05/18/2026
Last Friday night RCHS Beta Club celebrated a year of success at a banquet prepared by RCHS Culinary. Much anticipation surrounded who would be elected for officer positions and who would win the Beta Pillar awards. The Pillar awards were given by the club's newest sponsor, Mr. Jarrett Huckaby, to recognize outstanding Betas who truly symbolize the club's four founding pillars of achievement, character, leadership and service. This year's Pillar award recipients were: Pictured with Mr. Huckaby: Crystal Ray (achievement); Kristopher Stillman (character); Not pictured: Isabella Williams (leadership) and Deja Davis (service).
Mr. Huckaby also recognized next year's duly elected officers including: Co-presidents: Kynnedy Yates and Emma Pike; Vice-president: Deja Davis (not pictured); Secretary: Nathan Shackelford; Treasurer (front) Langston Bassett; Historian: Baylee Harper and Social Media Reporter: Bryleigh Sikora.
Sponsors recognized graduating senior club members in attendance with a rose and a treat. (Seniors pictured left to right Anthony Upshaw, Brandon Ray, Crystal Ray and sponsors: Mrs. Vanderford and Mr. Huckaby).
The top ten student fundraisers and outstanding volunteers received certificates of appreciation. Amazing fundraisers included: Olando Prude, Natalie Guerrero, Kennedy Tyner, Nathalia Arteaga, Kynnedy Yates, Deja Davis, Shyanne Sharpe, Isabella Williams, Garrett Greeson, and Toni Amalia Davis.
The top volunteers and their hours logged this year were: 19 hours: Bayleigh Anglin and Shyanne Sharpe; 19.5 hours: Kaliyah Watson; 22 hours: Kynnedy Yates; 22.5 hours: Nia Richardson; 23 hours: Brandon Ray; 26 hours: Alden Nowlin; 31 hours: Valah Brooks; 36 hours: Ava Craig; 60.5 hours: Kaleb Leger; 66.5 hours: Anthony Upshaw and 151 hours Isabella Williams. (Isabella Williams is pictured in front of the podium with her volunteer certificate. Background Mrs. Vanderford and Shyanne Sharpe) (Pictured: Anthony Upshaw, Alden Nowlin, Brandon Ray, Isabella Willliams, Shyanne Sharpe and Kynnedy Yates with sponsor, Mrs. Vanderford)
National Convention Competitors also received a shoutout as they will travel to Nashville, TN this June to compete:
Robotics: Payton Wilbourne, Joshua Gary, Olando Prude, Kolton Baker and Kristopher Stillman
Reimagine, Recreate, Recycle: Kynnedy Yates, Kristien Tyner, Isabella Williams, Maddison Lindsay
Beta Blitz: Crystal Ray, Olando Prude, Gabe Heaton, Kynnedy Yates
Marketing and Communications: Emma Pike, Abby Bailey, Kynnedy Yates
Being Better Betas: Emma Pike, Langston Bassett, Shyanne Sharpe
Collaboration Connection: Langston Bassett, Deja Davis, Maddison Lindsay
Speech, Div. II: Isabella Williams
Performing Arts Solo, Duo, Trio/Premier Performer: Abby Bailey
Drawing, Div. II: Crystal Ray
Scrapbook: Baylee Harper/Kristien Tyner
Finally, the evening concluded with thank you bouquets presented by Co-Presidents to the RCHS Beta Club sponsors. (Pictured: Emma Pike, Mrs. Carla Vanderford, Mrs. Anna Adams, Mr. Jarrett Huckaby and Kynnedy Yates).
