Eighth grade DeKalb West School student Ethan Martin placed 5th in the Essay contest at the annual Tennessee Junior Beta State Convention.
Martin, who was DWS’s nominee for the John W. Harris national service award, was one of 21 students from DWS to make the trek March 2-4 at Gaylord Opryland Hotel.
Some schools across the state were prevented from making the trip thanks to Mother Nature’s icy wonderland that was created Sunday evening. Fortunately, schools from DeKalb already were safely tucked away at the hotel before the severe weather blew into the area. The weather appropriately fit the convention theme, “Making History with Junior Beta,” because it was the first time ice and snow had ever affected the convention.
In addition to Martin, students competed in a variety of events. Former DWS student, Tom Tippin, was the first place winner in Special Talent. Now a student at 7th grade Siegel Middle School in Murfreesboro, he performed Justin Timberlake’s “Suit and Tie.” Noah Roberts participated in the Spelling Bee. Hope Mofield entered her bracelet in the Arts and Crafts competition. Add in Holly Evans for the Math contest. Josh Martin, Elijah Foutch, Cody Antoniak, Christian Trail, and Peyton Harris competed in the Tower of Power category, which Angela Tripp and Jessica Antoniak coached. DWS also competed in the Living Literature event where students recreated a scene from Peter Pan. Jacob Frazier played the title role with Noelle Driver donning her wings for Tinker Bell, and Phillip Coats as Captain Hook. Samantha Street and Ashley Reynolds were pirates. Addison Oakley and Jasmine Parker played two of the children. Parents Clark Oakley constructed the set and Ria Baker painted a beautiful backdrop of the ocean. Art teacher Mike Luttrell donated his time and talents. Elizabeth Redmon oversaw five students in the Battle of the Books contest. Breanna Gibson, Callie Mulloy, Hannah Evans, Dallas Cook, and Jaimie Alexander competed.
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