Mission Statement: The purpose of the National Beta Club shall be to promote the ideals of character, service, and leadership among secondary school students, to reward meritorious achievement and to encourage and assist students in continuing their education after high school.
Vision Statement: The National Beta Club, a student-centered organization, continually develops and nurtures individuals by providing opportunities and experiences enabling them to demonstrate the ideals of character, achievement, service and leadership in a global community.
MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
To be invited to join WCHS Beta Club, students must:
- Be in 10th grade or above
- Hold a 3.5 weighted GPA
- Be in good academic and disciplinary standing
- Attend the fall interest meeting
- Return a signed “Code of Conduct” agreement form
- Pay the required dues
Existing Beta Club members must:
- Keep a 3.5 weighted GPA
- Complete 40+ hours of Service (10+ hours in-school and 30+ hours out-of-school)
- Uphold the core values of Beta in the community and at West Cabarrus
- Remain in good academic and disciplinary standing
- Return a signed “Code of Conduct” agreement form
- Pay the required dues
The Beta Creed
As a member of the Beta Club and as a citizen of my community, state, and nation I believe in and shall strive to promote the principles of:
Honesty:
knowing that honesty is necessary to the formation of good character, and that the principles of honesty dictate that I not only refrain from acts of dishonesty; but that I perform my duties fully and take advantage of the opportunities afforded me by my circumstances;
Justice:
believing that it is only right and proper that I should be just and fair in my dealings with my fellowman; that I should condemn no one without giving him a chance to defend himself; and that I should consider all factors before forming an opinion of another's motives, or before passing judgment upon his actions;
Service:
being convinced that the rendering of helpful service to my fellowman is a duty and privilege conferred upon me by my forbears and by my environment, and that I can attain lasting satisfaction only by rendering such service to the best of my ability;
Cooperation:
knowing that I must work closely and in a friendly manner with others in this day of highly organized social and economic endeavor; and that I must respect authority and strive at all times to be dependable-if I am to be of greatest helpfulness to society;
Responsibility:
believing that full happiness is possible only through full acceptance of responsibility for my actions and for preserving and passing my rich inheritance on to coming generations;
Industriousness:
being aware of the of the fact that-if I am to be a factor for progress in my community and a real help to my associates-my mind must be alert to understand and my hands ready to perform promptly and fully the tasks that come my way;
Humility:
being convinced that humbleness of spirit is the only proper attitude for me to maintain in my relation with my associates, and that such spirit and attitude will make for my own peace of mind and for the well-being of those with whom I come in contact;
Charity:
knowing that if I am- tolerant in my appraisal of the ideas of others; generous in the use of my worldly assets; considerate of the rights of others; courteous in my actions toward all alike; gentle in my efforts to correct errors in others; kind in the exercise of my duties- I shall then be better able to contribute to the happiness of myself and others.
--The National Beta Club
A HISTORY OF LEADING BY EXAMPLE
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”
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