31 May 2016 Cotillion recognizes students
The National League of Junior Cotillions-Faulkner County Chapter Director Susan Humphries recently recognized students who have received awards during the year.
Each month, students are assigned Cotillion Challenges to practice the skills taught at that month’s class. The purpose for the challenges is to instill the skills into the students’ everyday lives and to increase self-assurance. As the students use the skills with others, the responses received contribute to stronger self-confidence.
Cotillion Challenge Winners for the season are Avery Branscum, Luke Robbins, Parker Evans, Laynie White, John Sutton and Cade Smiley (October); Mallory Hawkins, Luke Robbins, Sarah Grace Gunter, Cade Smiley and Matthew Shofner (November); McKinley Boyette, Brody Wilson, and Thomas Buser (January); and Sydnee Sims, Sam Caplan and Thomas Buser (February).
“We are very proud of all of our students who have received these special awards,”said Humphries.
The Junior Cotillion program begins its 24th season in September. Cotillion, which features etiquette and social dance training for sixth through ninth grade boys and girls, includes five classes and two semi-formal balls over a seven-month period. Emphasizing etiquette and self-confidence skills, topics taught include polite conversation, greeting skills, proper introductions, first impression skills, interaction in groups, receiving lines, paying and receiving compliments, acknowledgement of gifts, sportsmanship, table manners, telephone courtesy, coats and doors, interview skills and other areas of social behavior.
Social skills and dance instruction are presented in a humorous way to keep the children’s interest. Students learn the foxtrot, cha cha cha, swing, waltz, salsa, samba and many line dances, all danced to current popular music. All lyrics are carefully screened by the director and the national NLJC office.
“These skills will be invaluable in the young people’s futures. When training is complete, these youth will be armed with the skills to handle social situations in their teen and adult lives with ease, poise and self-confidence. Many graduates of this program talk about the advantage it gave them in obtaining college scholarships and jobs,” said Humphries. “Self-confidence always increases when one knows the correct thing to do in any situation.”
Registration for any interested sixth, seventh, eighth or ninth grade child in the county area is being held now for the 2016-2017 season. "Membership is by invitation only. However, the purpose of the invitation is to make it special to the child; it is not to exclude anyone. With the new privacy laws and cell phones, it is becoming more difficult to obtain addresses. Therefore, if a parent is interested, all that is necessary is an email to give us the information," said Humphries.
For more information, email [email protected] or visit nljc.com/chapter/faulknercounty.
