Trent Friedel
Founded in 1934, Beta is the nation’s largest educational youth organization. Saint Mary’s student Anna Kate Jackson is the current State president, elected in March of this year. The club headed to Orlando last weekend to compete at the National Convention. Lights, Camera Jackson! was the theme of Jackson’s run for national office.
The movie reference was what she used to promote herself as the director of a film that involved every Beta as a star that is empowered to be a leader. Her platform is to highlight mental health awareness and state communication. The group earned first place honors for their National Beta skit. Clary Smiley won fourth place in onsite art.
The crowning achievement was Jackson’s election as the National Beta President.
There are over half a million active members with 8,750 clubs nationally and internationally. Beta’s mission statement is that the clubs exist to “promote the ideals of academic achievement, character, service and leadership among elementary and secondary students.”
