Posted 12/8/2023
When Israel Young, a 5th grader at Cliftondale Elementary, decided to run for president of the Georgia Elementary National Beta Club, he knew what he had to do.
“I made sure to establish communication with my Beta club members at school, and with the students at the convention in Savannah,” Young said. “Communication is key.”
The road to victory began at Cliftondale, where he worked with his Beta Club sponsors and team members.
“Beta Club members did a student-led skit for Israel’s presentation,” said Cliftondale Principal Arnisha Canty. “There were nine students from Georgia who ran for president.”
Throughout the convention, held in November in Savannah, Georgia, Young was confident.
“In my heart I was confident about what I was doing,” Young said. “I was always the first to communicate. I made sure everyone felt important at the state convention.”
When he won the election, Young was enthusiastic.
“It was a happy feeling,” he said. “I felt all the hard work had paid off.”
As the newly elected president, Young has vision.
“My plans are to improve the technology and systems of the club,” he said. “I also want to make sure everyone in the Georgia Elementary Beta Club feels important.”
Principal Canty is excited about Young’s win.
“He’s the first student that we know of in Fulton County Schools history to become state president of the Elementary National Beta Club,” Canty said. “He’s representing Cliftondale Elementary and Fulton County Schools well.”
In addition to Young’s presidency, Cliftondale students won several awards, including these first-place recognitions:
Camryn Ferebee, First Place
4th Grade Math
Richard Rosser, First Place
4th Grade Social Studies
David Alexander, First Place
5th Grade Science
Jarvis Jackson, First Place
5th Grade Social Studies
Arissa Claxton, Caylee Fraser, Parker Henley, Chloe Samuels
First Place Accessorized Design
“We are thrilled about the accomplishments of our Beta Club members and Israel,” said Principal Canty. “All students did an outstanding job representing Fulton County Schools at the state level.”
The National Beta Club is a prestigious organization dedicated to promoting academic achievement, character development, service and leadership among elementary and secondary school students. With a rich history of nurturing young leaders, the Beta Club empowers students to excel in their academic pursuits and make a positive impact on their communities.
