February 2026
Director Spotlight: Joan Freeman
We’re proud to celebrate Joan Freeman, now in her eleventh year as an NLJC® Director. Joan leads the Emerald Coast Chapter in the Florida Panhandle, offering Pre-Cotillion®, Junior Cotillion®, and High School Cotillion® programs. She teaches from September through March and hosts a special Pre-Cotillion® week each June. Joan first discovered NLJC® when her twin daughters participated in Junior Cotillion in 2011. Impressed by the professionalism, curriculum, and overall experience, she felt called to bring the program to her community. After attending NLJC®’s comprehensive director training, she launched her chapter in 2015.
Since then, Joan has grown a thriving, polished, and highly regarded chapter. She credits NLJC® Corporate for equipping her with the tools to succeed and encourages anyone interested in directing to attend a training session and explore the opportunity.
Please join us in celebrating Joan Freeman and her outstanding leadership!
Spotlight Archives
Leigh Ruhl Asheville Chapter | National League of Junior Cotillions®
It is our pleasure to spotlight Mrs. Leigh Ruhl, Director of the Asheville Chapter of the National League of Junior Cotillions.
Since 1997, Leigh has been an active and respected member of the Asheville community, serving in leadership roles at A-B Tech Community College, Carolina Day School, Mission Health Foundation, and United Way. After a successful career in philanthropy, Leigh transitioned into her role as NLJC Director in 2022. She brings with her a deep commitment to service and tradition.
Raised in a home where etiquette was a way of life, complete with candlelit dinners and curtsies, Leigh now shares these timeless lessons with the next generation of young ladies and gentlemen. Her mission is rooted in values that transcend trends: honor, dignity, and respect.
Leigh’s students not only learn social skills and ballroom dance, but also how to carry themselves with poise, speak with confidence, and treat others with courtesy. She considers it a privilege to prepare her students for life beyond the classroom, one interaction at a time.
She and her husband John are the proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three. Leigh’s legacy continues to grow as she empowers youth in Asheville to lead with character and kindness.
“I want each student to leave Cotillion not only with confidence in how to act in any situation, but with a strong moral compass for how to treat others.” — Leigh Ruhl
We are honored to have Leigh leading the Asheville Chapter and thank her for her dedication to shaping tomorrow’s leaders.
