^{Written by}

^{Beth Farrah, SMT Writer}

Branson, Missouri – The 75^th annual Missouri State Beta Convention was held at the Moon River Theater in Branson, Missouri over the weekend and the local high schools in the bootheel represented their towns and schools very well over the course of the two day convention. This year’s theme was “Making History with Beta”, in honor of celebrating Beta Club’s eighty years of service after being founded in 1934 by Dr. John W. Harris. Missouri was introduced to Beta five years after it was first founded and was originated in Fredericktown.

The bootheel has been represented at the state and even national convention. Last year, all three officers elected into office at the state convention were from this area and we are very proud of that accomplishment! Sadly enough, Darren Green (Malden), Kannon Qualls (Richland), and Kendra Elder (Secretary) had to retire from their positions as they prepare to graduate from high school in May and pass the torch to the younger generation of upcoming senior students.

There were a total of thirteen skits, campaigns, and candidates for this year’s convention. There were two candidates for state secretary: Molly French (Malden) and Drake Nilges (Bourbon). For Vice President there were six candidates: Cord Cooper (Leopold), Mason Douglas (Twin Rivers), Brenna Hancock (Puxico), Haley Holiday (Fredericktown), Chase Johnson (Van Buren), and Teanna Simpson (Koshkonong). For President, there were five candidates: Emma Cook (Meadow Heights), Ethan Cooper (Portageville), Alex Eggert (West Plains), Abby G. Shembra (Clearwater), and Lindsey Young (Bloomfield).

After the skits were performed on the first night at first session, the question and answer session was presented the next morning in the second session, and a lot of campaigning being done outside of session, the votes were finally in. The 2014-2015 Missouri State Secretary is Drake Nilges, the Vice President is Mason Douglas, and the President is Lindsey Young. Each candidate has a chance to attend the National Beta Convention held in June at Richmond, Virginia and represent Missouri by running for office at the National level. The convention will be hosted by our Missouri and National Beta President Darren Green.

Aside from the candidates and their campaigns, there were a lot of other things going on at this year’s convention. There were multiple tests being taken during the first day before session. There were academic tests in each subject along with different forms of art, writing, and of course, Quiz Bowl. During the second session, there was also a musical performance competition that was divided into two categories. The first category consisted of Special Talent which was either a solo performance or a group of four or less. The winners for Special Talent were: Ash Grove High School (1^st), Leopold High School (2^nd), and Greenville High School (3^rd). The second on-stage competition was Group Talent, which was a group performance to a medley of songs. The winners were Malden High School “Beta Night Live” (1^st), Bloomfield High School “The South” (2^nd), and Neelyville High School “Wizard of Oz Medley” (3^rd).

Since Beta is known for their motto “Lead by Serving Others”, there are awards known as the John W. Harris Awards that are handed out each year. Across the country, there are only twenty-five given to Beta members each year. Bell City was given this award for their outstanding leadership throughout the year. Bell City raised over $2,000 out of the $6,000 that Missouri State Beta Club raised and donated to their yearly charity of St. Jude Childrens’ Hospital.

Missouri is the proud home of our National Beta President, Darren Green, and will be sending numerous Beta members to Nationals this summer to compete in academic testing, art, web design, Quiz Bowl, and even run for office. Congratulations to all of the new officers!