National Beta is proud to announce Khalil Roy and Brittney Layton as the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award winners. The Distinguished Alumni Award, granted to current Alumni Association members, is the highest honor bestowed upon a former National Beta member. Alumni who demonstrate leadership abilities, serve within and outside of National Beta, and individuals of high moral character are eligible for the award.
“It is with great pride that we recognize Khalil and Brittney as our 2025 National Beta Distinguished Alumni. Both have carried the spirit of Beta far beyond their student years—Khalil, with his inspiring leadership and service that’s changed lives, and Brittney, with her unwavering dedication to students and her community. Their commitment to academic excellence, leadership, character, and service reflects the very best of what Beta represents. We are honored to celebrate their legacy”, said National Beta CEO, Bobby Hart.
The National Beta Alumni Association provides Beta alumni with an array of opportunities to showcase their Beta pride and stay connected to the National Beta organization. Many alumni serve as judges at State and National Conventions as well as on various review committees for club and member-based awards. The Distinguished Alumni application for 2026 opens this fall. If you’re interested in becoming a part of the Alumni Association, learn more and apply here!
Learn more about the 2025 National Beta Distinguished Alumni Award Winners:
Khalil Roy
Khalil is a shining example of leadership, service, and inspiration, whose journey from a devoted Beta Club member at Bunkie High to an impactful educator and Beta sponsor is truly remarkable. As a student, he eagerly embraced every opportunity to serve his community and support state conventions, often being the first to volunteer. His commitment only deepened over time, evolving into a life of service through his role as a Beta sponsor and mentor. One of his standout contributions was leading the Beta Club’s Relay for Life team, where his guidance helped raise over $5,000 for the American Cancer Society and created an unforgettable experience for all involved. Khalil continues to give generously of his time through youth organizations like Beta, DECA, and international educational programs such as Worldstrides and EF Tours. His personality radiates warmth, resilience, and compassion—embodying the four pillars of Beta: achievement, character, leadership, and service. His professional accolades include multiple “Teacher of the Year” titles, the Golden Apple Award, national conference presentations, and high-profile leadership roles such as a United Nations NGO representative and Teach Plus Cabinet member. Khalil’s journey is one of uplifting others and igniting change—making him not only a role model but also a deeply deserving nominee.
Brittney Layton
Brittney Layton is a devoted educator, Beta Club sponsor, and community leader whose passion for service and student development has left a lasting impact on those around her. With nearly 20 years of teaching experience and seven years as a Beta Club sponsor at Rehobeth Elementary, Brittney has consistently demonstrated exceptional commitment to the National Beta Club. A former Jr and Sr Beta member herself, she became a sponsor in 2018 after her daughter joined Beta, and has since become a cornerstone of her school’s program—planning service projects, coaching competition teams, and mentoring student leaders. Her dedication recently earned her the honor of Alabama Jr Beta State Sponsor-Elect for 2025–2027. Outside of school, Brittney extends her service through her church and community, particularly with Operation Christmas Child, where her family has volunteered for over a decade. Known for her creativity, compassion, and generosity, Brittney is deeply adored by colleagues, students, and community members alike. She consistently puts others before herself, always seeking out ways to lend a hand or make a difference. Her presence uplifts every space she enters, and she has a remarkable ability to leave people and projects better than she found them. Brittney embodies the values of Beta and is an exemplary role model for students and sponsors across the nation.