Originally Posted: Dec. 12, 2025

Heroes Elementary School has been named a 2025-26 National BETA School of Merit, becoming the ninth school within the Jackson County School System to earn the distinction this year.

​HES, which inducted its first members on Thursday night, earned the honor due to its dedication to academic excellence and commitment to celebrating students' achievements. In order to be recognized as a School of Merit, schools must offer the BETA Club to all eligible grades, providing leadership development and service involvement that strengthens and builds students.

​HES joins​ East Jackson Elementary, Gum Springs Elementary, Maysville Elementary, North Jackson Elementary​, South Jackson Elementary​ and West Jackson Elementary School, along with East Jackson Middle School and East Jackson High School ​as JCSS schools to earn the honor.

The National BETA organization is the largest, independent, educational youth organization in America, and emphasizes academic achievement, character, leadership and service by providing opportunities and experiences to impact members, their schools, and communities across the world.