Essex, MO - The Richland Beta Club took advantage of the great weather this past weekend by setting up a car wash.  Located at the busy intersection of One Mile Road and Business Highway 60, the group really brought a lot of fun and excitement to the corner of the Auto Zone parking lot. 

The group will leave next Tuesday, June 26th, traveling to Greensboro, North Carolina.  Richland has over twenty-three students that will compete at the National Beta Convention. 

Richland Beta Members have been working hard to raise the funds necessary to travel and attend the convention. 

"We had a BBQ dinner before our talent show," noted Beta Club sponsor, Stephanie Swindell Monroe.  "The community members, Pat Crane, local businesses, the Richland administration and school board have all come through for our group."

We have done several fund raisers to make this trip possible for our group.  The car wash this past weekend was a great success for the group.  They have also sold Little Ceasers Pizza throughout the year.

Many of the area businesses that assisted in the fundraising efforts were Po Boyz, Shindigs Catering, On the Go Convenience Store, Country Mart, Town & Country and Kentucky Fried Chicken.  Additional support came from many staff members at Richland Schools;  Mrs. Norma Corlew, Janet Bingham, Judy Ackman, and Susan Waters. 

"My kids have worked hard to get this wonderful opportunity," Stephanie shared.  "As you can tell, they are fun and enthusiastic."

Jessi Shidler won Beta State Secretary at the Branson contest as her campaign skit won first place.  

Richland also has a strong Junior Beta Group.  These students will travel to Greensboro this Friday.  Junior Beta Members include 8th Graders Jamie Smith, Jerry Craft and Garet Phillips.  Smith won first in the Special Talent division, while Craft won second in the Spelling category and Phillips won second place in the Pencil Drawing contest.

"These students make my job a pleasure," added Monroe.  "And I love Beta!"

Mrs. Monroe has been a Beta Sponsor at Richland for the past seven years.  She was a Beta member and very active in Beta club as a high school student.  

She noted that the values taught to students through these service projects inspires students to become greater adults. 

Beta Mission Statement:   To promote the ideals of academic achievement, character, service and leadership among elementary and secondary school students.

"My students inspire me and make me a better person." Monroe noted in closing.  "I am very proud of each one."