On January 29th, 2022, members of Brunswick Early College Highschool’s charter of national Beta Club attended their first state convention in Greensboro. About 30 members went, and each participated in an online competition weeks prior, an onsite competition once arriving or, both. Either way, the sense of community was felt through the support each student gave one another.

Competitions ranged from more objective events such as academic exams to performing arts and creating works for display which were considered by panels of judges. Schools from all over the state attended and gathered for three general sessions where awards for each competition were awarded. BECHS placed in 6 competitions, 2 of which were online.

The online competition results were revealed at the first general session; Ashlyn Baldwin placed 4th in 10th Grade Language arts, and Gregori Fisher placed 2nd in 10th Grade Science. The winners of the onsite competitions are as follows: Dulce Dominguez placed 4th place in the club portfolio, a competition in displaying the club’s acts of service, Josie Tharp placed 5th in Division 1 speech, which was between 9th and 10th graders, and Presley Cerillo placed 3rd in Division 2 Jewelry, between 11th and 12th graders.

Our quiz bowl team, consisting of Presely Cerillo, Chase Crabtree, Mario Marshburn, and Jaleigh Callahan, placed 2nd overall. Brunswick Early College’s Beta Club learned from this experience and plans to compete again in next year’s convention with current members already making preparations.