WILLIAMSBURG CLASSICAL ACADEMY SENIOR BETA CLUB

                                            1934…a year that saw many exciting events and changes throughout the world: the Dionne sisters(the                                         first quintuplets to survive birth) were born in Canada, the St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Detroit Lions                                         for the World Series, Henrik Dam discovered vitamin K, a first class stamp cost $0.03 and National Beta                                           Club was formed in Spartanburg, SC. National Beta began as the dream of Dr. John W. Harris, a                                                       professor at Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC. Dr. Harris conceived an organization that would                                                     recognize academic achievement among high school students. The organization would also help promote                                         leadership and character, and get students involved in service work. Thus, at Landrum High School in                                               Landrum, SC., the first chapter of National Beta was chartered with 15 members.

                                             Formation of the Beta Club at Landrum was followed by the chartering of eight others in South                                                   Carolina before the end of 1934. By the end of the following year, there were 75 Beta Clubs in                                                         four states. Endorsements continued to flow, and National Beta continued to expand.

     Part of National Beta’s success can be attributed to the fact that members were given a forum for their activities and chance to actually come together as a group to practice leadership skills and display their academic achievements. One forum was The Beta Journal, which began as a student magazine in September 1934. As expansion progressed, state (and sometimes regional) conventions were held. At Beta conventions, students ran for office, performed skits, and competed in academic competitions and, of course, socialized with students from other areas of the country. This tradition continues today with 36 conventions held throughout the United States.

     The membership of National Junior Beta is composed of students from fourth through eighth grades. The Board of Directors approved the addition of the fourth grade in the summer of 2013. National Senior Beta is for qualifying students in grades ninth through twelfth.

     Currently, National Beta proudly exists in forty-four states and seven territories/foreign countries. More than 80 years after Dr. Harris’ dream became a reality, National Beta still promotes his original ideals of Achievement, Character, Service and Leadership. National Beta truly possesses a proud past and a look forward to a promising future.