Chattahoochee HS creates “connection with community”

They are artists, linguists, mathematicians and scientists.

Chattahoochee High School students shared their talents with the nation this summer. Soon, the school’s trophy case will be filled with proof, courtesy of the Beta Club. Chattahoochee students placed in the top 10 of 15 categories at the 44th Senior National Beta Convention in Savannah.

“These are kids who really think about what they are passionate about,” says Beta Club coordinator, Lin-Chiou Lee. She adds, “this is not something they have to do.”

Preparation paved the road to success. Last December, Beta Club members across Georgia competed in statewide tests, in categories ranging from Hand Drawn Anime to Biomedical Health Science.

Students who placed in the top 10 statewide moved on to the national competition.

When reflecting on their success, Lee says, “all of the credit is really on the students.” Two of those students took home first place honors. Prinsha Chanda won first place in the category of French 9th Grade. Caroline Huang won first place in category of Math 9th Grade.

Both students say the dedication of their teachers and what they have learned from the Beta Club are what fueled their success. Chanda calls the club, “instrumental in my growth.” Huang says it allows her to share her love of math through community projects, and motivates her to, “stay committed to learning.”

Chattahoochee High School Principal Dr. Michael Todd touched on a central point of the Beta Club. You will not just see these students with their noses buried in notes and books. “These Beta members are just two of the many successful students at Hooch,” he says. “They are a glowing example of carrying out our school’s vision of the tradition of excellence in academics, the arts, athletics and service to the community.”

“Leadership in service is what we foster every day,” says Lee.

Chattahoochee’s Beta Club has more than 300 members. They meet regularly to map out community service projects.

The goal, Lee says, is “connection with community.” Past projects have included making origami for patients at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Beta students have worked together to weave paracord lanyards for service members to use in emergencies. They have sewn blankets for puppies at animal shelters and snipped paper snowflakes to decorate assisted living facilities for the holidays. They volunteer at family nights and book fairs at local elementary and middle schools.

By combining academic rigor and community service skills, Lee says Beta Club students get a hands-on look at, “what they can utilize in the real world.”