Jamonté Kearse, a fifth-grader at Gideons Elementary (pictured above, middle), placed second in the Regional Spelling Legal Bee hosted by Michael B. King law firm on Dec. 18 at the National Archives on Jonesboro Road. During the competition, Kearse competed against students throughout Georgia. He received a trophy and $100 for his second-place finish. Kearse misspelled the legal word certiorari which means discretionary review of legal issue by an appeals court. The sponsoring teachers are Darlene Dobbs and Camille Neely.
Camille Neely
Gideons Elementary Junior Beta Club member wins at national convention
Gideons Elementary School‘s Junior Beta Club members participated in the 14th annual National Beta Club convention in Louisville, Ky., in late June. The students entered in several competition categories, including essay, arts & crafts, cross-stitching, scrapbooking and water coloring. Fifth-grader Jasmaine Tinsley won first place in the essay category. Her essay was one of 28 entries judged nationwide. Jasmaine received a plaque and certificate. The sponsoring teachers were Darlene Dobbs, Veronica Jordan and Camille Neely. Principal Armstead Salters also supported the students’ participation. (Read about the club’s state-convention exploits here.)
The National Beta Club continually seeks ways to develop and nurture elementary and secondary school students by providing opportunities and experiences that enable them to demonstrate the ideals of character, achievement, service and leadership.

