Jodie Rierson, MCBA Educational Coordinator, welcomed students and mentees to our 2026 MCBA Beginner Bee School.

Jodie Rierson explains the Certification Process, the final exam and then after several weeks of hands on experience in their mentors apiary they can take the Practical Exam to become a Certified Beekeeper.

Shellsee Robichaud welcomes students with announcements and an introduction to our website.

Shellsee navigating our website.

Terry Edwards, President, MCBA, begins the first class instilling confidence in new beekeepers.

Terry explains our class schedule and what to expect.

North Carolina Beekeepers Association is introduced along with the Spring and Summer Conferences and access to the monthly newsletter.

Highlights of some of our club events including Saturday morning breakfasts, Saturtay visits to the "Bees and Brews" gatherings and our very popular and rewarding "Annual Honey Tasting Contest".

Introducing "Bee City USA" and the environmental impact honey bees have on our community.

Do you really want to become a beekeeper?

Facts to ponder.

Nucs, Packages, Established Colonies, that is the question.

WOW! 10,000 bees. And a queen.

Every new beekeepers dream.

The cost of becoming a beekeeper.

Where am I going to locate my bees?

More costs to contemplate.

Many local and national suppliers are there to help.

Terry gives a lot of encouragement, advice, wisdom and most of all, "Enjoy the Journey".

Josh and Kat Dobbs, Meck Bee School Mentor Adminstrators.

Our Mentors with competence, character, confidence, connection, compassion, and the ability to coach, guide, tutor and teach.

Shellsee Robichaud introduces Wayne and Senia Owensby as our two Swagmasters. Next pic.

Wayne and Senia Owensby explain how they interact with our equipment suppliers from accross the nation to procure prizes and equipment for new students amd members. They are also our Webmasters. Thank You Wayne and Senia for your hard work and dedication.