HERTFORD — Twenty-six students at Perquimans Middle School took the pledge of National Beta membership at a recent induction ceremony, marking what organizers called the launch of an inaugural chapter they hope will become a lasting tradition.
Beta Induction at Perquimans Middle
Amy Thompson, the school’s Beta Club chairperson and ceremony sponsor, welcomed inductees, their families and faculty to the event before walking students through the organization’s founding principles and the obligations of membership.
“It is my honor to welcome everyone to our National Beta induction ceremony,” Thompson said. “I’m proud to be the sponsor of this National Junior Beta Club. I am tasked with guiding this group of bright young individuals as they become members of this club, grow into leaders of our school and community, and focus on the four pillars of Beta, which include achievement, character, leadership, and service.”
Thompson noted the significance of the occasion for the school itself. “We are proud to induct these members into our inaugural chapter and look forward to continuing this tradition for many years to come,” she said.
The new inductees join a broad national and international network. Thompson told the students they were “joining the ranks of over 500,000 active Beta members both nationally and internationally.”
The Four Pillars
Current eighth-grade Beta members played a central role in the ceremony, taking turns presenting each of the four pillars on which the organization was founded. Thompson praised their participation afterward.
“It’s challenging to be a student and get up in front of a room of people and talk,” she said. “It’s hard for adults too, so thank you guys very much. You did an amazing job.”
The first pillar, achievement, was introduced by Thompson, who offered a precise definition: “Achievement, clearly defined, is a result gained by effort.” A student speaker followed with an elaboration, telling inductees that membership itself was an accomplishment but that the real work lay ahead.
“Maintaining one’s membership requires dedication and a focus on daily achievements,” the student said. “Betas are encouraged to stay motivated, be willing to contribute, and follow through to maintain success within this pillar. Challenge yourself, Betas.”
Thompson added: “Set goals and overcome obstacles.”
The second pillar, character, drew on the club’s history. A student speaker explained that National Beta was founded in 1934 by Dr. John W. Harris, who “set out to create an organization that helps students learn to make a life for themselves.” The speaker continued: “He knew that an individual of worthy and moral character who understood charity, cooperation, honesty, responsibility, and humility would be able to move forward in life with skills needed to work with others and give back to their community.”
Leadership, the third pillar, was presented by another student who framed it as a generational responsibility. “Our generation will one day become the leaders of tomorrow,” the student said. “We’ll need to learn how to properly translate vision into reality, to guide our fellow peers in the right direction through effective planning, decision-making, communication, and teamwork. But above all, we’ll need patience and a willingness to lead by example.”
The fourth and final pillar, service, carried the organization’s motto: “Let us lead by serving others.” A student speaker told the inductees that Beta’s founder believed service was “not only our duty but privilege.” The student urged the new members to be proactive: “I encourage you to make a habit of recognizing a need, big or small, in our school and community and share it with your fellow members. Together we will work to address the issue and make an impact.”
The Pledge
Following the pillar presentations, inductees stood, raised their right hands and repeated the pledge of National Beta membership, committing to “always strive to be honest and truthful, to maintain a believable scholarship record, to be of service to my teachers and peers, to conduct myself in an ethical and moral manner, and to reflect credit upon my school and community.”
Students were then called to the stage individually to receive their induction certificates. Thompson noted that official Beta pins and certificates from the national organization would be distributed at a meeting set for April 30th at 2:45 p.m., pending delivery from the national office.
New Members
The twenty-six students inducted were: Harper Ayers, Khai Billup, Charlotte Branham, Alizabeth Byrum, Caroline Caddy, Pierce Caldwell, Aubree Davis, Brody Ferebee, Lilah Gadpaille, Adilene Hernandez Ramos, Lily Lane, Jackson Langley, Emily Lassiter, Scarlett Lassiter, Grace McClintock, Valeria Mendoza-Ordaz, Alyssa Mulch, Bryce Ravenscraft, Drew Roberts, Taylor Rountree, Dallas Sweeney, Isla Sweeney, Lillian Wharton, Hadley Williams, Christopher Winslow, Kaiden Winslow, Evelyn Workman.
Thompson closed the ceremony with a message to the new members and their families.
“Parents, friends, and loved ones, I hope you’re as proud as I am of these amazing new Beta members,” she said. “Betas, I encourage you to always be a leader, demonstrate good character, work hard in your academic endeavors, and serve others before yourself. I look forward to seeing how membership in this organization impacts you and how you in turn will impact the world.
Inductees — photos come from Perquimans Middle School
