OPINION
As I write this, I'm sitting in the Gaylord Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, seated between my daughter Julia and my partner Jim.
We're here because Julia and her fellow Aubrey Junior Beta members qualified to represent our area on the national stage.
This is my second time watching these kids compete at this level.
It's amazing to see them put in the effort to plan and practice, as well as to see the outcome of those efforts in real time.
This group is driven by a competitive spirit to perform well, whether that's in academic competitions, on-stage performances or on-site contests.
As always, our kids are bringing home Top 10 national finishes, too.
Two of our elementaries— Jackie Fuller and H.L. Brockett— brought their brand-new Elementary Beta clubs, and they, too, represented Aubrey ISD well on the national stage, as did the Aubrey High School Beta Club.
You'll get the chance to read more about how the kids did in detail next week.
I appreciate the efforts, too, of the kids. sponsors who dedicate their time not only throughout the school year but also in the summer to help their students have these opportunities. Experiences like this also help forge and strengthen friendships among the family members who go to support our Forming the memories and helping the students navigate this experience can help us create lasting bonds, just as it does for our children.
Not everyone can say they have performed for thousands of people from across the country.
Also, not every kid gets the chance to meet and make new friends from other states who share similar characteristics and values.
Getting to be here was not in my plans just a few weeks ago, and I'm incredibly grateful that instead of having to send my daughter halfway across the country, I could be here with Julia and Jim, forming incredible memories and supporting these talented kids.
Abigail Allen is the Editor & Publisher of the Post-Signal. She can be reached at aallen@ postsignal.com.
