Troy Hatcher, an eighth grade Jr. Beta Club member at New Heights Middle School, received the John W. Harris Leadership Award at the state Jr. Beta Club Convention held in Myrtle Beach in December.

Groups of students from New Heights Middle participated in the following competitions: Living Literature, Beta Club Banner, Group Talent (Step Team), Tower of Power, Quiz Bowl, Math Bowl, Science Bowl and Poster. NHMS won first place in the Jr. Beta Club Banner Contest. Eighth grade student Katherine Miller, sang the National Anthem during the Opening Session, with approximately 3,000 in attendance.

Each year, The National Beta Club recognizes deserving students in Junior and Senior Beta Clubs throughout the country with the John W. Harris Leadership Award. The success of these Beta members is an inspiration to all and serves as motivation to improve the school and community. The central theme for this year was “Leadership Through Service Builds Character.” As a result, the criteria focused on proven leadership skills, services to school and community and character traits in the Beta Club Creed. Nominees must be a Beta in good standing.