PCHS charters county's first Junior Civitan Club

By Staff
Melissa Cason
PHIL CAMPBELL – Students at Phil Campbell High School made Franklin County history earlier this week by chartering the county's first Junior Civitan Club.
Club builder Phil Vinson said the club has been a vision of the Phil Campbell Civitan Club since its formation three years ago.
"We knew we wanted to start a club here at the high school," Vinson said. "But, it's taken us three years to get to where we are tonight."
Vinson said the Phil Campbell Civitan Club held a teacher appreciation luncheon last summer, and the topic of discussion was beginning a Junior Civitan Club at the high school.
"We presented a presentation about the junior club hoping someone would volunteer to sponsor the club," Vinson said. "Because we knew we had to get a sponsor in order to get the club off the ground."
Vinson said Amy Gunderman volunteered to co-sponsor the club that day, and in the coming days, Tina King agreed to co-sponsor the club.
Vinson said once the sponsors were found, their work had just begun.
"If I had known it would take this much work to get this club formed, I don't know if I would have done it," Vinson joked during the ceremony.
Each charter member was nominated by their teachers and accepted based on several areas, including academic performance.
Phil Campbell High School Principal Cynthia Davis said she is proud of the club and the students' chosen represent the Junior Civitan program well.
"You are just what your creed says, the standing promise of tomorrow dedicated to making the world a better place," Davis said.
During the charter ceremonies, the students were inducted into the club by Donna Grice, District Junior Civitan Chair. Each member received their membership during the ceremony.
Junior Civitan Governor Kristen Ford installed the officers and presented them with their officer pins.
Vinson presented President Lawrence Butts the club charter, and Phil Campbell club member Carolyn Vinson presented the club with a gavel to use during their meetings.
A reception followed the charter ceremony in the lobby.