Five Junior Beta Club students were recognized at the Regional Leadership Summit, held on Sept. 24-25 in Cape Girardeau. Due to their outstanding performance, the middle school students have earned a spot at the National Beta Club Convention, which will be held in Nashville next June.

Cambreigh Chancey, Hallie Kleffner, Piper Sandusky, Emma Meurer, and Berlin Barton placed in the Collaborative Connection challenge, which focused on communication and teamwork and the “All the World’s a Stage” competition, where they wrote and performed a Charlotte’s Web-inspired skit, which highlighted the four pillars of Beta Club.

Along with the competition, students in attendance from across the state listened to motivational speakers, connected with community leaders, along with the leadership challenges.

The students have now earned their place at the National Convention, which will be held from June 23-27, 2026.

The National Beta Club was started by Dr. John West Harris, who had a joy of learning, which led to a joy of teaching, and he stressed that academics and life experiences were equally valuable. In 1934, his dream became a reality with the establishment of the National Beta Club, a national organization that honors and recognizes students for their achievement, leadership qualities and character.

National Beta Club teaches students through service to their communities, along with Beta activities and conventions held at the state and national level. Students learn the importance of serving others through hands-on experiences and service learning projects.

What began as one club made up of 15 members in South Carolina is now recognized internationally with more than 500,000 members of the National Beta Club.