By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–Union City High School students made a big splash – both individually and as a team – in the Tennessee State Beta Club competition.
Six UCHS students placed in the Top 5 of their respective categories, earning opportunities to compete on the national level this summer.
Sarah Del Valle won first place in the 9th-grade science division. Chloe Meade (10th-grade social studies) Sara Ullrich (11th-grade language arts) and Leah Wisener (12th-grade mathematics) all finished fourth in their groups.
Lucas Greer (9th grade language arts) and Tammy Huynyh (Division II Speech) both placed fifth.
More than 65 schools across the state competed in the competition, which was held virtually this year. Judges came from a list of sponsors and chair members.
“I believe it is a testament to our academic standards here at Union City High School that we could enter the Tennessee Beta academic competitions and bring home six top placements,” UCHS club sponsor Ashley Martin said. “These students are incredible and should be commended for their efforts.
“I know I am extremely proud of all of our students who chose to participate. I anticipate great things from our club in the years to come.”
Students competed online via a link mailed out by the National Beta Club if they were involved with an academic test in the state competition. Union City’s two speech entries were recorded and submitted electronically by the candidates for their category.
They will compete the same way this summer in the national competition.
According to the organization’s website, between the Junior Beta (grades 4-8) and Senior Beta (grades 9-12), the national organization has helped nearly seven million students learn how to make a life for themselves. Since 1991, it has awarded over $6 million in scholarships.
There are now more than 500,000 active members and more than 8,750 clubs nationally and internationally. It has become the nation’s largest independent, non-profit educational youth organization.
PHOTO ID (from left) Sara Ullrich, Chloe Meade, Leah Wisener, Sarah Del Valle, Lucas Greer, Tammy Huynyh