John Coffelt, Editor

Coffee County Central High School’s BETA Club recently earned high honors at the state convention held Nov. 20-22 at Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville.  

Over 20 students from CCCHS attended, bringing home top awards in jewelry design, painting, scrapbooking, two-dimensional design and performing arts.  

CCCHS senior and dance team member Bailey Kitts earned second place for her performance to one of Aerosmith’s most popular hits.

“There are all sorts of competitions,” Kitts said. “I did a solo for the dance (category). It was a dance to ‘Dream On.’”

The message the song shares is one of inspiration, according to Kitts. The dance was a contemporary number with some hard-hitting moments as well as moments of grace.

“I love dancing in general because it’s such a fun way to express yourself,” Kitts said. “No matter what type of dance you do, there is something for everyone. If you like to be graceful and do ballet or you like to be sassy in a dance, there’s something for everyone. And it’s a great form of exercise.”

Kitts said that BETA involves students in community service. Projects can vary from interacting with residents at local nursing homes to helping on campus with special needs students.

Senior Quetzali Gomez placed first in Jewelry Division II, Ellysia Jennings placed third in painting. Kitts also earned a Premier Performer Senior Dancer recognition.

Students competed in a variety of competitions with several coming out in the top five and qualifying for spots at the National Convention in June of 2026.

Members competed in competitions dealing with academics, art, STEM, Marketing, and design.

Quetzali Gomez-Tovar earned a Jewelry Design – Division II – First Place in the state for her beautiful hand beaded necklace.

Two-Dimensional Design – Second (2nd) Place in the state went to Allyson Soriano-Calix Kimberly Diaz Contreras and Quetzali Gomez-Tovar  for their Franken Beta Hand embroidered design.

Third Place in the state for their sewing theme and review of the chapter’s full year of activities went to Evelyn Hernandez, Allyson Soriano-Calix, Quetzali Gomez-Tovar and Allison Walker. 

Painting – Division II – Third Place went to Ellysia Jennings for her oil painting.

The chapter took fifth place in Accessorized Design for their messenger bag Amplify with Excellence Design with special thanks to Karen Fisher for her sewing assistance.

John has been with the Manchester Times since May 2011. John has won Tennessee Press Association awards for Best News Photo and placed in numerous other categories. John is a 1994 graduate of Tullahoma High School, a graduate of Motlow State Community College and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Middle Tennessee State University. He lives in Tullahoma, enjoys painting, dancing and exploring the outdoors.