Central Elementary Beta Wins National Titles

In just its second year attending competitions, the Hollow Rock-Bruceton Central Elementary (CES) BETA Club brought home top honors at the National Junior BETA Convention, held June 27–29 in Orlando, Florida at the Gaylord Palms Convention Center.

CES Beta Club members. Back row, from left: Preslei Sterling, Ella Page, Kinze Lowe, and Kaylynn Barrett. Front row, from left: Shiloh Hollingsworth and Ariella Hall. Photo by Jesse Joseph

National Title Win

Kaylynn Barrett and Ariella Hall claimed the National Championship title in the Performing Arts Solo, Duo, Trio: Variety category with a routine that featured Barrett dancing and Hall singing Jennifer Hudson’s version of The Impossible Dream.

"It felt really good to go to Nationals because Kaylynn and I got to represent Central Elementary School," said Hall. "The fact that we were able to win against all of those talented people from so many other states and schools was exciting and shocking."

While in line to accept Hollingsworth’s photography award, Barrett recalled hearing the announcement of their own win.

Ariella Hall and Kaylynn Barrett with their National Championship Trophy, for their song and dance performance of Jennifer Hudson's rendition of Impossible Dream. Photo by Jesse Joseph

"I heard loud cheering, screaming, and clapping, so I knew something had happened, but I couldn’t hear [clearly]," she said. "Then they were like, ‘We must have second,’ and when they called a different school, everyone was in shock because we got first!"

She also reflected on the performance itself.

"I was going over the steps in my head and on my turn, I stuck it," Barrett said. "When we performed again, I was shocked when Ariella went that high and that long on ‘star.’ On stage, it was really fun besides all the glitter on stage."

The two girls expressed their excitement for the program and the opportunity to represent CES Beta Club.

Runner-Up Title

Shiloh Hollingsworth proudly displays her National runner-up trophy and the winning photo she captured. Photo by Jesse Joseph

In addition to the performance win, rising fifth grader Shiloh Hollingsworth earned second place in the nation for Visual Arts: Color Photography with a photo of train tracks she captured on a Sunday morning.

"I wasn't able to attend the National Beta Convention in Orlando, but I was able to watch the awards presentation on the livestream through the Beta app," said Hollingsworth. "I was very excited when I saw I won 2nd place!"

Last Act as Principal

Although club sponsors Sarah Page and DeAnna Klamm were unable to attend the event, they cheered on the students from afar. Former CES Principal Deborah Martin stepped in to accompany the group as one of her final acts before officially retiring.

“It was a wonderful experience as I finish my final few days as Central Elementary School principal,” said Martin. “I know the three girls who attended the National Convention will always treasure the memories that were made. These girls represented Carroll County and Central Elementary School well and enjoyed this wonderful learning experience.”

CES Beta Club and Sponsors. Back row, from left: DeAnna Klamm, Preslei Sterling, Sarah Page, Ella Page, Kinze Lowe, Principal Deborah Martin, and Kaylynn Barrett. Front row, from left: Shiloh Hollingsworth and Ariella Hall. Photo by Jesse Joseph

Kinze Lowe served as CES Beta Club’s 5th grade representative officer, and also represented members who couldn't attend Nationals that competed in multiple categories including Scrapbooking, Quilling, Digital Photography, and 5th Grade Spelling. While CES Beta placed at the state convention, they didn't make the top ten at Nationals.

Kinze Lowe wearing her Beta Club Trading Pin Collection. Photo by Jesse Joseph

"The National Beta Convention was very fun," Lowe said. "I was so happy when Ariella and Kaylynn went on stage. We were all praying to get a trophy, and we did!"

Page and Klamm expressed their pride in the students and the entries that competed, as well as their gratitude to Martin for attending the convention.

“We were so grateful that Ms. Deborah Martin stepped in to accompany the families and be the CES representative,” they said. “Her last ‘hoorah,’ and what an exciting one it was. When Kaylynn landed her jumps and Ariella hit that last high note, we knew they were determined to win.”

Celebration

The group celebrated their accomplishments with a stop at AP’s Dairy Bar in Huntingdon on July 10.

Lowe showed off her collection of Beta Club Trading Pins, which she wore throughout most of the convention.

Preslei Sterling shows off her quilling project. Photo by Jesse Joseph

CES Beta member Preslei Sterling also showed off her quilling project.

Looking ahead, the BETA Club is already preparing for next year’s national competition, which is set to take place at Opryland Hotel in Nashville.

“We are so proud of our students, their parents, and all the time and effort put into our club and their performances and projects,” said Page and Klamm. “This is only CES Beta Club’s second year to attend state and qualify for nationals. We can’t wait to see what comes next.”

Central Elementary Beta Wins National Titles

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Central Elementary Beta Wins National Titles

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