After the departure of former sponsor Dr. Craig Johnson in 2014, guidance counselor Michelle Cortes took control of Beta Club, where it was soon decided she would offer members the chance to be officially inducted for the first time. On Wednesday, Jan. 13 new and old members alike received the recognition they had awaited in the form of an induction ceremony.

During this night, all who attended and had decided to join the club were sworn in. Officers lit candles before delivering brief speeches of reflection. The ceremony consisted of  discussing plans, making vows and honoring members and was followed by a small reception.

Prior to Cortes’s current tenure as Beta club sponsor, members never had the chance to experience a proper introduction into the program. Once taking the position, Cortes considered an official induction important to the club.

“It was a great way to make everyone feel welcome,” Cortes said.

The event itself reinforced the overarching theme of community service that the leaders of the club consider to be important. After a speech from president Jordan Miller, all those new to the club were called up to the stage to receive a certificate.

Rather than follow tradition by handing out invitations, the presiding club members decided to make the ceremony “open invitation,” which senior vice president Emily Abernathy said was an offering to all who wished to join, so long as their GPA remained above 3.50.

The purpose of the club was reinforced by the speeches delivered throughout the night, promoting the act of providing for the community in a number of ways.

“We host Pasta for Pennies and Relay for Life in April, which is an event where we set up a bunch of games at Lawton Chiles,” Abernathy said. “Beta club is all about how we can work to better our community through school as well as outside of it.”

Outside of the two activities planned in April, Cortes intends to shift the focus of the club to an event called “New Hope for Kids” in the upcoming school year.

“In the program, we choose unprivileged kids and grieving students to help in a number of ways,” Cortes said. “I think of it as our philanthropy or good deed for the community.”