At Meridian High School, a group of dedicated students is proving that academic achievement and community service go hand in hand. The Beta Club, comprising 21 talented young adults, represents the school's commitment to excellence in leadership, character, and service.

"Beta is a student-led organization that recognizes and rewards academic achievement, character, service, and leadership," explains sponsor Lisa Harris, who has guided the club for three years.

The organization is led by a team of student officers: President Othman Abukhdair, Vice President Layla Hyte, Treasurer Kevin Emanuel, and Secretary Kurissa Fitzgerald. This leadership structure allows members to develop organizational skills while advancing the club's mission.

Meridian's Beta Club achieved remarkable success at this year's state convention in Springfield, with four students qualifying for nationals in three separate events—an impressive accomplishment that surpasses even larger schools in the region.

"We competed in the solo, duo, trio vocalist category and got third place," explains Emanuel, a senior who has been in Beta Club since his sophomore year. He and Abukhdair performed a rap that captivated the audience and judges alike.

"The crowd went wild," Emanuel shares with pride. "People were holding up phones, recording us. It was like we were actual famous artists performing out there."

Abukhdair, who has been involved in Beta since eighth grade, adds with a smile, "I was the real Drake, and he was Travis Scott."

Minique Blake, a sophomore member, earned second place in sculpture with an impressive welded flower, demonstrating the diverse talents within the club. Another senior member placed third in the spelling bee competition, rounding out Meridian's impressive showing.

These achievements qualify the students to compete at the national convention in Orlando this June, where they hope to represent their school on an even bigger stage. Harris and the students are currently working to secure funding and chaperones for the trip.

Beyond competitions, Beta Club members commit to serving their community. Each student must document at least 30 hours of unpaid community service annually to remain in good standing.

"I help clean the church with my grandma," Blake explains of her service hours. "Doing a good deed so I can have a good Sunday."

Other members contribute through mechanical work, lawn care for elderly neighbors, and babysitting. The club also assists with school events, including preschool graduation, music programs, and an upcoming blood drive.

Harris encourages the development of more structured service opportunities. "I hope to see Beta Club organize work in nursing homes and activities for Thanksgiving and Valentine's Day," she says. "We want to become a true community group."

The positive influence of Beta Club extends beyond service hours. Members are held to high standards of behavior and attendance, serving as role models for the entire student body.

"I keep telling them all the time that they are the role models in the building," Harris emphasizes. "They can't come in late, they can't stay home all the time, they can't be getting sent to the office."

Kurissa Fitzgerald, an 11th-grade member who has participated since eighth grade, appreciates the organization's impact. She particularly enjoyed "watching everybody do different things" at this year's convention, noting the quality of her fellow members.

The annual state convention provides opportunities for members to showcase their talents while connecting with peers from other schools. Events range from academic competitions and performing arts to visual arts categories like painting and sculpture.

"Convention was a very fun experience," reflects Emanuel. "It was better than the first because I am doing more stuff than last year. It was a pretty new experience for me, which I really liked a lot."

Harris beams with pride when discussing her students' growth. "He has come out of his shell," she notes about Emanuel, highlighting the personal development Beta Club fosters.

As Abukhdair puts it simply but accurately: "We're just a group of individuals that want to make our way to our futures."