Barren County students win big at junior state Beta convention

Several students from across the district earned top honors in various academic and creative categories.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:08pm

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A vibrant, pop art-inspired grid of school supplies and an award trophy, conceptually representing the academic and creative accomplishments of students in the Barren County school district.Barren County students shine at the junior Beta state convention, earning top honors in academics, arts, and leadership.Hiseville Today

Students from multiple schools in the Barren County school district in Kentucky took home a number of awards at the recent junior Beta state convention. Highlights include Lily Key being elected as Kentucky Junior Beta President, Carrigan Childress and Lydia Perkins winning first place in photography and quilling, and the middle school earning third place finishes in Performing Arts Large Group and Campaign Skit, along with several individual third place awards.

Why it matters

The junior Beta club is a prestigious national organization that recognizes academic achievement, character, leadership and service among middle and high school students. These awards showcase the talent and hard work of students from Barren County and highlight the district's commitment to providing enrichment opportunities beyond the classroom.

The details

Barren County Middle School's Lily Key was elected as Kentucky Junior Beta President, while Hiseville Elementary's Carrigan Childress took first place in Color Photography and Eastern Elementary's Lydia Perkins won first place in Quilling. Park City Elementary's Lillyan Richardson placed second in Digital Art. The middle school finished in third place in Performing Arts Large Group and Campaign Skit, and had several individual third place awards in categories like Digital Portfolio, Health/PE, Science, and Sculpture. Red Cross Elementary's Pailynn Dial won third place in Black and White Photography, and North Jackson Elementary had a third place finish in Digitally Enhanced Photography and a fifth place in Performing Arts Small Group.

  • The junior Beta state convention took place recently.

The players

Lily Key

A student at Barren County Middle School who was elected as Kentucky Junior Beta President.

Carrigan Childress

A student at Hiseville Elementary who won first place in Color Photography.

Lydia Perkins

A student at Eastern Elementary who won first place in Quilling.

Lillyan Richardson

A student at Park City Elementary who placed second in Digital Art.

Barren County Middle School

The middle school in the Barren County school district that earned third place finishes in Performing Arts Large Group and Campaign Skit, and had several individual third place awards.

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The takeaway

The impressive results from the Barren County students at the junior Beta state convention demonstrate the district's commitment to providing enriching academic and creative opportunities for its students, helping them develop well-rounded skills and talents that will serve them well in the future.