Dexter, Missouri - Second grade students at Southwest Elementary in Dexter kicked-off their annual Coin Drive for Veterans on Monday, November 2^nd.

Captain (Chaplain) Mike Williams of the Air Force Reserve was on hand Friday to talk about Veterans and what they have done and still do for our country. He also explained what a valuable contribution and sacrifice they have made for our country.

Children are encouraged to bring in pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters.  There will be a collection can in each classroom and the class that collects the most money will be rewarded with a pizza party.  The American Legion Auxiliary will provide the pizza party.

Then on November 11^th at the Veterans Day Program in the Bearcat Event Center the students will be recognized for their efforts.  All money collected will be donated to the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery located in Bloomfield.

If you do not have a child at Southwest Elementary, but wish to donate to a classroom, please contact Mrs. Kerri Kruse at (573) 614-1015 to drop off your coins.

Dexter, Missouri - Talent is no stranger to Keiton Buck!

He is a 7th  grade student at T.S. Hill Middle School and can rock the roof off the gym with his rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.

Keiton is the son of Lori Buck of Dexter, Missouri.  He is a member of the JR Beta Club and Choir.

He may be small, but his voice is big! 

Keiton wowed the crowd with the National Anthem at the Jr Beta Club Induction Ceremony on Friday, October 30th. And again at the start of the Bearcat boys basketball game on Monday, November 2nd.  He crushed it in front of a packed middle school gym.  It's a must see performance by this young man.

We shall see more of him over the next few years!  Don't miss out on a chance to hear him sing.

Dexter, Missouri - One of the largest JR Beta Clubs in the state of Missouri held their 4th annual JR Beta Induction Ceremony at T.S. Hill Middle School in Dexter, Missouri.

Sponsors of the Jr Beta Club were on hand to light ceremonial candles. 

"Our club is a leadership-service organization, and we hope to be of service to our school, community, state, and nation.  These three candles, the red, white, and blue are symbolic of our nation and its ideas," state Mrs. Ramsey.

Mrs. Ramsey lit the white candle.  "White stands for light, purity, and faith.  As members of the Beta Club, we will work to hold to these principles and accept the responsibility of membership." 

Mrs. Simmons lit the red candle.  "The candle I have lit is red.  This color denotes pure love and wisdom and suggests bravery."

"Another objective of the National Beta Club is to encourage fellowship and cooperation.  We ask for wisdom and courage to live up to the motto of our club, Let Us Lead by Serving Others."

Mrs. Duncan lit the blue candle.  "I light the blue candle, which is symbolic of truth and fidelity.  This is essential in expressing loyalty to our nation, but also loyalty to our club and our school."

"The third objective of the National Beta Club is to reward effort and achievement.  We students are here today, being recognized for that achievement."

"You will notice that the candles in this group show the colors of The National Jr Beta Club: black and gold.  Black symbolizes dignity and seriousness."

"The fourth objective of the National Beta Club is to inspire honesty, which is necessary to be a good citizen.  As members of our Beta Club, we intend to grow into more trustworthy members of the student body," stated Mrs. Miller.

Mrs. Dement lit the gold candle.  "I represent the members in this club.  I lit the golden candle, which stands for warmth, friendship, and faithfulness.  We will work to become better citizens in our school, community, and nation."

Mrs. Nancy Langley, school counselor and Jr Beta Club Sponsor Team Leader came to the podium and asked all students to stand and raise their right hand.

"You have heard an explanation of the objectives of this organization from which you have received invitations.  Do you wish to join the Jr Beta Club in the promotion of its goals?"

"Yes, we do!" the students proclaimed.

"Then repeat after me," commented Langley.  "I hereby declare that I shall always strive to be honest and truthful at all times to maintain a creditable scholastic record; to be of service to my teachers and fellowmen, to conduct myself in an ethical and moral manner to reflect credit upon my school and community."

After the students were officially inducted, Mr. Kruse spoke the closing remarks.

"New members we welcome you into the Jr Beta Club and to all rights and privileges of membership.  You will receive your Jr Beta club pin, certificate, and membership card at a later date."

"We hope you will always be proud to know you were members of a long lasting organization that will remain a big part of T.S. Hill Middle school.  Members of a club that will take pride in doing many great things for our school and our community.  We look forward to seeing you experience the excitement and fun of the Jr Beta Club Convention on Friday, December 4th in Poplar Bluff, Missouri.  To those competing we wish you luck and to our new inductees we say....CONGRATULATIONS!"
 
Below is a list of Existing Betas.  A list of the New Members was in a previous article on the ShowMe Times.

Dexter, Missouri - More than 130 new JR BETA CLUB members were inducted at T.S. Hill Middle School on Friday, October 30th at a special ceremony held for parents, special guests, board members and teachers.

Mr. Gavin Miller, Asst. Principal welcomed everyone and introduced 8th grade student and Jr Beta member Tyler Montgomery to lead the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Keiton Buck lead everyone in singing of our National Anthem and what an amazing job Keiton did.....brought tears to the eyes of many with his rendition of our nation's anthem!

This is the fourth year for the T.S. Hill Middle School Jr Beta program and it has proven to serve a purpose and fill several needs at the school.

The students have sponsored canned food drives, Old School Chili Suppers, hosted formal Winter dances, and worked on several service projects including a flower garden improvement at Southwest Elementary School," commented T.S. Hill Middle School principal Scott Kruse.  "They have picked up trash throughout our district campuses, hosted a paper product drive for Mother-to-Mother program, as well as providing an amazing Christmas for area families in need through the support of the Daily Statesman's Operation Santa."

In December of 2014, they ran their first ever Jr Beta candidate.  Irene Huang was elected State Jr. Beta President and will preside over their State of Missouri convention on December 4, 2015.

The students were inducted on Friday were invited to join the Jr. Beta Club, not based on a specific skill or talent.  They are not selected because of superior athletic ability or musical gifts.  It's not a popularity contest!

"This club emphasizes and recognizes students who understand the importance of things like: Achievement, Character, Leadership, and Service," stated Kruse.

Almost 300 students have worked hard in the classroom and are all meeting Honor Roll standards.  They must continually focus on their academics in order to remain a member of Jr. Beta.

Jr. Beta students consistently show their teachers and administrators that they understand what it means to do the right thing.  Students must represent the school, their club, and their community in only the best ways.

Jr. Beta members are leaders in their school and their community.  They set the example and are the role models for other students to emulate and follow.  Through the Jr. Beta Club they have the opportunity to be recognized for their positive attitude and efforts.

The Beta Club motto is, "Let us lead by serving others."  That's exactly what the T.S. Hill Middle School Jr. Beta Club members do is to lead their school by serving the community and their fellow classmates.

Congratulations to all of the new members as well as returning members of the Jr. Beta Club of T.S. Hill Middle School.

Shown in the photo above are Scott Kruse, T.S. Hill Middle School Principal, Gavin Miller, T.S. Hill Middle School Assistant Principal, and Nancy Langley, T.S. Hill Middle School Counselor showing their support for Miss Kyla Propst with her speech as she will be running for State Jr. Beta Chaplain.

The following names are NEW MEMBERS of the 2015 Jr. Beta Club:

Dexter, Missouri - The 2015 Jr. Beta Club Induction Ceremony was held on Friday, October 30th at T.S. Hill Middle School.

Irene Huang was elected State Jr. Beta President during the 2014 State Convention and will preside over their State of Missouri convention on December 4, 2015.  She was elected by more than 3,000 of her peers.

She spoke to a packed gym of teachers, parents, special guests, board of directors, and the entire middle school student class.  Below is her speech from the Induction Ceremony.

"Good morning, Betas!  How are we doing today?  This summer, I learned a little chant that encourages me to stay positive and happy.  I would like all of you to do it with me."  She explained how the chant went and the participation was overwhelming.  The students were really excited to chant and cheer with her.

"Welcome to our annual T.S. Hill Junior Beta Induction Ceremony parents, teachers, sponsors, and my fellow Betas!  My name is Irene Huang, your Missouri State Junior Beta President!"

"As you can see, we have a tremendous group of dedicated students at T.S. Hill.  This year, we have 294 members in our Dexter Jr. Beta Club.  This is the most we have ever had and I would like to congratulate all of you on your achievements.  new members, we welcome you to Junior Beta.  This club is a wonderful opportunity for each of you to get involved with our school and prepare you for your future."

"Some of you might be wondering what exactly Junior Beta is.  Many believe Beta is just a club for kids with good grades or another opportunity for our school to get good publicity.  While those things are true, Beta Club also promotes character, develops leadership skills, encourages service involvement, and much more.  Overall, it is a great association that encourages students to develop their skills and abilities that they may not have been aware they possessed."

"I am honored to be here, to introduce each of you about the vast amount of things Beta has to offer.  I would also like to take a moment to simply thank all of our sponsors.  They have invested time in our students to help us reach our academic goals and achieve accomplishments beyond our expectations.  Thanks for helping ME to reach MY goals.  I am proud member and I love representing our school and organization.  Now it's your turn.  Remember to carry the torch and maintain your momentum.  Remember to tell yourself, "I feel great and I AM great!"