LUMBERTON – National Beta is proud to announce the Public Schools of Robeson County as a 2022-2023 National Beta District of Distinction.
This award is given to deserving districts that offer National Beta in all schools in their district, and induct qualifying students in all eligible grades (4‐12). PSRC, which is one of only 42 districts to receive the award nationwide, is the largest district to receive the recognition.
This is the second year in a row the district has been recognized as a district of distinction. PSRC was recognized among 36 districts nationwide as a 2021-2022 National District of Distinction.
Through the exceptional efforts of parents, club sponsors and deserving Beta members, PSRC has flourished since the district’s initial Beta charter.
This national award speaks highly of the school district’s commitment to academic excellence, leadership development and service involvement, and illustrates their dedication to preparing students for college, and career readiness. The students in their district understand the importance of these qualities and exemplify the Beta motto, “Let Us Lead by Serving Others.”
“We are very proud to receive this recognition as a district. It is a testament to the hard work put forth by our students, Beta sponsors and our Curriculum, Instruction and Accountability Director Andrew Davis in Beta Club events and activities at our schools,” said PSRC Superintendent Dr. Freddie Williamson.
“Our scholars and Beta sponsors deserve all the credit. Without them, this award would not have been possible. Robeson County is one of only two districts in the state of North Carolina — and the largest district in the country — to receive this award,” said Andrew Davis, PSRC’s director of Curriculum, Instruction and Accountability.
Pembroke Elementary School Principal Joanna Hunt said she has watched her students live out the Beta motto and serve others in various ways and projects.
“Students in the Beta Club not only excel academically but also learn the meaning of community service and leadership. Beta officers were elected by Beta members after campaigning on campus for various positions,” she said.
Beta Club membership also has provided opportunities for students to travel and compete, she said.
“Through the Beta experience, our students have been able to travel to Greensboro and collaborate with other Beta students throughout the state. They were able to compete in a variety of competitions from art, academics, photography, sewing and beading. Now they will get the experience of traveling to Kentucky to compete on a national level,” Hunt said.
More than 300 PSRC students attended events and participated in a variety of competitions at the NC State Beta Convention in Greensboro earlier this year.
Students brought home 35 awards including nine first-place State Champion Awards. Prospect Elementary School student Keely Deal also was elected North Carolina Junior State President for the 2023-2024 school year. All students who placed at the State Convention have the opportunity to compete at the National Beta Competition this summer in Louisville, Kentucky.
Award recipients received a National Beta District of Distinction award to proudly display at their district office. In addition, National Beta District of Distinction principals received a plaque to display at their school.
About National Beta:
National Beta is the largest independent, non-profit, educational youth organization in America. Since its beginnings in 1934, National Beta has been committed to providing students with a positive experience in a supportive manner in grades 4-12. The organization recognizes outstanding achievement, promotes character and social responsibility, encourages service involvement to school and community, and fosters leadership skills.
For more information about National Beta, visit betaclub.org.