By: Raquel Williams | Dec 19, 2024
Clarksdale, Mississippi – According to the National Beta Club website there are 761 schools that currently have active Beta clubs in the state of Mississippi. The number of clubs in the Mississippi Delta is sure to increase because of what I have termed, “The Beta Club Blitz”. The Delta is considered a special place for so many reasons but it’s mainly known for cotton and “the Blues”. Geographically the counties that make up the Delta are Bolivar, Carroll, Coahoma, DeSoto, Holmes, Humphreys, Issaquena, Leflore, Panola, Quitman, Sharkey, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tunica, Warren, Washington and Yazoo.
Out of 82 counties, 18 counties equate for 23% of the state’s land mass. Based on data researched on the national beta club website, there are 761 active beta clubs in the Delta area. Out of the 761 active Beta Clubs, the Delta he has over 100 functioning clubs.
Meet Trakila Whitehead, the speech therapist at Friars Point Elementary, one of 3 elementaries in Coahoma County School District. She assumed the role of advisor because of a lack of student involvement within the small town. She felt they needed inclusion in something that would help with behavior. When asked how they choose who to induct into their club, she stated that they use grades as the main criteria. I also inquired about the students who don’t excel academically and how she keeps them involved? She eagerly responded that there is a definite chance for them to become BETA, if they don’t meet academic criteria. She offered a list of chores that are readily available and accessible throughout the day that these students can busy themselves and also gain the trust of the BETA club advisors.
Now let’s travel about 15 miles south of Clarksdale to Tallahassee county. This is where I was first introduced to Beta club. In 2019 I was asked to assist with the junior Beta. I was teaching eighth grade English and I was a junior class sponsor. Nicole Harris Rosebud was instrumental in providing a roadmap for me to follow three years later when I was asked to assist again in Clarksdale.
Pictured: 8th grade students from West Tallahatchie with Sponsor, Mrs. Raquel Williams.
Pictured: Advisors & Members from West Tally, 2018 seated 5th to the right is Mrs. Rosebud.
Beta Clubs are literally popping up all over the Delta. There is no shortage of community service opportunities and these young people are seizing the opportunity to exemplify leadership, strong moral character, academic excellence and selfless service.
Clarksdale, Mississippi should be proud to have eight active clubs. All three school districts are chartered, registered and are recognized by the National Beta club.
Clarksdale high is proud to announce that they have over 100 members on their roster with seven advisors. This club has grown from only having nine members in its charter year 2022 with Josephine Rhymes as it’s initial advisor. She has been one of their biggest cheerleaders And supporters as she calls on them faithfully and depends on them contentedly. Pictured below is Mrs. Josephine Rhymes, addressing the BETA club at CHS as they prepare to be involved in Christmas in Clarksdale.
Pictured above is the 2024-25 Membership of Clarksdale High School & JW Stampley.
Pictured are members being inducted at Lyon Elementary and Students from Coahoma County Jr. High School in front of their new location in Sherard, MS.
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