Laurens County School District 55 named 2026 National Beta District of Distinction

Laurens County School District 55 (LCSD 55) has been presented with the 2026 National Beta District of Distinction Award. The recognition is a celebration of the district’s exceptional commitment to the full implementation of the National Beta programs, which is a commitment to academic excellence, leadership development, and service. This honor is only possible through the implementation of a Beta Club in every eligible school in the district serving grades 4-12. The distinction is a reflection of the district’s unified dedication to fostering student success.

“Recognizing entire districts through this award highlights the incredible impact of a shared vision,” said National Beta Chief Executive Officer Bobby Hart.

Last night, September 28, 2026, Interim Superintendent Rhett Harris and School Board members welcomed and honored the sponsors and co-sponsors of the Beta Club across Laurens County School District 55 at the School Board Meeting. Board Chair Cathy Little joined Dr. Rhett Harris in presenting the awards from the National Beta Club and certificates of recognition from the district to the sponsors and co-sponsors of Beta Clubs in Laurens 55.

The 2026-2027 LCSD 55 Beta Club sponsors and co-sponsors are:

• Parvathi Etha – Laurens District 55 High School (LDHS) Sponsor
• Harika Etha – Sanders Middle School (SMS) Sponsor
• Georgianna Martin – Laurens Middle School (LMS) Sponsor
• Andrea Parsons – Hickory Tavern School (HTS) Sponsor
• Shakera Tribble – Hickory Tavern School (HTS) Co-Sponsor
• Tyler DeShields – Gray Court-Owings School (GCO) Sponsor
• Shaunta Harris – Laurens Elementary School (LES) Sponsor
• Felicia Williams Miller- Laurens Elementary School (LES) Co-Sponsor
• Lisa Laird – Ford Elementary School (FES) Sponsor
• Lahalla Garrett – Ford Elementary School (FES) Co-Sponsor
• Anna Norton – EB Morse Elementary School (EBM) Sponsor
• Dawn Eiff – EB Morse Elementary School (EBM) Co-Sponsor
• Amelia Eakin – Waterloo Elementary School (WES) Sponsor
• Alyssa Richardson  –  Waterloo Elementary School (WES) Co-Sponsor

Anna Norton, EBM Sponsor, fondly remembers her time in Beta Club as a student in Laurens County School District 55. Her experience made her gladly accept her principal’s request to sponsor the Beta Club at EBM.

“I hope to encourage students in the 4 pillars of Beta, which are service, leadership, academics, and character. Dawn and I have students make commitments to which pillar they will work on between meeting times. It has been exciting to watch the students’ willingness to engage in service projects. We look forward to continuing to grow Beta at EB Morse,” said Norton.

For LES Beta Club Sponsor Shaunta Harris, it means a lot to her to sponsor the club to show students at the elementary level that they can make a meaningful difference in their school and community at a young age. She said, “At the elementary level, students possess a natural sense of empathy, enthusiasm, and curiosity. I wanted to help channel these qualities into opportunities for leadership, service, and positive change. Through Beta Club, I hope to empower students to recognize their potential as leaders, develop a spirit of service, and understand that even small acts of kindness and responsibility can have a lasting impact on others.”

This year, LMS Beta Club Sponsor Georgianna Martin and the LMS Beta Club have big plans geared toward leadership and service, including a food drive to supply a Laurens food bank and help community members have a memorable holiday season, writing encouragement cards for law enforcement officers, visiting a nursing home and giving out cards and goodies to the residents, as well as hosting a pet food & supply drive for the Laurens County Animal Shelter.

Likewise, SMS Beta Club Sponsor Harika Etha has planned impactful activities for her students. She said, “This year, our Beta Club is committed to making a meaningful and lasting impact through community cleanups, donation drives, and service projects that support local families and organizations in need. Through service, our students will strengthen their community while developing leadership, responsibility, compassion, and a lifelong commitment to helping others.

Being part of the Beta Club brings a sense of pride not just to the sponsors, but most especially to the students. Javier Almanza, HTS 5th-grader, shared, “I am proud to be in Beta Club because it shows that I am smart and that I work hard. I also get to be a part of fun activities and help others.”

Sophia McCrary, HTS 6th-grader and Beta Club President, echoed Javier, “I am proud to be in Beta Club because I like helping others. I also want to help make our school better and fix things that need to be improved.”

The district looks forward to reporting on the great impact Javier, Sophia, and all LCSD 55 Beta Club students will bring to the Laurens Community.