At this year’s Mississippi BETA Convention, Newton County High School brought strong leadership, school spirit, and a series of top placements across several competitions, with junior Hylan Murrell leading the way as a candidate for State BETA President.
“I was running for State Mississippi BETA President,” said Hylan. “My biggest thing when I went into the campaign was not to have any regrets when I came back, and that’s exactly what I did. I wanted to go for it strong because I only had one chance to run, and I had a good time doing it with my convention members.”
In addition to campaigning, Hylan also participated in the spelling test category. “I did not place in that. They had top five, but I did not place,” he explained.
While Hylan didn’t bring home a win in the election, several of his fellow BETA Club members earned high placements in their events:
Charley Hollingsworth placed 2nd in the Solo, Duo, Trio Performing Arts Division for his guitar performance.
Marleigh Pinson earned 2nd place in the Scrapbook Competition.
Cha’Nya Johnson contributed to the Service Learning Showcase Project, which placed 4th in the state.
“We had a scrapbook that placed second in the state of Mississippi, and Marleigh Pinson was over that. She did an amazing job,” Hylan said. “That’s a club group thing that you can do.”
He also noted the team’s success in the Service Learning category. “The Service Learning Project placed fourth. That was a club project that placed, and that was really good,” he added.
In addition to their competitive events, Newton County BETA students also participate in meaningful service work. “We donated to the hurricane victims,” said BETA sponsor Stacy Sanders. “We sent it with a local church when they sent a shipment.”
For Hylan, BETA is about more than competition. “Beta is about working together, helping others in our communities and our schools,” he said. “I enjoy helping people, teaching people. I was blessed with many talents and I love sharing my talents with people.”
From leadership campaigns to service projects, the students of Newton County High School’s BETA Club continue to represent their school with pride and purpose, showing exactly what it means to lead and serve.
