Video: Leadership Summit Teaches Valuable Lessons To Participants

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – Whether they were taking part in large group activities,  or explaining their team’s service project to judges, participants at the National Beta Club’s
Leadership Summit were being taught valuable lessons.

“Our motto is let us lead by serving others, and our goal is to prepare those kids to how to actually be that servant leader in their communities,” said Ritchie Garland, of the National Beta Club.

More than 400 students in 4th through 12th grade spent their time at the Bancorpsouth Arena listening to speakers, solving problems as part of something called a “Rapid Response Challenge” and talking about projects that benefit their hometowns.

“We’re raising money for Susan G Komen. All the money we raise stays in Northeast Mississippi for research, mammograms and people that can’t afford the procedure,” said Guntown Middle School Student Kieredith Wilkins.

“Hope for the Hospital is our spinoff of Operation Christmas Child. We try and bring hope to the people at the hospital of any age, by bringing them boxes that may include get well cards, flowers, stuffed animals, snacks, lotion, coloring books, small word searches or activities,” said North Pontotoc Upper Elementary Student Maggie Turnage.

Students say it takes a lot of work to prepare for this event, but the benefits are lasting.

“This is my second year at the Leadership Summit. Last year I really think I learned a lot and I also think this year I’ve learned a lot. Beta Club, not only does it teach you community service and how to help people, but also leadership skills that will take you farther in life and help you get into colleges,”  said Richland High School Student Kaitlyn McKeithen.

The winners of the various challenges from this leadership summit head to Disney World for the national competition next summer.