13th annual Missouri Junior Beta Convention
(Clockwise) Black Yarbro (back to camera), Addison Kirkman, Kennedy Rowland, Brady Robertson and Hannah Spencer construct a tower using straws and masking tape.
Several students from the Poplar Bluff Middle School Junior Beta Club qualified to compete in nationals during the 13th annual state convention held Thursday and Friday, Dec. 4-5, at the Black River Coliseum.
Lucas Robertson placed first in spelling; Sidonia White placed third in social studies; and Lily Johnson, Nathan Mays, Clara Rahlmann and River Rowland with alternates Daine Dugas and Landen Maurer placed first in written response and second overall in the Quiz Bowl Division 1 competition. The students all earned the option to participate in the national Junior Beta Convention June 23-30 in New Orleans.
Additionally, a team comprised of Kennedy Rowland, Brady Robertson, Blake Yarbro, Hannah Spencer and Addison Kirkman with Olivia Kirkman as an alternate vied in the Tower of Power competition, placing third out of 46 teams.
Since 2003, the state convention has been held in Poplar Bluff, originally at Three Rivers College. This year the event had a record attendance with 2,600 students, according to officials.
Source: Poplar Bluff Schools