Salisbury Academy continues to thrive with Junior Civitan Program: Empowering upper and middle school students to serve and lead

Published 12:00 am Thursday, March 13, 2025

Salisbury Academy News Service

SALISBURY — Salisbury Academy is celebrating the continued success and expansion of its Junior Civitan program, an exciting component to the school’s commitment to service and fostering future leaders who embrace kindness and community stewardship.

Upper School Junior Civitan: Empowering leadership through service

Salisbury Academy’s Upper School Junior Civitan students regularly participate in volunteer service including community clean-ups, improvement projects and outreach to local schools and organizations. 

Most recently, students participated in an empowering weekend at the All In Summit in Birmingham, Alabama. This experience was more than just a conference — it was an opportunity to engage in hands-on service projects and fundraising initiatives benefiting the Civitan International Research Center (CIRC). Junior Civitans visited the CIRC and met doctors and researchers who are doing cutting-edge work in the fields of neuroscience and learning. They also heard from presenters on leadership, motivation and goal setting.

“It was such an amazing opportunity to connect with the larger Junior Civitan community,” ninth grade Junior Civitan Georgia Heilig said. “It made a lasting impact on me and my leadership goals.”

At the summit, students forged meaningful connections with fellow young leaders from across the country, coming together around shared values of kindness, community and citizenship.

“The event served as a powerful platform for Salisbury Academy students to not only enhance their academic skills but also develop essential emotional intelligence and compassion,” Salisbury Academy Upper School Head Meredith Williams said.

Williams said that, through their involvement in the Junior Civitan program, Upper School students are learning firsthand how to serve others, lead with empathy and become impactful citizens who make a difference in their communities and world.

Middle School Junior Civitan: A new chapter of service

In addition to the success of the Upper School program, Salisbury Academy has announced the recent chartering of its Middle School Junior Civitan chapter. The official induction ceremony was a momentous occasion for the school community. 

Sponsored by the Civitan Club of Salisbury and affiliated with Civitan International, this new chapter will meet twice a month to plan and execute impactful service projects both within the school and throughout the larger Salisbury community.

Looking ahead, the SA Middle School Junior Civitan chapter is eager to make its mark, beginning with its participation in the Regional Civitan Convention in March. The group will also volunteer at the Rowan Special Olympics in April.

“We extend a heartfelt thank you to our local Civitan representatives who support us so enthusiastically and are instrumental in helping our students realize the power of service and leadership,” said Middle School Division Director and Junior Civitan Adviser Jessica Goodman.

A bright future of service and leadership

“Salisbury Academy is thrilled to see the Junior Civitan program grow and evolve, impacting students of all ages,” said Beverly Fowler, head of school. “We look forward to seeing how these young leaders will continue to shape their communities and lead with kindness and compassion.”

For more information about Salisbury Academy’s Junior Civitan program and upcoming service projects, go to www.salisburyacademy.org or contact Jessica Goodman, middle school division director and Junior Civitan adviser, at jgoodman@salisburyacademy.org