LEXINGTON, Ky. — A Fayette County Public Schools student has earned recognition at the national level for her artistic achievement. Evelyn Maggard, a Hayes Middle School alumna now entering her freshman year at Lafayette High School, won first place in Onsite Art Painting at the 2026 Junior National Beta Convention held in Nashville, Tennessee.

The convention, themed "Wired for Success," brought together members of National Beta Club, the largest independent, nonprofit educational youth organization in the country, according to a news release from Fayette County Public Schools. Maggard's achievement represents an advancement from her third-place finish in the art painting category at the state competition held in Lexington this spring.

National Beta Club recognizes high academic achievement, rewards worthy character, fosters leadership skills and encourages service to others. The organization provides a platform for students across the nation to compete in various academic and artistic categories, with state competitions determining eligibility for national participation.

Maggard's first-place win highlights the accomplishments of multiple FCPS Beta Club members who competed at the state level earlier this year. The county school system regularly produces competitive Beta Club participants who advance to regional and national competitions.