Kimberly Juniors Mission Statement "The purpose of this organization shall be consecutive training of its members to become able club women and better citizens…by living each day trying to accomplish something not merely to exist."
Kimberly Juniors History Kimberly Juniors was founded by Helen Cheney Kimberly, along with her husband John, co-founded of the Kimberly-Clark paper company, when they retired in Redlands. Mrs. Kimberly had been active in club and civic affairs in her hometown of Neenah, Wisconsin and she brought the same interests with her to Redlands. She founded Kimberly Juniors to further young women’s social development, personal and cultural improvement, and to develop competent future leaders. She created a program of instruction in manners, poise, public speaking, drama and dance, current events, and parliamentary procedure. Mary Emma Shirk continued the traditions begun by her mother. Our community as a whole, and Kimberly Juniors specifically, benefited from the contributions made my Mrs. Shirk. A woman of substance, she was sought by her contemporaries as a guiding light for women who were redefining their roles in society and learning to retain core values as they came into their own in the 20th century. Mrs. Shirk advocated women’s education and served as the acting President of Scripps College during World War II. She was the leader of the Kimberly Juniors until her death in 1979. At that time, Kimberly Juniors almost ceased to exist, having lost is financial benefactors and founders. An anonymous donor and a group of women involved in the organization came to the rescue! The Board of Trustees was established with the purpose of preserving the integrity of the program envisioned by its founder. Bylaws were drafted, a tuition and fee structure was implemented, and an advisor position was created to continue the role previously held by Mrs. Kimberly and Mrs. Shirk. The curriculum set my Mrs. Kimberly and Mrs. Shirk continues today. Members of the Kimberly Juniors are active in a variety of high school activities including sports, cheerleading, music, government, speech, and theatre. They are active in their community, hold part time jobs, and are involved in church activities and youth groups. Many go on to college, and over the years just about ever college and university in the country and almost every field of study has included a former KJ.
Membership
To enroll, a letter of intent is submitted by a parent or guardian to: Board of Trustees Kimberly Juniors The letter of intent must include the following information: The name, age, and grade in school of the young lady The letter of intent may be submitted at any time. Membership in each class is limited to no more than 30 girls and is granted on a first come first serve basis. It is best to submit a request for membership no later than March of the year the young lady will be entering her freshman, sophomore, or junior year. Earlier submissions are accepted.
The Program Kimberly Juniors is a 4-year educational program designed to give young ladies the skills needed to function successfully in society, to gracefully involve themselves in the community as good citizens and able club women, and to be more informed about the world. While the Board of Trustees governs the organization, Kimberly Juniors are responsible for the meetings and activities throughout the year.
The core curriculum is augmented over the four years with special instruction in a variety of related areas, usually by instructors from the local community. Many opportunities to showcase the social skills learned are provided throughout the year by special meetings, performances, parties, teas, and dances. There is at least one opportunity each year to attend a live performance of theatre or a musical group. Opportunities to engage in philanthropic activities are provided to members each year and usually include food donations at Thanksgiving and “Adopt a Family” for Christmas gift giving. At the end of each year, the KJs select 3 to 5 organizations to which a monetary donation is made. The program culminates with Senior Presentation, an elegant evening in which the graduating seniors are presented, having completed their instruction. This special event allows the young ladies to showcase their training and accomplishments among family and friends. While participation is optional, Senior Presentation is the highlight of the Kimberly Juniors experience.
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Membership is open to all high school aged girls living in the Redlands Unified School District who are entering their freshman, sophomore, or junior year. New membership is not permitted after the start of the junior year. Membership consideration is also extended to girls living outside the Redlands Unified School District on a case-bye-case basis. The program year coincides with the traditional school year with the first meeting in September and the final meeting in May. This is an educational program and enrollment for the start of each school year closes on August 31st. Partial year membership is not permitted.
The program coincides with the traditional school year, beginning in September and concluding in May. Meetings are held on Saturdays, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. There are 23 meetings during the school year. There is always at least on Saturday each month which is not a meeting date, as the organization recognizes the need for family time. Activities from the core curriculum are always a part of each meeting. The Saturday meetings also provide opportunity as seniors to serve as elected officers, who preside over Saturday meetings under the guidance of the Kimberly Juniors Advisor.
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