About National Beta
Impacting Students and Empowering Communities
As the largest, independent, educational youth organization in America, National Beta emphasizes our four pillars by providing opportunities and experiences to impact our members, their schools, and communities across the world.
Academic Achievement
Character
Leadership
Service
The National Beta Constitution
The National Beta Club was founded on the standards set forth in our Constitution and continues to uphold students to the same ideals. The articles of our Constitution and By-Laws provide direction and purpose for all clubs across the globe.
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 Beta 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.
1934
National Beta Club is founded by Dr. John West Harris at Landrum High School in Landrum, SC.
May 1934
The first Convention took place at the Cleveland Hotel in Spartanburg, SC.
1942
The current Beta Club Motto is introduced.
1961
Junior Beta was established for middle school students.
August 1961
The first Junior Club is established at Millsap Elementary in Millsap, TX.
March 1973
President Richard Nixon makes the first Presidential Proclamation of National Beta Week.
1980
The first Junior State Convention was held in Louisiana.
June 1981
The first National Convention was held in Orlando, FL.
2016
National Beta introduced their mascot, J.W. the Boston Terrier, in 2016. J.W. was named after the National Beta Founder.
October 2017
The first Founder’s Day was celebrated on October 27, 2017.
2018
The first Elementary State Convention was held in Georgia.
February 2021
The first Sponsor Appreciation Week was held February 1-5, 2021.
2023
Elementary Beta was established.
Who We Are
Amy Luttrell
National Sponsor
Anna Haynes
Director of Marketing
Blake Whittington
Computer Programmer/System Administrator
Bobby Hart
Chief Executive Officer
Bradley Graham
Merchandise Director
Brittany Yerkes
Membership Marketing Coordinator
Brooke Scruggs
Staff Accountant
Caleb Schaap
Production Coordinator
Chanelle Johnson
Convention Coordinator
Chantella Crosby
Executive Administrative Coordinator and HR Manager
Courtney Jo Simpkins
Web and Graphic Designer
Damon Garrison
National Sponsor
Denia Brown
Director of Convention and Leadership
Donna Womack
National Sponsor
Eric DeJesús
National Sponsor
Erin Emory
Marketing and Development Coordinator
Eva Carley
Merchandise Coordinator
Evan Scruggs
Junior Web Developer and System Administrator
Jay Moore
Chief Information Officer
Jeff Wilkins
Sales and Marketing Coordinator
John Posey
Director of Finance
Kathryn Paxton
Sales and Marketing Coordinator
Kim Earnhardt
Membership Marketing Coordinator
Leigh Mason
Accounting & Customer Service Clerk
Lisa Fields
Sponsor Development Specialist
Matt Simpson
Director of Production
Melissa Csuhran
Director of Membership
Mitzi Avritt
National Sponsor
Perry Harvey
Convention Coordinator
Roxanne Johnson
Event Marketing and Sponsorship Manager
Trent Gregg
Assistant Merchandise Director
Tyler Fleming
Merchandise/Production Coordinator
Dr. Zel Thomas
Board Member
Alabama
Sarah McLendon
State Sponsor
Hillcrest Elem
Alabama
John Ross Johnson
State Sponsor
Sulligent High School
Alabama
Holly Seales
State Sponsor Elect
Rehobeth Elementary School
Alabama
Amber Beckon
State Sponsor Elect
Marion County High School
Alabama
Trevor Roen
Elementary President
Holly Hill Elementary
Alabama
Jase Kirby
Elementary Vice President
Sylvania High School
Alabama
William Ryder Linville
Junior President
Scottsboro Jr. High
Alabama
Brea Rose Swindall
Junior Vice President
Charles Henderson Middle School
Alabama
Lexie Danielle Maloy
Junior Secretary
Dauphin Jr. High School
Alabama
Luke Terrell
Senior President
Scottsboro High School
Alabama
Caroline Pyron
Senior Vice President
Marion County High School
Alabama
Jaxon Reese Trentham
Senior Secretary
Sulligent High School
Alabama
Jaxon Bradway
Elementary President
Nettleton STEAM
Arkansas
Tate Griffin Hataway
Elementary Leadership Representative
Rehobeth Elementary School
Alabama
Sarah Wilson
Senior Leadership Representative
Central High School (Phenix City)
Alabama
Mr. Jerry Newton
Board Member
Arkansas
Heather Bradway
State Sponsor
Nettleton Junior High
Arkansas
National Beta Partners Impacting Our Community
Partnering with National Beta gives businesses and organizations the opportunity to make an impact on student’s lives and education.
Foster the next generation
Connect with students
Network with educators
Be part of the Beta community
Current Partners
We currently partner with two organizations who provide a variety of value to clubs.
- Funds2Orgs provides a simple and effective turnkey fundraising option for clubs looking to raise money for their club while benefitting other organications. Learn more about our partnership by clicking here.
- Trading Pins Direct is our preferred trading pin vendor. They provide discounted pricing on any orders placed by Clubs. Learn more about our partnership by clicking here.
Current Partners
We currently partner with two organizations which provide a variety of value to clubs. Funds2Orgs provides a simple and effective turnkey fundraising option for clubs looking to raise money for their club while benefitting other organications. Trading Pins Direct is our preferred trading pin vendor. They provide discounted pricing on any orders placed by Clubs. Click the logos below to learn more about these partnerships.
Get Involved with National Beta and Be Part of Our Community
Our members and sponsors impact the National Beta community by shaping the future of students and educators. Learn more about chartering a club and becoming a sponsor or learn how to connect with other members.
Becoming a Sponsor
Becoming a Member
