District Five students receive National Beta Scholarships

Two Lexington-Richland School District Five students have been selected as a semifinalist in the National Beta Scholarship program. Carolyn Chen (Dutch Fork High) and Reese Myers (Chapin High) have earned a $1000 scholarship and an opportunity to earn one of the top 5 scholarships of up to $20,000.

“Serving in Beta Club for 6 years is truly an honor,” Chen said. “I have learned so much about my community as I work with talented people each year. Beta Club has given me opportunities to showcase my academics on the state and national level, and has helped in my development as a student, team player, volunteer, and leader. Being rewarded for doing something I love is amazing, and I will continue to uphold the Beta pillars of service, character, leadership, and achievement in my future. I am extremely grateful for this support from Beta Club.”

Dutch Fork High School Beta Club sponsor Kelly Eckstrom said, “One of the impressive qualities of our Beta Club students at Dutch Fork High School is that they join Beta to help meet community needs. They enthusiastically give of their time and energy to assist with community service projects, while at the same time they also work hard to academically distinguish themselves. But Carolyn does even more. In her “spare time” she takes ice skating lessons, piano lessons, violin lessons, and serves as the Vice President of the Beta Club. She’s a tremendously talented and remarkably well-rounded student.”

Myers has a long, proud history of placing in State and National Beta Competitions. He was SC State Champion in Mathematics in 5th and 8th grades, placed in State in 9th and 10th grades, placed in both State and National Competition in Social Studies in 11th grade, and most recently won at the State level as a 12th grader.

“It’s an honor to be chosen as one of the top 100 semi-finalists in the nation,” Myers said. “I joined Beta Club in 4th grade and have competed in state and national academic competitions since 5th grade. Beta Club has encouraged me to hold myself to a high standard in all that I do.”

Chapin High Beta Club Sponsor Janis Morgan said, “We are excited that Reese has been accepted to both the University of South Carolina and Clemson. Reese plans to major in Computer Science and Cyber Security. Reese, thank you for being such a generous giver and for challenging yourself at every turn!”

Chen and Myers were selected as National Beta Scholarship recipients from more than 2,900 applicants.