Local chapter of Junior Cotillions announces new board, invites youth membership

BRYANT — The National League of Junior Cotillions-Saline County Chapter director Susan Humphries announced the[more] 2011-2012 Advisory Board. Those on the board are Karen Burgess, Sandra Clements, Amanda Colclasure, Mrs. Debbie Ellis, Kellie Furgere, Mrs. Lynda Hampel, Barbara Heard, Keisha Jewett, Cherye Limoges, Amy Upton, Carrie McWilliams, Lisa Minton, Carol Sikes, Becca Stipe, Alana Tackett, and Deondra Wheat.

"I would like to publicly thank these wonderful parents for their positive support of the Junior Cotillion program,” says Humphries.

The Junior Cotillion program, 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, beginning in September. 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, and other areas of social behavior. Social skills and dance instruction are presented in a humorous way to keep the children's interest.

“These skills will be invaluable in the young people's futures,” explained Humphries. “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. 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 2011-2012 season.

"Membership is by invitation only,” Humphries said. “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, it is becoming more difficult to obtain addresses. Therefore if a parent is interested, all that is necessary is a call to give us the information."

For more about the program, call Humphries at 501-262-5054.