National Beta Club is honored to recognize Michelle Lucas and Marie Howard as the 2026 recipients of the National Beta Distinguished Alumni Award. As the organization’s highest alumni honor, this award celebrates former Beta members who continue to lead with purpose, serve their communities, and exemplify the core values of achievement, character, leadership, and service long after their Beta years.
“Michelle and Marie truly represent what it means to live out the Beta mission every day. Michelle’s dedication to her students, school, and community is a testament to her servant leadership, while Marie’s passion for education and commitment to making a difference in the lives of young people is equally inspiring. Both women reflect the lasting impact of Beta, and we are proud to recognize their contributions,” said Bobby Hart, CEO of National Beta.
Through the National Beta Alumni Association, alumni have meaningful ways to stay involved and give back, from volunteering at State and National Conventions to serving on committees that help shape member and club recognition. Applications for the 2027 Distinguished Alumni Award will open this fall. Those interested in joining the Alumni Association are encouraged to explore opportunities to stay connected and continue the Beta legacy here.
Learn more about the 2026 National Beta Distinguished Alumni Award Winners:
Michelle Lucas
Michelle Lucas is a dedicated and lifelong supporter of Beta, having been a member of Junior Beta at Whitley County Middle School and Senior Beta at both Whitley County High School and Laurel County High School, where she graduated in 1987. She has continued her commitment to service and leadership through her work at Grace Bible Academy, a K–12 school where she teaches students in grades 6–12, leads the drama program, and sponsors three Beta clubs. In addition, Michelle serves her church as a ladies minister and supports her school community as the scorekeeper for basketball and baseball. Her impact extends beyond the classroom through more than 20 years of sponsoring cheerleading for a local civic league and her leadership roles within Civitan International, where she has served as both a local club president and District Governor. Known for her strong work ethic, reliability, integrity, and servant’s heart, Michelle consistently demonstrates a deep commitment to serving others of all ages.
Marie Howard
Marie Howard has demonstrated a lasting commitment to Beta through both her student experience and her professional career in education. She was inducted into the Junior Beta Club during the 1999–2000 school year as a seventh grader at Fairforest Middle School and continued her involvement at Paul M. Dorman High School, where she further developed her dedication to service and leadership. Today, she serves as a sixth-grade Social Studies teacher and Junior Beta Club sponsor at D.R. Hill Middle School, where she actively invests in the growth and success of her students. Since joining the district in 2015, Mrs. Howard has taken on a variety of roles, including classroom Social Studies teacher, Special Education teacher, homebound instructor, summer school instructor, and parent volunteer. Through each of these roles, she continues to serve and advance the values she believes in. Known for being flexible, approachable, and collaborative, Marie is a trustworthy, honest, and dependable leader who inspires others to follow her example and consistently leads with integrity.