Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you became involved with National Beta?
As a child, I struggled with feeling accepted and finding where I belonged like most other pre-teens, being a part of Beta, gave my life meaning and helped me connect with others who I could relate to. Through their camps & conventions, I began coming out of my shell and into the confident person that I am today. I’m not sure I could’ve accomplished that without beta. I became the VA State President and loved my experience. I wanted to give those opportunities to other kids in my rural community.
What is your educational background and teaching experience?
I have a masters degree in elementary education and a degree in administration as well. I have taught 2nd, 5th, and currently teach kindergarten.
How has the National Beta positively impacted your students, community, and school culture?
We live in a very rural and economically deprived area, a lot of our students have never ventured outside of our town. I have always tried to find money and donations to bring our kids to state convention. We try to provide scholarships to a few kids each year. I will never forget the first time I took a kid who had never been anywhere to convention and we went under the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and her eyes got so big, and she said, “WOW! This is amazing!” with tears in her eyes. This made everything worth it in my eyes. If I can give that to as many kids as I can, I can only imagine the difference I can make in their lives. I want to show these kids that it’s more to life than our small town and to dream big. I think our club motivates students to do well academically so that they can be a part of the club. The community benefits from the community service the kids provide and they support our kids in major ways. We are grateful.
Why do you think Beta is particularly beneficial for middle school age students?
I think it’s beneficial for elementary school students because it helps motivate them to try at an earlier age and gives them goals to accomplish. They learn at an earlier age to serve others, be leaders, and it builds character.
What initiatives or projects have your Betas been involved in that you are particularly proud of?
We have a fund from our fundraisers for students who can’t afford field trips at our school, we try to give back to our school as much as possible. I think my favorite service project that we have done has been writing to members of the military from all over the world.
Can you share a particularly memorable moment or event from your time as a sponsor?
I think the story from above about the child leaving our small town for the first time is my favorite moment.
What are your goals for your Beta Club in the coming year?
My goal this year is to fundraise more than we ever had and take our biggest group yet to nationals. We never have taken a group bigger than 10, and my dream is to take everyone that would like to go.
Do you have any advice for new or prospective Beta Club sponsors?
Take the jump, start the club. Start small and build your club each year. Each year we try to add new competitions and recruit new volunteers to help. Always jot down your ideas as they come, it’s so rewarding to take the jump.
Optional Question! Is there one student who stands out to you, for whom Beta has made the biggest impact over their years as a member?I don’t think there is one student, I think each one impacts me in different ways. Each one has left a lasting impression on my heart in some way. We have laughed, cried, and made memories together that I will cherish for a lifetime.