Interview with Ms.Ray, Sponsor of BETA Club
Interviewer: How was the convention different than it was last year?
Ms.Ray: “This year the convention was virtual so no travel, no hotel, minimal paperwork, easier access, and all in all in the sense of logistics, it was easier. The competition was still the same but everything was videotaped or done ahead of time and submitted electronically. This allowed many more high schools to be able to compete, so it made it a little tougher.”
Interviewer: Was it still fun with this year’s circumstances?
Ms.Ray: “There was an element of joy missing that comes in the form of creating relationships and bonds. Usually, the students have a chance to become a close-knit network of friends, but this year students were isolated and it kind of took away the fun but we were still excited.”
Interviewer: How many times did you place?
Ms.Ray “Nine times.”
Interviewer: Did you have any difficulties?
Ms.Ray: “Scheduling everyone to be on zoom at the same time to take competitive academic tests so that they could be monitored was difficult. There was no physical place to be so getting scheduled was a challenge.”
Interviewer: Was it easier to do it virtually?
Ms.Ray: “Logistically, yes, but the competitions weren’t any easier.”
Interviewer: Is there anything else you want to add about the convention?
Ms.Ray “I’m very proud of the students, this is a recording for placing for Beta State Convention. It’s tied with last year’s record but prior to that, students haven't gotten more than one. They’re amazing.”
Marketing and Communications 3rd in the state: Alexandria Baptiste, Destiny Lewis, Asia Demmer
Social Studies 11th grade 4th in the state: Malik Clarke
Poetry Division II 3rd in the state: Seymour Stennett
Science 10th Grade 3rd in the state: Ava Sellers
Math 10th grade 4th in the state: Kale Blas
Digital Art 2nd in the state: Dominique LoBlack
Color Photography 5th in the state: Ava Sellers
Black and White Photography 3rd in the state: Grace Kouassi
Interview with Asia Demmer, President of BETA Club
Interviewer: How was the convention different than it was last year?
Asia Demmer: This year's convention was all about competition. Years prior we would still have the trip aspect of it and would venture out. Things like shopping, being out of school, and sightseeing was really fun.
Interviewer: Was it still fun with this year’s circumstances?
Asia Demmer: This year it was slightly fun being I was able to have a smaller group to talk to for our competition. Being president I like to try to stay as connected as possible with our members. So having a virtual competition and group chats was fun.
Interviewer: How many times did you place?
Asia Demmer: Beta as a whole placed 9 times, I myself placed with our marketing group and we got 3rd.
Interviewer: Did you have any difficulties?
Asia Demmer: Yes! Being we were still in school and I had coursework and other things I had to prioritize. Also, I was working with a group. We had to find a way to get everyone on the same page. We had to cut it close to the deadline being everyone had a busy schedule.
Interviewer: Was it easier to do it virtually?
Asia Demmer: Yes, being everything is at home it took a lot more work. For example, we had to record our presentation and meet on a scheduled zoom. However, if we had been in person we would have already been on the site. Also, we would have had no other focus being we were on the trip and had time to practice. Being virtual you still had the stress of school and personal issues.
Interviewer: Is there anything else you want to add about the convention?
Asia Demmer: I highly commended all of our winners and members for being disciplined, courageous, and notorious. Our project is on mental health really opened my eyes to some issues going on in our school. We want everyone to stay tuned as to what is to come from Beta this year, our students are creative.
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