Erica Flatt, Charger Staff
Selected from CHS to represent the school for the National Beta Scholarship are seniors, Jonathan Uhles and Bailey Garrett.
Jonathan and Bailey were found to exemplify the purpose of the Beta club. The Beta club is a leadership-service club. The club's purpose is to encourage effort, reward achievement, promote good citizenship and encourage and assist its members in continuing their education after high school.
The election process began with club sponsors selecting five of the submitted applications. These five were interviewed by a panel of judges made up of teachers Mrs. Click, Mrs. Martin, Mr. Sallee and CHS administrator Mrs. McBride. Each of the applicants received scores and the two highest were chosen to represent CHS.
Bailey, Secretary of the Beta club and Tennessee Tomorrow and a member of the CHS Swim and Speech teams, said of the interview, "The four faculty members made me feel really comfortable. I have been through interviews before so I wasn't as nervous as I would have been. In my interview, I just tried to give the most complete answers I could. I tried to give the committee a clear picture of who I am."
Jonathan, President of Interact and SADD, commented on the interview saying, "I felt really comfortable."
Now, Jonathan and Bailey submit their applications to the National Beta Scholarship Program for the opportunity to receive one of 209 scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $15,000.
Beta club sponsor, Mrs. Judy Schinbeckler said of the applicants and winners, "All of the applicants were well deserving and it was extremely difficult for the club sponsors and scholarship panel to narrow it down to only two. However, we feel that both Jonathan and Bailey represent qualities of high academic excellence and service work. We know that these two will represent CHS well at the national level."
Bailey offers advice to potential members saying, "You have to really concentrate on your school work to keep your grades up to Beta club standards. It's a time commitment for sure."
Jonathan advises, "Beta is a great club, and I encourage everyone that can join to do so! It will be one of the best experiences in high school."
Bailey has enjoyed her Beta club experience saying, "I think my favorite part about being in Beta has been my position as secretary. It has allowed me to express my opinions about where I think the CHS Beta club should go in the future. It has allowed me to become more involved."
Jonathan says of his experience, "I have been able to meet alot of people. More importantly, however, I have been able to give back to the community and help other people through community service."
Schinbeckler encourages students to join the Beta club who are, "worthy of character, academic achievement, and a willingness to serve both school and community." Members who feel they meet the club's standards are encouraged to apply at the beginning of their sophomore or junior year.
Congratulations and good luck to National Beta Club Scholarship Finalists Bailey Garrett and Jonathan Uhles!