Members of the DeKalb Middle School Junior Beta Club got a sheriff’s department escort and were greeted by cheers from the student body upon their return from the State Convention Tuesday where they won first place for their anti-bullying drama presentation called “Be the Change”.
The 46 member group from DeKalb Middle School beat out fifteen other schools in their division to earn the state honor and will compete next summer during the National Convention at Disney World in Orlando Florida.
“I’ve been a Junior Beta sponsor for 12 years and we have never done anything like this before. We’ve fought back tears of joy today. It’s been very emotional,” said Lori Hendrix, DMS teacher and Junior Beta sponsor.
After the first round of competition on Monday, the Junior Beta Club was named among the top six before moving on to the finals on Tuesday where they were judged “Best in the State” in their division.
“We’ve watched these kids work hard and perform but today was absolutely the most powerful message they have had. The crowd was moved to tears by the time they got done. The performance was outstanding and their hearts were in it. We’re just really proud of these kids. There were sixteen groups in our division and there was a lot of talent but I think the message we had about bullying just hit home with a lot of people. So many people have been bullied. Our theme was for everyone to take a look in the mirror and “Be the Change”. Sometimes we have to take a look at ourselves. It’s a good message for adults and children to always be that person who steps up and does the right thing,” said Tonya Sullivan, DMS teacher and Junior Beta sponsor.
Josh Isaac, who wrote and choreographed the skit, said it sends a powerful message. “It is about bullying. Basically in our society cyber bullying and bullying is a thing that kids deal with on a daily basis. We really wanted to emphasize that so we took a slogan called “Be the Change” and turned it into a drama to showcase how that one person can change everything that goes on in a person’s life,” said Isaac.
“This live human message was very moving and it’s very fitting with what goes on with children, preteens, teenagers and some adults these days. Our kids did a beautiful job. I could not be more proud of them. I’ve cried every time I’ve watched it (skit). I told them no matter if they placed or not to hold their heads high and know we are behind them 100%. We believe in them and the message. We also appreciate the leadership and the vision of Josh Isaac and the Junior Beta leaders, Lori Hendrix and Tonya Sullivan. Having received first place for the entire state, they will now get to represent the state of Tennessee at the Junior Beta National Convention,” added Amanda Dakas, Assistant Principal at DeKalb Middle School
Director of Schools Patrick Cripps was among those who welcomed home the students. “It’s exciting to see our kids succeed. This group had a powerful message and from what I have been told it moved the whole group. We’re really proud of them for their accomplishments and for representing DeKalb Middle School,” he said.
The club now seeks financial support from the community as it makes plans for the trip to Orlando next summer.