Cumberland County High School student Macy Brown decorated her way to a top ten finish this week at the National Beta Convention.
English Teacher and Beta Club Head Sponsor Daisy Filler said Brown placed eighth in the nation after previously placing third at the state level. Fillers said the competition is highly competitive.
“You can compete with anywhere from 40 to 100 other schools,” Filler said, “And the schools we compete against range from public schools like ours to charter schools, private schools. So it’s heavily significant.”
Filler said Brown spent hours practicing her decorating techniques and even sold cakes to help fund her trip to the national event. Filler said the winning entry featured a hand-drawn Beta Club seal and a vivid green color scheme.
Filler said the judges evaluate several technical aspects of the work including the vibrancy of the colors and the stability of the frosting. Filler said the competition requires a level of commitment that involves practicing multiple days a week for those serious about placing.
“Oh, it has been very exciting and I can’t begin to tell you just how proud of her that I am, especially since she’s, you know, given up her birthday to be here with us in order to make this competition,” Filler said. “You know, she didn’t have to do that.”
Filler said the achievement brings positive attention to the school’s Career and Technical Education program and the broader community. Filler said such recognition can assist students when they apply for local scholarships or college admissions.
“It helps them increase their skills,” Filler said. “It also helps them increase their confidence, especially when they do place and they realize, ‘Hey, you know, I came from CCHS, but I can do this.’”
Filler said Brown is a dependable student who balances a part-time job and involvement in FFA alongside her Beta Club responsibilities. Filler said Brown will serve as a club officer during her upcoming junior year, an honor reserved for only the most exceptional
Filler said the Beta Club requires students to complete volunteer service hours to give back to the community in addition to their competitive efforts.