Running for state office isn’t something most middle schoolers decide lightly, especially when it includes a speech in front of thousands and campaigning among total strangers. But for Dresden Middle schooler Nash Bynum, it was a challenge he embraced with intention, preparation, and a lot of support.
Running for the office wasn’t unfamiliar territory in the Bynum family. Nash had seen it done before—years earlier, his sister earned the role of Tennessee State Junior Beta President, an experience that helped motivate his own decision to run. The decision came with commitment; Nash would need to prepare his campaign message, organize materials, and work alongside his Beta Club to develop a skit for competition.
Once it was convention time, Nash fully stepped into campaign mode. He spent much of his time walking up to complete strangers, introducing himself and his campaign, and asking for their vote.
The “Smash the Trash, Vote for Nash” campaign, rooted in smashing the “trash” of negative thinking and instead replacing it with positive actions and thinking, quickly gained traction. By the end of the convention, even students from other schools outside of Dresden Middle were campaigning on Nash’s behalf, spreading his message of positivity and encouraging others to vote for Nash. What began as a carefully planned campaign grew into a network of genuine support between strangers.
The competition followed a structured order: a prepared speech, a skit, and an onstage question. When it came time for Nash’s speech, the size of the audience briefly gave him pause. Standing in front of thousands, he felt the nerves kick in but didn’t let them take over.
“I reminded myself that if other people could do it, so could I,” Nash said.
His campaign slogan anchored his message. During his speech, Nash encouraged students to “smash” negative actions and thinking and instead embrace the pillars of Beta: achievement, service, leadership, and character. The message resonated quickly, and by the end of his speech, audience members participated by yelling the key words with him.
For the final portion, candidates were given a random question and one minute to think of their answer before responding. Nash was asked about the largest piece of criticism he had received and how he reacted to it.
“I’ve been called short,” Nash said onstage. “But that’s the way God made me, and I like it that way.”
Beta sponsor Kelly McGuire said the campaign came together naturally because of both the candidate and the message.
“Our Beta members spent their free time at convention supporting Nash and campaigning for him,” she shared. “Nash is easy to rally behind, and his campaign message was strong. Our students truly believed in what they were supporting and worked hard for it.”
Voting remained open only during the session, with no campaigning allowed afterward. When Nash’s name was announced as Tennessee State Junior Beta President, the room erupted in cheers.
“All I felt was happiness,” Nash said. “Hearing everyone cheering—that’s what I’ll remember.”
Dresden Middle School Principal David Lewellen said Nash’s campaign reflected the same dedication he brings to school every day.
“We are incredibly proud of Nash—not just for winning this election and representing DMS on a state level, but for the leadership and kindness he shows every day,” Lewellen shared.
When his role of President officially begins in July 2026, Nash will take on new responsibilities and visit other state conventions. At the 2026 Tennessee State Beta Convention, he will open and adjourn meetings, deliver the keynote address, and share words of inspiration with fellow Beta members. He also plans to run for a national office at the National Beta Convention in Nashville this summer.
Looking ahead, Nash has big goals. He hopes to become a realtor—an ambition that reflects his confidence and people-first approach. He’s also quick to credit those who helped make his campaign possible.
“My parents and grandparents helped me so much,” Nash said. “And my Beta Club, our school as a whole, and our sponsors—I couldn’t have done this without them.”
Assistant Director of Schools Betsi Foster said Nash’s success reflects both hard work and the values students carry with them beyond the classroom.
“We are proud of the opportunities our students have to be seen on a state level,” Foster shared. “Nash showed true courage and confidence throughout the entire convention, showing our students what they are capable of when they embrace opportunity.”
Nash Bynum’s journey serves as a reminder that meaningful experiences start long before the applause – with preparation, confidence, and the courage to try.