HISTORY OF JR. CIVITAN INTERNATIONAL
Junior Civitan International still holds the title as Civitan’s longest-standing program.
1917
Civitan International was founded in Birmingham, Alabama by a group of businessmen who desired to make a difference in their community.
1927
The first Junior Civitan club was formed at South Portland High School in Portland, Maine (1927). Soon after, clubs were formed across the United States and other countries in high schools and middle schools.
2000s
Junior Civitan International Board adopted the newly established Civitan International Research Center as their flagship project, with the Civitan International following suit the following month. Junior Civitan established its four signature campaigns: 1) the Environmental Awareness Campaign, 2) the Social Causes Awareness Campaign, 3) the Membership Recruitment Campaign, and 4) the Collection Selection. Clubs participate in these campaigns each year in various ways to serve their community and school.
2015
Crest Middle School staff members began our current charter club, with the help of Mr. Roger Harris and Mr. Travis Mangum, representatives of the adult Shelby Civitan Club. Other than the 2020-21 school year, when we had to "Hold the Charter" due to COVID restrictions, Crest Middle School continues to have a thriving club that serves the Shelby community and supports CMS each year.
2025
CMS Junior Civitan Club continues to thrive and helps many organizations and charities in the community. We now have three club sponsors: Makensi Corn, Kim Lawson, and Madelyn Parker.