Beta Club Honor Society

The National Beta Club is an honorary organization for students that promotes academic excellence, character, leadership, and community service. A student may join only by invitation. To be considered for membership in the Lyman Ward Senior and Junior Beta Club chapters, a cadet must have at least an 85 average in his academic subjects for two consecutive semesters while enrolled at LWMA. He must also demonstrate character and leadership by his good standing within the Lyman Ward Military Department.The National Junior Beta Club – Lyman Ward Chapter

The LWMA chapter of the National Junior Beta Club is very active. In October the chapter extended invitations for new cadets to join this prestigious organization. To be considered for the club, a student must maintain an overall average of 85 in his core academic subjects for two semesters prior to attending the Alabama State Convention.  In addition to academic excellence, each prospective Beta must be in good standing with the LWMA military department and demonstrate a positive attitude and acceptable behavior in all areas of campus life.

Junior Beta Members:  Julian Ammons ( Hartford, AL), Drew Bartell (West Monroe, LA), Dylan Blatman (Jupiter, FL), Michael Knecht (Palatka, FL);   Members participated in several service projects this school year. In October, members decorated the Tallapoosa Hall gymnasium for the festive homecoming dance.  Betas manned the concession stand during the dance for a fund-raiser to support various service projects and the state convention. During Homecoming-Parent’s Day, the club sold prints of Tallapoosa Hall, which was painted by Cadet Kevin Hay, Class of ’95.  In November the junior members were top salesmen as they sponsored "The Top Teacher Turkey" contest. The teacher receiving the most turkey feathers to decorate his turkey was Cencade Pennington.  “Coach P” was honored to become LWMA’s  Top Teacher Turkey. The $200 proceeds from this contest were used for state convention expenses.

For their December, holiday season project, the Junior Betas decorated Tallapoosa Hall, trimmed the Christmas tree, and created the Santa’s List bulletin board. For their area service project, they raised funds and collected donations totaling over $400 to purchase Christmas gifts for the Marine Corp-sponsored "Toys for Tots" and three needy children (local DHR).

A highlight of the school year was the Alabama State Beta Conventions in March, which was held in Huntsville, Alabama. Lyman Ward Betas Presented the Colors at the opening session, coordinate the voting for state office candidates, and participated in scholastic and arts and craft competitions. Cadet Michael Knecht placed second at the state level with his miscellaneous category craft entry, “Brainy Bantering Beta Birds.”  In addition, the members enjoyed a wonderful day at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center.  

Mrs. Tamar Reed, sponsor.

Tallapoosa Hall prints are on sale for $12.50 (includes postage and handling). To place a mail order contact:

Mrs. Tamar Reed
PO Drawer 550
Camp Hill, AL 36850
or email Tamar Reed