The CDS chapter of National Beta Club marked the beginning of its 5th year with the induction of 54 new members. This student leadership organization seeks to cultivate the ideals of service and leadership in our schools. We are very proud of our young chapter that has won many regional and state awards.

The chapter officers opened the Induction Ceremony which was held on October 7^th with an explanation of the four pillars that form the foundation of National Beta Club: Achievement, Character, Leadership and Service. They spoke to the meaning and significance of each of these important qualities that align with the mission of CDS as an IB World School. Chapter officers are:

President                   Jackson C.
Vice President           Suhani S.
Secretary                   Maddie M.
Treasurer                   Anika S.
Historian                    Halie S.
Relay for Life Team Captain: Matthew D.

The guest speaker for this event was Ana Ali, a CDS parent and Vice President for Strategy Activation for Advent Health. Ms. Ali shared the inspiring story of her personal journey from moving to America alone as a teen from her home in Venezuela to becoming one of the youngest vice presidents of Advent Health.

A former student of Mrs. Hollingsworth's at Tampa Bay Technical High School she began working at 15 years old cleaning houses, babysitting, and selling Rainbow vacuum cleaners. She recounted her high school years with great fondness, explaining that the faculty and staff not only gave her a great education, but became her family. “All in life is relative” and during this time she learned the importance of surrounding herself with the right people who encouraged her to build and grow in life and to avoid turning in directions that don’t lead to good pathways.

She offered this message to the Beta Club members, including her own daughter, Sofia:

• Work relentlessly at making sure you offer the best version of yourselves. Keep in mind we are all humans so statistically we are going to make mistakes, but that’s okay. We are going to learn from those mistakes and we’re going to own those bumps and focus on the lessons that come from them.
• Be Kind. Those two words are very simple but they mean a lot. Be kind to our world, we really need it, give back to our community and build each other up so you can grow in a community of leaders and good human beings.
• Fuel your soul with selflessness and service as it will grow your heart and your life will surround yourself with warm memories.
• Enjoy every aspect of your educational journey as it truly does shape you.
• Say thank you a lot, all the time, especially to your parents. as they deserve your gratitude.
• Trust me when I say it’s okay to be a little different.

She closed her talk by showing Apple's “Think Different” video that celebrates “the crazy ones,” the people who are crazy enough to change the world.   

Congratulations to all the new National Beta Club inductees:

Thank you to Mrs. Hollingsworth for bringing National Beta Club to CDS. This will be her 27th year as a Beta Club sponsor and she currently serves as the state sponsor for the State of Florida.