Missouri Beta Vice President, that's Wyatt Doser's jam!
The Twin Rivers' junior "marched to the beat of his own drum" and said he and his Beta Club took some risks, which paid off as Doser was elected as Missouri Beta vice president.
"Beta encourages us to be the drummer and make our own beat," Doser said in his campaign speech during the state convention held earlier this month in Springfield, Mo.
Carrying the campaign theme, "Beta, that's my jam," Doser said it targeted every individual.
"Your jam is what you like, it's what you celebrate, it's what makes you, you," he said to the crowd in Springfield.
Athletes, musicians, creative geniuses, video gamers and everyone in between have a place in Doser's group.
"No matter what your favorite thing is you will fit in with us and our crowd," Doser said.
The quest to become Missouri Beta vice president began with the Twin Rivers Beta Club voting between Doser and two other fellow club members to enter the race. Doser was chosen and the brain storming began roughly two months ago.
Doser said since attending his first Beta convention in the seventh grade as a junior Beta Club member, he looked up to the students who ran for office and saw the influence they had on fellow club members.
"I knew we had a good one (candidate) with Wyatt," Twin Rivers Beta Club sponsor Nicole Stuckey said. "He has such a strong work ethic and campaigning for him was a breeze."
Stuckey also praised the club on the hard work they put in to get Doser elected from skit practices to campaigning.
"When you know you have your club behind you, that helps," she said.
For two months, Doser said his club was behind him non-stop with support and dedication.
"They never acted like it was a bother or didn't want to be there (at practice)," Doser said. "The amount of support was amazing all the way up until they called my name and then everyone was so excited with me."
The moment when Doser heard his name called as the Missouri Beta vice president is what he dubbed as the most memorable moment from the entire experience.
"I don't know how to describe it," he said of the moment. "I was proud of my club because they helped me get there. The adrenaline came and all the nerves just left."
Doser recalled the first time he gave his campaign speech in front of his club and all the wonderful advice he received to better engage with the audience.
In preparation for his state run, Doser said he sought out advice from past sponsors and others who ran for office.
The first night in Springfield during the convention, Doser spoke with his predecessor, Garian Beatty of Iron County C-4 High School, for advice.
"He gave me a lot of good tips, was very nice and willing to help me," he said.
Since running for Missouri Beta vice president, Doser said he found out he was able to get out of his comfort zone and has now found himself in a good spot to work for his community, family and friends.
He also added he has gained friendships that will last a lifetime from the other candidates.
Doser's responsibilities as Missouri Beta vice president include helping any club member in need and assisting with next year's convention by overseeing a session as the emcee and delivering a keynote address.
In addition to being elected Missouri Beta vice president, Doser's campaign skit won first place.
Several students placed in the academic areas as well, including Cameron Bleem, third place in science, Seth Kirkman and Joe Wright, second place in social studies and the Quiz Bowl team qualified as one of the top eight groups at state convention.
Brittany Williams was also the winner of the grand door prize, a bluetooth hoverboard.
Twin Rivers High School Principal and Beta Club sponsor Misti Lovelace said while the club has seen its share of success during past conventions, the competition has "beefed up" over the years.
The last state officer from Twin Rivers was Mason Douglas in 2014-2015, who was also state vice president. In 2011-2012, Kaleb Doyle was elected national Beta Club secretary.
Lovelace said she was proud of the club's success at the convention and how they represented Twin Rivers.
"The kids always behave well," she said. "Wyatt and all the kids worked very hard. We all had a common goal."
Next for Doser and the Twin Rivers Beta Club will be the National Beta Convention in Savannah, Ga., in June where Doser will run for National Beta Club vice president.
Doser said he will continue to go through the same steps to prepare for the larger stage and work on giving his speech in front of larger crowds.
"I'm still networking, getting connections and advice from people who have done this before," Doser said.