Staff photo / Bob Coupland Bristol High School Beta Club members, from left, Ethan Clark, senior, Josh Musson, junior, and Logan Briggs, sophomore, help load food donations into bags at a recent food distribution at Wildare Church. The students are gaining community service hours before attending an upcoming state Beta Club convention.

BRISTOL — Beta Club members from Bristol High School have stayed busy giving back and helping out while earning points to attend the Beta Club state convention in February.

Leah Prischak, Beta Club adviser at Bristol, said the students have taken on community projects and have hosted events since the fall.

“Our club is based on service. The students have had events at the schools and in the community,” she said.

Prischak said the students accumulate community service hour points, which are used to decide who attends the state convention in Columbus.

She said students also earn a special seal for graduation for their Beta Club service.

One main event last fall was collecting canned goods and nonperishable food items as part of a school food drive with many of the donations given to Wildare Church for its monthly food distribution.

“We heard that the church had a food pantry, and we decided to make donations to help them. The students are committed to what they do in helping others,” Prischak said.

Other Beta Club events this school year have included a community trick or treat event at the school in October and turkey food baskets for families in need at the holidays.

Jaxon Shaffer, a freshman Beta Club member, said he enjoys being able to help those in need when he can.

“I think it is admirable for anyone to help others in their community. It is a way to show kindness,” he said.

“We collected canned goods and nonperishables. We also passed out milk,” Shaffer said.

Helping place items into vehicle trunks were Beta Club members Brianna Kleismit, a freshman, and Kayden Gilliam, a senior.

“Part of what Beta Club does is help others and taking part in the food distribution is one way we can help,” Kleismit said.

Beta Club members Olivia McCormick and Bernadette Soplata, both seniors, helped by placing food in bags. The two said despite the cold temperatures, they were glad to help.

“I feel being able to feed people and make sure they have food is very important,” said McCormick, who is marking her second year in Beta Club.

Bonnie Muresan, food pantry organizer at the church, said the church appreciates the food donations and the help the students provide.

“They were a great help. They helped organize the food and get it loaded into the cars for people to take home. I didn’t have to say much. They are a great group of kids. They stepped right up and helped wherever they were needed,” Muresan said.

She said for the past three years, the Beta Club students have helped collect food at their school and brought it to Wildare Church. Pastor Steve Anderson said the monthly food giveaway gives out food to 200 people on the first Saturday each month.

“We appreciate the members of the Beta Club and many others who step up to help us each month. We are very blessed by their help,” he said.

This year’s Beta Club Ohio state convention is Tuesday and Wednesday in Columbus.

State conventions are annual events in 18 states across all three National Beta divisions. Conventions feature individual and team competitions and opportunities to run for several leadership positions.

This year’s theme is “Wired for Success” where students are recognized for service, leadership achievement and character.

Teams compete in academic tests, visual arts, performing arts and STEM events.