| Sources |
- [S106] The Mountain Press, 28 Aug 2010.
PFMS eighth-grader is National Junior Beta Club chaplain
by ELLEN BROWN
Chad Gibson
The office of National Junior Beta Club chaplain seemed to be a natural fit for Pigeon Forge Middle School eighth-grader Chad Gibson.
“I thought it would be fun to run,” said the 13-year-old, who won the office in June. “I like to talk in front of people, and the chaplain is the only officer who speaks at every session.”
“Chad shows he has faith and good character — not only at church but at school, too,” said Laura Turner, his eighth-grade language arts teacher and Beta Club sponsor. “The club really likes him and enjoyed campaigning for him.”
Chad won Junior Beta Club chaplain for the state last fall in Nashville.
“I wrote my speech and practiced it so many times in Mrs. Turner’s room. We made signs that said, ‘Shout for Chad for Chaplain,’ and I did a Blues Brothers’ skit with the song ‘Shout.’”
As national chaplain, he will travel to various states to deliver many more speeches — right now, he has nine speeches to memorize.
“They’re all inspirational speeches. I gave one speech about the man who built the Golden Gate Bridge and how he never gave up.”
The Sevier County native enjoys playing tennis and playing the guitar in his church’s praise and worship band. His favorite subject is math, and he would like to follow in the footsteps of his father and grandfather and become a pilot.
He is the son of Don and DeeDee Gibson and the brother of Courtney, a fifth-grader.
Chad and his fellow Junior Beta Club members stay busy raising money for different organizations each year — this year, the group is supporting the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Other activities include working concession stands at basketball games, holding a canned food drive around Thanksgiving and hosting bake sales after school dances.
Next up for Chad is running for president of PFMS Junior Beta Club, which should be no problem with his gift of gab.
“I think talking to people is easy,” he said with a smile.
ebrown@themountainpress.com
|
Search | Advanced Search
