PHOTO: Beta Club students from DeKalb County who were elected to state offices. Brayden Fricks (Sylvania) was elected Reporter, Kate Berry (Henagar) was elected Secretary, Sara Beth Vinson (Plainview) was elected Vice President, and Lily Rowell (Geraldine) was elected President. (Tyler Pruett | Southern Torch)
By Tyler Pruett, Managing Editor
RAINSVILLE, Ala. — The DeKalb County Board of Education recognized students at the last work session and meeting who had placed at the state level during competitions and elections.
The board of education first recognized Beta Club students from DeKalb County who were elected to state offices. Superintendent Dr. Jason Barnett recognized first, 4th Grader Brayden Fricks of Sylvania, who was elected as the Alabama State Beta Club Reporter. Barnett pointed out that Fricks’ parents are both educators with the DeKalb BOE.
Kate Berry, of Henagar, was also recognized for being elected as the state secretary, along with Sara Beth Vinson of Plainview for being elected Vice President, and Lily Rowell, from Geraldine who was elected state president.
Dr. Jason Barnett pointed out the achievement of having most of the state leadership from DeKalb County Schools: “Four out of the five officers were from DeKalb County,” he said.
Next, Jonathan Phillips of the DeKalb County Technology Center introduced their Opening and Closing Ceremony team, “This is only part of our group, we’ll actually have 20 going to nationals the third week in June," said Phillips.
The DeKalb County Career/Technical school had 29 medals in total, more than any college or high school in the State of Alabama, with 8 gold medals; a record for DeKalb County. The five (of seven) students featured at the meeting competed for best, “Opening/Closing Ceremony.”
David Holt explained that the group won gold medals at both district and state competitions, and are now advancing to nationals. Robotics, Healthcare, and Masonry also received awards at the state competition.
Phillips also recognized students who competed in the quiz bowl, mobile robotics, and masonry, who also won medals at the SkillsUsa State Competition.
