Dr. John West Harris, a small-town farm boy turned wartime flying instructor, led the life of both an adventurer and scholar. Dr. Harris was a lauded proponent of education with A.B. and M.A. degrees from Wofford College, a Ph.D. from The University of North Carolina, a membership in Phi Betta Kappa and a year’s attendance at Columbia University Law School. His joy of learning led to a joy of teaching- both inside and outside of the classroom, stressing that academics and life experiences were equally valuable for personal and professional success. A well-rounded individual himself, Dr. Harris was the epitome of “lead by example”.
In 1934, the dream became a reality with the establishment of National Beta, a national organization devoted to honoring and recognizing students for their achievement, character and leadership qualities, as well as encouraging growth through service and comradery. From the first club of 15 members at Landrum High School in Landrum, SC to an international student organization with 500,000 members annually, National Beta has grown in size, but its focus, and values have held steadfast and true to the vision which Dr. Harris set forth.
At West Cabarrus High School, the National Senior Beta Club's mission is: To promote the ideals of academic achievement, character, service, and leadership among our students with a focus on the four pillars as follows:
1-ACHIEVEMENT - Recognizing and honoring high academic achievement
2-CHARACTER - Preparing young people for life and empowering them to be successful
3-LEADERSHIP - Developing the leaders of tomorrow
4-SERVICE - Demonstrating our motto: “Let Us Lead by Serving Others”
You will be invited to join Beta Club if you meet the academic criteria of a 3.5 or higher GPA. Students in grades 10-12 will be invited to join based on GPA and behavior requirements. Listen carefully to the morning announcements to know when it’s time to join!
*When you join, there is a fee for induction. This fee is non-refundable and goes directly to the National Beta organization in Spartanburg and offsets the cost of materals needed to make the induction ceremony in the winter a success.
There is a minimum GPA of 3.5 to join Beta Club. You must also maintain that GPA to remain a member in good standing.
50 hours need to be logged on a paper log by April 1st. 10 of those hours must come from attending monthly meetings and completing service projects with the club. The remaining 40 hours are independent.
**Please note, you are responsible for getting your hours regardless of other commitments. Athletics or other club duties are not acceptable reasons to not meet your hours requirements! You must make Beta a priority if you wish to be a member!
Beta meets every 3rd Thursday of the month. Please see the calendar posted in ParentSquare for specific dates and events.
No. You must pay dues each year to maintain membership. New members pay a one-time induction fee of $50. Returning members pay a due of $20 per year. If you were in the Junior Beta Club in middle school, your membership DOES NOT transfer to high school.
No. Plan accordingly to attend enough meetings to earn your Beta hours. If you fail to earn your hours, you WILL BE PLACED ON PROBATION.
**Please note, you are responsible for getting your hours regardless of other commitments. Athletics or other club duties are not acceptable reasons to not meet your hours requirements! You must make Beta a priority if you wish to be a member!
If your GPA drops below a 3.25, you will be sent a letter in Parent Square and to your school email that you are placed on probation. You have 1 quarter to bring up your GPA. If you do not raise your GPA by the end of that quarter, you will forfeit your membership and be removed from the WCHS Beta Club roster.
Yes. You must maintain a 3.25 GPA and complete your required 40 service hours by April. If you fail to meet the requirements, you will be placed on a semester of “probation.” If you are still not meeting the requirements after a semester of probation, you will be removed from the club roster.
No. This club is voluntary and all events, activites, and meetings are planned with this in mind.
Reach out to Mr. Peitz, Ms. Cannon, or Ms. Eudy. We can discuss how to help you so you don’t miss out on Beta Club.
You are responsible for getting your hours regardless of other commitments. Athletics or other club duties are not acceptable reasons to not meet your hours requirements! You must make Beta a priority if you wish to be a member!
*This is a standard practice at many schools and we are upholding this same standard at West!
Sponsors:
Mr. Gregory Peitz
Ms. Taylior Cannon
Ms. Mandy Eudy
Check out the National Beta Club website here:
ATTENTION NEW MEMBERS! Please refer to the official New Members Handbook for information on what is expected of you as a Beta.
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