The National Beta Club is an educational program that promotes leadership, academic excellence and service learning.

Junior Beta consists of grades fourth through eighth, and Senior Beta consists of ninth through twelfth grade students.

Michelle Harvey, Cassville fifth-grade teacher, along with Jamie Pearman, Cassville fourth-grade teacher, will serve as chapter advisors for the introduction of the Junior Beta Club for the 2022-2023 school year.

“Along with teaching the Beta pillars of leadership, community service, and academic excellence, students get to compete in an array of competitions,” Harvey said. “Competitions include academics, fine arts, and robotics. Students can also run for a state office.

“There are so many different types of competitions within each category, so a student can pick the best fit for his or her talent, but is not mandatory to compete in competitions.”

Harvey said she and Permian are both excited to be starting The Beta Club in the Intermediate.

“Cassville is full of very smart talented students that will thrive if given an opportunity to showcase their skills,” she said. “When [Superintendent] Dr. [Merlyn] Johnson first approached us to discuss this club, we were interested in it, but we’re clueless about Beta. In fact, we had never heard of it.

“He invited us to attend the convention back in December to get a better understanding of what the club entails. After walking around the convention, listening to the students, and viewing their projects, we knew it was something we needed to bring back to Cassville’s fourth and fifth graders.”

Harvey said after several months of talking over ideas and what it would look like at Cassville Intermediate, Johnson and Intermediate School Principal Swadley proposed the idea to the school board.

“We received a go ahead, finalized the details and invited students to join the club,” Harvey said. “We will have over 30 students in fourth and fifth grade along with 10 sixth graders.

“They are all super excited to get involved and said they are ready for Beta to start.”

Harvey said she expects this coming school year to be full of fun and learning. “We will be participating in a few contests at the convention, but mostly we will use this year as a learning year along with what to expect for the future,” she said.

Johnson said students will participate in local service projects and academic and performance competitions at the local level and at the state convention in Branson.

“If the Elementary Beta Club is successful, the district plans to begin a Junior Beta Club in the Middle School and eventually a Senior Beta Club in the High School in future years,” he said. “There are countless benefits for students who become Beta Club members.

“Members will learn valuable life lessons and will make lifelong friends with other Betas across Missouri, the United States, and the globe.”

Johnson said Beta activities range from academic contests to quiz bowls to talent competitions.

“The National Beta Club Scholarship Program offers over $300,000 in scholarships to outstanding Beta members in their 12th grade year,” Johnson said. “Over 275 scholarships are awarded each year, ranging in value from $1,000 to $20,000.”

Johnson said he has been involved in Beta Club throughout his professional career.

“I was a Junior and Senior Beta Club sponsor when I was a teacher and am presently serving on the Missouri Beta Club Council,” he said. “I have always been passionate about teaching students the importance of being servant leaders.

“I am hopeful Beta Club will be well received by the students and families of Cassville. I fully endorse the Beta Club and am confident that our students will be positively impacted both academically and socially — all while having a lot of fun.”