By Kristin Martin
Vernon Middle School’s Jr. Beta Club rocked the National Beta Convention in June, placing nine times in the competition, while club member Kayson Hawkins ranked in the top three candidates running for National Vice President.
Hawkins, whose campaign was promoted by his fellow students at VMS, also found support from the neighboring Bonifay K-8 and Roulhac Middle School Jr. Beta Clubs. Students from all three schools could be found at the convention wearing campaign shirts featuring the “Rockin’ with Hawkins†logo.
“It was a great honor to advance to top three candidates for national Vice President,†said Hawkins. “I am so proud of our hometown of Vernon for placing in nine categories at the national level. I am so excited to serve as your Jr. Beta Vice President at the state level this year. Although I did not win [the national election], I built new relationships that will last a lifetime with what I view as my family because I view Beta as a big family, not just a club.â€
Jr. Beta Sponsor Kathleen Coleman said the group excelled in many areas of competition, bringing home awards in the following categories:
Apparel Design – 1st Place (Club)
On-Site Painting – 2nd place (Nylah Brown)
Portfolio – 3rd (Club)
Two-Dimensional Design – 3rd (Club)
Painting – 3rd (Nylah Brown)
Songfest – 4th (Club)
Solo/Duo/Trio – 6th (Christian Burger)
Pottery – 8th place (Kyley Harrison)
Service Learning – 8th (Club)
Jr Beta Vice Presidential Candidate – Top 3 Candidate (Kayson Hawkins)
“We are extremely proud of their accomplishments,†said Coleman. “They worked very hard but had a lot of fun together.â€
VMS is now preparing to compete at the state convention in January 2024.
Hannah Collins 
Staff Report 
KINSLEY COOK