A group of Lone Oak's Beta members standing on West Market St. in front of the famous Christmas tree. (From left to right)

Carson Isenberg (12), Sydney Holland (12), Erika Edwards (11), Monica Sokilik (10), Kristen Evens (10), Madison Beyer (10), Shelby Johnson (11), Bailey Orr (12), Parker Throgmorton (12), and Ben Lawson (12)

Shelby Johnson

Staff Writer

   “Start your engines, Betas!” was the first thing Lone Oak High School Beta Club members heard at the opening session of the convention on Friday, December 10th. Beta convention is an event that club members look forward to every year. Taking a day off from school and giving up a part of your weekend to compete against the smartest and most talented kids in the state is something that Lone Oak's best and brightest students can enjoy. Betas thrive on showing what they've got in intellectual competitions such as arts, speeches, quiz bowls, and specialty tests.

    Sophomore Madison Beyer attended for the first time this year to attend, “I enjoyed being around the Beta members and getting to know them, as well as meeting fellow Beta members from around the state.” According to Beyer, Beta is a good way to meet new people who share a passion for studiousness and leadership. Sarah Byassee(11) agrees with this sentiment, and says that this year managed to surpass expectations, “I'd say this year was an exponential improvement from last year... an exponential improvement, indeed.”

    Beta Convention consists of a competitive mix of skilled, funny, and passionate people. Roaming around 4th street to the Hard Rock Cafe and seeing all the famous museums is definitely a plus, but for Betas, the work comes first!  Though all of LOHS's members participated in events, Brittany Osborne was the only one to bring home a blue ribbon for her oil pastel self-portrait. While the outcome wasn't exactly what members had hoped for, all of the Beta Club members worked hard over the past few months to bring their best to the table. Hopefully they will bring home more blue ribbons next year!