South Fulton High School Beta Club earns National School of Distinction; sponsors receive Educator of Excellence honors

South Fulton High School’s Beta Club is celebrating an outstanding year of achievement after earning the prestigious 2025–26 National Beta School of Distinction designation. In addition to the club’s national recognition, Beta sponsors Andy Zimmerman and Brandi Cantrell have been named recipients of the Educator of Excellence Award.
The National Beta School of Distinction recognition honors Beta clubs that demonstrate excellence in academics, leadership, service and overall student achievement. The designation reflects the dedication and hard work of Beta members throughout the school year.
Cantrell and Zimmerman’s Educator of Excellence recognition is an especially significant accomplishment. To qualify for the award, sponsors must meet several rigorous requirements, including: earn the School of Distinction Award, earn the School of Merit Award, attend a Leadership Summit, State Convention and/or National Convention with Beta students, and achieve the Pillar of Service Award.
The selectivity of the award makes the accomplishment even more impressive. Of more than 8,500 Beta clubs and 20,000 sponsors nationwide, only 60 clubs and 170 sponsors earned this recognition.
“This accomplishment is a tremendous reflection of the dedication of our Beta students and sponsors,” said Laura Pitts, Principal of South Fulton Middle/High School. “Cantrell and Zimmerman have worked tirelessly to provide our students with opportunities to grow as leaders, serve their community and represent our school with excellence. We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished.”
The Beta Club’s School of Distinction recognition, coupled with the Educator of Excellence Awards presented to Cantrell and Zimmerman, highlights the school’s commitment to developing student leaders through service, achievement and involvement.