STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
Barren County students returned home from the 2026 National Beta Convention in Nashville with an impressive list of national recognitions, according to district officials.
Students across the district earned awards in academics, fine arts, leadership and performing arts while representing their schools and community on the national stage.
The convention brought together thousands of Beta members from across the country to compete, perform and develop leadership skills.
Barren County High School students earned several prestigious individual honors.
According to the district, Brady Cook placed second in ninth grade social studies, Emmory Shelton finished seventh in Division 1 sculpture and Jaycee Bunch earned 10th place in Division 2 on-site cake decorating.
Barren County Middle School students brought home three first-place national titles.
They earned national championships in the National Exhibition Meeting of the Minds competition, a presidential campaign skit and performing arts large group talent.
Middle school students also collected several high-level individual awards.
District officials reported that Micah Lucas was named a Premier Performer vocalist, Sydney Byrd was recognized as a serving National Ambassador and Lily Key was elected National Junior Beta president.
Colton Hall earned second place in eighth grade health and physical education, and Kipper Todd placed eighth in seventh grade science.
Several elementary schools also earned national recognition for their Beta Club members.
North Jackson Elementary students received multiple awards, including 10th place in social studies testing for Davis Cook and fourth place in science testing for Grayson Barrett.
Gracelyn McIntyre placed third in black and white photography, while teams of students earned seventh place in Book Battle and third place in Quiz Bowl.
North Jackson’s Emily Costello was also named a Junior Premier Performer.
At Park City Elementary, Lily Richardson placed fifth in junior digital art.
Red Cross Elementary student Enslee Widau earned seventh place in onsite drawing, and Hiseville Elementary’s Lyric Clines earned seventh place in elementary solo, duo, trio vocalist.
Key Facts
• Barren County students competed at the 2026 National Beta Convention in Nashville.
• Students earned awards in academics, fine arts, leadership and performing arts.
• Barren County Middle School won three first-place national titles.
• Barren County High School students earned multiple individual top-10 finishes.
• Elementary students from North Jackson, Park City, Red Cross and Hiseville received national recognition.
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