McKenzie High School Beta Club Inducts 33 New Members

McKENZIE (September 14) — The McKenzie High School Beta Club welcomed 33 new members Sunday afternoon in the annual Induction Ceremony in the high school theatre.

Parliamentarian Landyn McLearen called the ceremony to order, and Vice President Brody Berryhill welcomed all. Secretary Kailynn Cowan led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Treasurer Savannah Donat, Reporter Madelyn Morris and member Emma Haynes spoke about the National Beta Club and its mission and vision. Cowan, McLearen and Donat explained the significance of the Beta Emblem.

Morris, Haynes, Cowan and Berryhill then recited the Beta Club Creed, which highlights the principles of honesty, justice, service, cooperation, responsibility, industriousness, humility and charity.

Next, Beta sponsor Traci Lunn introduced guest speaker (her daughter) Emily Lunn. A 2018 MHS graduate, Lunn was actively involved in Beta. She graduated from Bethel University in 2021. She now serves as the Southwest Regional Director of the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network as well as worship leader of the Young Adult ministry at Overflow Church.

Lunn spoke about the importance of Beta in shaping her growth. She said Beta taught her not to let obstacles define her and that she found more than academics in the club, she developed a sense of service and relationships.

She spoke with pride about being part of the Beta team that earned second in the nation with its project, "Rebel Closet", a program to serve the less fortunate that continues today. She said, "Lives were changed because of small acts of kindness and generosity."

Lunn spoke about the importance of challenging yourself while not comparing yourself to others. "What truly matters is your heart, your kindness and your relationships with people. In a world where you can be anything, choose kind."

She reminded the Beta members that reputation is created from repetitive acts and challenged them to ask themselves how they want to be remembered.

Lunn concluded by expressing her love for Beta and urging members not to take it lightly. "It's a true honor that you will carry with you the rest of your life."

The event continued with the candle-lighting ceremony.

Berryhill lit the white candle, which signifies light, purity and faith.

Cowan lit the red candle, which signifies pure love, wisdom and bravery.

Donat lit the blue candle, which signifies truth, constancy and fidelity.

Morris lit the black candle, which signifies dignity, restraint and seriousness.

Haynes lit the gold candle, which signifies warmth, friendship and faithfulness.

Beta sponsors Derek Collins, Gina Pate and Traci Lunn addressed the inductees and administered the Pledge of Membership. Each inductee was presented a certificate.

Principal Kelly Spivey delivered the Principal’s Challenge. He said he hoped the inductees listened to the words of the club’s mission and took them to heart. He noted academics are just a qualifier and a gateway to Beta, but that the other pillars, such as character, service and leadership, are just as important. He challenged each of the students to live up to the motto “be of good character, be a servant,” and to be vigilant with their academics, "the key to the door".

McLearen officially closed the event and invited all to enjoy refreshments in the lobby.

Inductees included juniors Lashontiana Clark, Jasmine Curtis and Allie Giles and sophomores Braylin Auvenshine, Delta Baker, Kaydynce Barksdale, Kynadie Brown, Sophie Cole, Aden Cook, Addison Courtney, Cooper Davidson, Addison Davis, Molly Drewry, Maggie Hall, Breah Harris, Addyson Lee, Addyson Littleton, Carleigh Lunn, Addison Milam, Mia Nerie, Cayden Ownby, Stephanie Padilla, Olivia Pate, Matthias Pierce, Katelyn Prather, Bella Sass, Lillian Simmons, Kourtlyn Sisemore, Jaycee Stafford, Natalia Taylor, Sophie Taylor, Breanna Townsend and Marshal Vinson.