Click here to view an article published by Areawide News regarding this achievement.

Throughout December of 2023, several members of Viola High School Beta Club tested in multiple academic categories. In late-January 2024, thirteen members attended the 2024 Arkansas Beta State Convention, also held in Hot Springs. At this convention, three members (one senior and two junior) placed in the top five in the state in their respective categories-- advancing them to Nationals. 

In February 2024, three members: Hunter Belvedresi, Ryleigh Golden, and Abby Hutson, started the first National Convention fundraising campaign. As part of State Convention, Hunter and Ryleigh had each designed trading pins as part of a competition. However, the pins did not place. As an idea to raise funds, the three designed a website and set up an e-commerce shop to sell these pins to benefit the club with our journey to Savannah. The website was launched on March 9, 2024. Although in the end, the fundraising campaign had not succeeded in comparison to other projects, many learning experiences were gained out of this, and violabeta.org was launched. 

Throughout April 2023, Viola Beta Club members had created other fundraising opportunities-- notably a calendar 'pick a date to donate' fundraiser

On May 1, 2024, sponsor Taylor Guffey and members launch Viola Beta Creations: a fundraiser that specialized in the creation of hand-made bracelet and bracelet sets. All proceeds gained from this store went to Viola Beta Club towards National Convention. This project alone took hours of time to create and establish. 

Throughout May of 2024, members and sponsors of Viola Beta Club who were attending National Convention (plus a few amazing members who helped out a ton) set up 'pop-up shops' in several places for Viola Beta Creations and to raise money for convention. On May 18, two members set up a pop-up shop in front of Cove Coffee, a locally renowned coffeehouse located in nearby Mountain Home, Arkansas. In addition to Cove Coffee, Viola Beta Club members set up 'pop-up shops' at local events and Viola's 2024 alumni banquet. All of the 'pop-up shops' benefited Viola Beta Club in many ways: financially and many learning opportunities that were taken from these experiences. 

On May 31, 2024, the Viola School District hosted a community meet and greet for the new administration that will be at Viola starting at the beginning of the 2024-25 school year. At this event, Viola Beta Club hosted a dunk tank fundraiser featuring a well-known member of our community. The day of, the weather seemed to be against us but by the time the event came around, clear skies were above us. At this event as well, we had set up a 'pop-up shop' for Viola Beta Creations. All-in-all, this fundraiser was very successful.

On June 1, 2024, Viola Beta Club hosted their first Trivia Night event. This event took weeks of preparation and planning but turned out to be worth it in the long run.  Players in the trivia night gained access to a taco bar as part of their ticket purchase. Raising over $1000 excluding food and supply, Viola Beta Club plans to continue using this fundraiser for future events. As a prize for the winning team, Mrs. Juanita Cotter made her delicious homemade cinnamon rolls for us, which we are extremely thankful for! 

The weekend of May 31-June 1, 2024, was very successful for us. We thank everyone who came out and supporting us by participating in our events.

On June 9, 2024, Viola Beta Club hosted their last fundraiser at the 1st Annual Viola Roping Event at the Hillstring Farms Arena:  a concession stand for those attending the event. We also received several donations towards our trip.

In the early morning hours of June 15, 2024, Viola Beta Club departed for Savannah, Georgia and National Convention. During the four-day period we were there, we members got the chance to make memories and friends which will last a lifetime. We spent a portion of the trip exploring the surrounding areas such as the Savannah Historic District and nearby Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. We are extremely grateful for everyone who helped make this trip possible; whether that be by donating, purchasing an item from one of our two shops, or attending any of our events, we really appreciate you.