The Arkansas chapter of the National Beta Club held its annual convention on January 20-23, 2026. The junior high convention was held early in the week, but the approaching winter storm threated to impact the senior high convention. The state organizers pivoted quickly, and what was planned as a two-day convention was compressed into one. Despite the last minute schedule change, the Magazine students remained cool under pressure and lived up to their winning reputation.
During the junior high convention, Magazine showcased their talent, performing a scene from “Epic: The Musical” in the Group Talent competition and earned the top spot. Also in performing arts, seventh graders Naleyah Young and Aria McLeod competed in the Solo/Duo/Trio division and finished in second place with their vocal performance.
The senior high convention, while shorter in length this year, was not short on victories:
Abby Crandall – Champion in Onsite Painting, Division II
Pheobe Hopper – Second Place in 12th Grade Psychology
Everlee Chappell – Second Place in Performing Arts, Solo/Duo/Trio
Halo McLeod – Third Place in 10th Grade Spelling
Madison Kilgore – Third Place in Drawing, Division I
Everlee Chappell – Third Place in Sculpture, Division I
Connor Hopper – Fifth Place in 10th Grade Mathematics
Madison Kilgore – Fifth Place in Onsite Drawing, Division I
Show Choir – Fifth Place
In addition to the awards listed above, 4 students were awarded a “Golden Ticket,” inviting them to participate in a group performance at nationals. Naleyah Young, Ainslee Chappell, Everlee Chappell, and Daniel Green were all invited based on their vocal performances.
All of the individual and group award winners qualify to compete at the national convention. The National Beta Convention will be held in Nashville, TN June 16-20, 2026 for senior high and June 23-27, 2026 for junior high. The club will be working tirelessly until then to prepare for competition and also raise funds to help offset expenses.
The National Beta Club is the largest independent educational youth organization in America. Members of Beta Club must exhibit four pillars: Academic Achievement, Character, Leadership, and Service.
If you would like to make a donation to the club, please contact Donna Riddle at [email protected].
Photos provided by Magazine Beta Club
