 other high achieving students could be intimidating, but not for our students. Some step on the stage and perform with ease! I have found that no challenge is too big or too small for our students! I am honored to be a part of DeKalb Middle School Junior Beta.”
Teacher Lori Hendrix added, “I want to thank those that made this trip possible. There is a lot of preparation that goes on behind the scenes that makes this a great experience for the students. I continue to have great support from Tonya Sullivan and Lisa Norton as they help with this club year after year. I am overwhelmed with the parental support that this academic club receives. Our parents give of their time freely and are always willing to assist with chaperoning or whatever needs to be done. We are blessed to have such strong support. The students recognize that this is a great opportunity! The school is well represented by our students who have displayed excellent behavior each year. It takes everyone involved to be successful. Thank you DeKalb Middle School students for representing our school well with making your academics top priority.”
The following students participated in competitions: Talent-Derek Young & Wesley Carpenter- Performed in front of thousands as they rocked a hit single from the Blues Brothers; Living Literature (DeKalb Community Hospital sponsored) team members: Emily Burklow, Amelia Patterson, Kyle Justice, Taylor Reeder, Hannah Brown, Kristena Bain, Catherine Caplinger, Jaynee Angaran, Kayla Belk, Madison Judkins, and Haley Martin; Academics: Quiz Bowl-Ethan Cantrell, Tyree Cripps, and Ami Patel Battle of the Books-Maggie Robinson, Ethan Jenkins, and Braya Murphy Essay- Madison Cantrell Math-Thomas Webb Spelling- Kayla Belk (4th Place); Technology- Ealy Gassaway, Lance Davis, and Alec Reynolds; Science- Kelsie Merriman; Social Studies-Colter Norris Language Arts- Abby Evans; Tower of Power- Allyson Maynard, Luke Bryant, Issac Walker, Kaitlynn Cantrell and Andrew Fuson
The following artists won local competition and competed at the convention: Color Photography- Parker Gassaway; Sketch-Marshal Evins Sketch (Ink) Jaynee Angaran; Wood Working- Will Stephens, Tanner Poss, and Noah Martin; Jewlery- Seth Pack; T-Shirt design- Aizley Turner, Ashley Phillips, Megan Redmon, Ann Rachel Blair, Robin Pafford, Dulce Maciel, Faith Judkins, and Matthew Agee; Sketch - Logan; Painter Austin Johnson, Bella Perez, Hunter Jennings, Jacob Freeman, Luke Oliver, and Ethan Jennings; Color Photography & Black /White Photography.
The following students competed at local level an winners went on to convention: Faedra Burns, Shauna Pedroza, Leslie Hembree, Hailey Redmon, Bella Perez, Emily Gillenwater, Deann Nipper, Brooklyn Wilson, Trey Jones, Joni Robinson, Catherine Caplinger, Sophie Cripps , Maddison Parley, Hannah Anderson, Kaitlyn Bain, Madison Mick, Olivia Fuson, Jessica Davidson, Emily Brucker, Rebecca Gray, and Malone Fletcher.