Freshman Problem Solving Notes

  • Mission Statement: To promote the ideals of academic achievement, character, service and leadership among elementary and secondary school students.
  • 4 pillars: Achievement, leadership, character, service
  • Motto: Let us lead by serving others
  • Senior founded in 1934
  • Junior founded in 1961
  • Founded by John W Harris
  • professor at Wofford College
  • Spartanburg, South Carolina
  • 1st school: Landrum High School, South Carolina

                Why the name Beta?

  • Beta is the Greek letter for “B”
  • “B” represents the Greek word “Bios” which means life.
  • members need to learn how to make a life for themselves.
  • Junior:4th-8th grades
  • Senior:9th-10th grades
  • Headquarters in Spartanburg, South Carolina
  • Mascot: Boston Terrier named JW
  • 1st National Sponsor: Hannah Leitner
  • Notable Alumni: Bill Clinton, Kevin Durant, Barbara Walters

                           Leadership Positions

  • State sponsor and Elect are 2 year terms
  • Students serve as officers and ambassadors
  • Senior offices: President, Vice President, Secretary (all 10th and 11th grade)
  • Junior offices: President, Vice President, Secretary (all 6th and 7th grade)
  • Elementary offices: President (5th grade) Vice president (4th grade)

                                              Convention

  • 1st National Convention: 1981 in Orlando, Florida

                                   National Convention

  • 2021- Orlando, Florida
  • 2022- Nashville, Tennessee
  • 2023-Louisville, Kentucky
  • 2024-Savannah, Georgia
  • 35 Junior competitions
  • 35 Elementary competitions
  • 40 Senior competitions'
  • Top 5 at state get to compete at National Convention

                4 National Convention Exhibitions:

  • Meeting of the Minds
  • Re-imagine, Recreate, Recycle
  • Create and Animate
  • Convention Invention

                  4 leadership challenges:

  • Ambassador
  • Collaboration Connection
  • Project Proposal
  • Lead outside the box

Have to qualify at Regional Leadership Summit

  • Gold Key Award: 10% Attendance Growth

              Miscellaneous

        summer leaderships

  • Senior- Washington, DC
  • Junior-Greenville, Tennessee

              Scholarships

  • $300,000 each year
  • 250+ scholarships each year
  • scholarships are $1,000-20,000
  • More than 6 Million since 1991

       Alumni Association

  • Name: 1934 Society
  • Distinguished Alumni Award

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