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