On Friday afternoon, October 9, 2015 the Northumberland Middle School chapter of the National Junior Beta Club held a candlelight induction ceremony in the school's auditorium. Twenty-three students were added to the club's membership this year.
Following a welcome by Tahi Wiggins, 2014-15 Jr. Beta President, Annie Newsome, 2014-15 Jr. Beta Secretary, led those in attendance in the pledge of allegiance. Rachel Jackson, 2014-15 Jr. Beta Vice-President delivered the devotion and Mrs. Cindy Swift, JrBETA co-sponsor, then explained the purposes of National Junior Beta Club.
Beta is a service organization open to all seventh and eighth grade students at NMS who meet specified criteria. Among the requirements are the maintenance of high academic standards as evidenced by having earned an overall minimum of 4 “A’s” and 2 “B’s” during the previous year.
Exemplary behavior is also expected of all Beta students. Club members must not have any disciplinary referrals for a full semester prior to the induction and during their tenure in the organization.
After the requirements were explained to the students, parents and faculty members in attendance, 2014-15 Jr. Beta Officers performed the candlelight induction ceremony. Inductees were let to the stage, introduced to the audience and presented with their certificates. Tahi Wiggins then led the inductees in the Beta Club pledge.
Congratulatory remarks were expressed by Mr. Michael Ransome, NMS Principal, Dr. Rebecca Gate, NCPS Superintendent and Mrs. Krista Hundley Sisk, NMS counselor and JrBeta co-sponsor.
Jr. Beta Club members who maintain the required academic standard, uphold an admirable discipline record, and complete their community service hours are eligible for immediate membership into the Northumberland High School Sr. Beta Club as they move into the 9th grade.