1934 . . . a year that saw many exciting events and changes throughout the world . . . The Dionne sisters (the first quintuplets to survive birth) were born in Canada, The St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Detroit Lions for the World Series, Henrik Dam discovered Vitamin K, a first class stamp cost $0.03 and The National Beta Club was formed in Spartanburg, S.C. The National Beta Club began as the dream of Dr. John W. Harris, a professor at Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C. Dr. Harris conceived an organization that would recognize academic achievement among high school students. The organization would also help promote leadership and character, and get students involved in service work. Thus, at Landrum High School in Landrum, S.C., the first chapter of The National Beta Club was chartered with 15 members.
 
Formation of the club at Landrum was followed by the chartering of eight others in South Carolina before the end of 1934. By the end of the following year, there were 75 Beta Clubs in four states. Endorsements continued to flow, and the Beta Club continued to expand. Dr. Harris had hit upon an idea whose time had come and acceptance of The National Beta Club was little short of phenomenal.
 
Part of the success of The National Beta Club can be attributed to the fact that members were given a forum for their activities and a chance to actually come together as a group to practice leadership skills and display their academic achievements as well. One forum is The Beta Journal, which began as our student magazine in September 1934. As expansion progressed, state (and sometimes regional) conventions were held. At Beta Club conventions, students ran for office, performed skits, competed in academic competitions and, of course, socialized with students from other areas of the country. This tradition continues today with 33 conventions held throughout the United States.