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HARRELLS – Harrells Christian Academy’s Junior Beta Club returned to the North Carolina Junior Beta Convention this year as a large group to continue a long standing tradition of showcasing HCA students’ numerous gifts and talents in both academic, visual arts, and performing arts competitions. This year’s Junior Beta Convention was held in Greensboro from January 29-31.
The HCA Junior Betas participating in the State Convention this year placed in the top 5 in the state in 29 different competitions. They received first place in 11 of those areas. In addition, 3 students were recognized as Premier Performers in the talent portion. HCA also received Convention Growth recognition.
Perhaps the most exciting accolade of all was HCA fourth grader Matilda Parker being named the 2023-2024 Elementary Junior Vice President for the NC Beta Club. As part of the campaigning process, Matilda participated in the NC Beta Convention Campaign Rally where she spoke to a packed ballroom of Junior Betas from all over the state. In addition, her fellow Elementary Betas performed a Campaign Skit and earned first place in the state competition.
“It was heartwarming to see how excited the students and parents were during the convention and how they supported, not only one another, but also Betas from other schools across the state,” says Jessica James, Elementary Junior Beta Advisor.
HCA Junior Betas who made the top 5 not only earned a plaque and/or ribbon as a congratulation for their success, but also are eligible to compete at the National Beta Convention this summer in Louisville, KY.
The full list of the 2023 HCA Junior Beta Club winners includes:
• Book Battle Elementary (2nd Place): Jackson Beasley, Ivey Brown, Savannah Kate Stevens
• Color Photography Junior (4th Place): Noah Tanner
• Engineering Elementary (1stPlace): Gabriel Bowker, Holt Campbell, Hayes Clifton, Harrison Register, Henry Stevens
• Engineering Junior (2nd Place): Wilson Clifton, Jack DuBose, Hutchens Glenn, Channing Jackson, Piper Nelson
• Fiber Arts Elementary (2nd Place): Anne Carlyle Brown
• Fiber Arts Junior (1st Place): Windsor Farrior
• Jewelry Elementary (5th Place): Anne Carlyle Brown
• Language Arts, 5th Grade (4th Place): Ivey Brown
• Living Literature Elementary (2nd Place): Emily Campbell, Brooklyn Frederick, Kendal Irving, Sarah-John Jackson, Emmie Marlowe, Savannah Matthews, Amory Kate Merritt, Kenadie Pusey, Marshall Rumbold, Mary Thomas Williams
• Living Literature Junior (2nd Place): Kayleigh Bowen, Julianne DeVane, Elizabeth Edwards, Windsor Farrior, Clara Glynn Hill, Rebecca Jackson, Ella McKeithan, Piper Nelson, Kailey Pope, Lilly Kate Rogers, Brenlee Thornton, Anna Williams
• Marketing & Communications Elementary (2nd Place): Emily Campbell, Sarah-John Jackson, Allie Tanner
• Mixed-Media Elementary (1st Place): Savannah Kate Stevens
• Performing Arts Elementary Solo, Duo, Trio – Variety Act (1st Place): Sarah-John Jackson and Kaleb Funes
• Performing Arts Junior Solo, Duo, Trio – Dance (2nd Place): Kayleigh Bowen and Brenlee Thornton
• Performing Arts Junior Large Group (1st Place)
• Premier Performers: Kayleigh Bowen, Hadley Lassiter, Brenlee Thornton
• Quilling Elementary (2nd Place): Savannah Kate Stevens
• Recyclable Art Elementary (2nd Place): Emily Campbell
• Recyclable Art Junior (1st Place): Caven Chambers
• Robotics Junior (1st Place): Fisher Blanton, Oakley Brice, Caven Chambers, Brantley Frederick, Hayes Griffin, Miller Ludlum, Sammy Martin, Trace Thompson
• Science, 4th Grade (5th Place): Kaleb Funes
• Sculpture Elementary (1st Place): Ivey Brown
• Sculpture Junior (3rd Place): Magdalene Parker
• Social Studies, 5th Grade (3rd Place): Henry Stevens
• Social Studies, 6thGrade (2nd Place): Hayes Griffin
• Songfest Elementary (1st Place)
• Spelling Bee Elementary – Oral (1st Place): Jackson Beasley
• Spelling Bee Elementary – Written (2nd Place): Jackson Beasley
• Technology Elementary (4th Place): Britton Blanchard, Colton Carr, Kiyan Hemingway, Gibson Hill, Will Rivenbark, Annell Grace Starling. Andrew Thornton
“We’re very proud of our students! This is the first year that our fourth and fifth grade Betas have had the opportunity to attend the state convention as a large group with the school, and they did a great job,” says Elementary Junior Beta Advisor Lori Boone. “We are extremely grateful for all of the parents, both elementary and middle, who put in an extensive amount of time and guidance to support the students throughout the whole preparation process,” she adds.
Middle School Junior Beta Advisor Allison Brock was most impressed by the students’ dedication. “They gave up Friday afternoons for months to practice for Group Talent, and they never complained. They were willing to try anything and adapted well to changes in choreography, singing, and props,” says Brock. “I also loved how they supported each other! No one criticized anyone. When some members were struggling with dance moves, other members would step in and work extra hard to make sure everyone was getting the steps,” she adds. “They also took pride in their work. They wanted to do well and represent Harrells Christian Academy in a positive way.”
HCA’s Junior Beta Club helps set a solid foundation for young people as they learn how to navigate the world around them, serving in their school, in their local communities, and beyond. Through various service projects, competitions, and more, students strive to uphold the four pillars of Beta: achievement, character, service and leadership.
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