Two O'Neal Middle School students were inducted into the Junior Beta Club and one student new to O'Neal was recognized as having transferred his membership.

During the ceremony, candles were lit representing the four virtues of the Jr. Beta Club, which are: service, leadership, scholarship and honor. Current members then "tapped" the inductees, and the inductees then recited the Junior Beta Pledge.

The guest speaker was Blanche Hancock, O'Neal's college counselor and alum of '88. She spoke of the importance of maintaining good academic skills while also continuing to have good character and attitude by being nice, being responsible, playing fair, helping and caring for others. She also stressed the importance of paying attention to one's strengths and passions, and exploring them as they will play a big part in future course selection, summer activities and college choice.

New inductees are eighth-grade students Annie Futrell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Futrell, of Southern Pines, and Matthew LaVigne, son of Drs. Mark LaVigne and Currie Howard, of Laurinburg. Jonathan Bowling was recognized as having transferred his membership from his previous school. He is the son of Dr. J. Earl and Mrs. Beverly Bowling, of Laurinburg.

To be eligible for membership, a student must have an average academic grade of A- with no grade below B+ for English, math, science, history and foreign language and receive an approving vote of 75 percent of faculty members who consider themselves qualified to vote. This vote will be based on the student's worthy character, credible achievement and commendable attitude.