April 2026
Director Spotlight: Meg Stevens
Meg Stevens has served as Director of the Greenwood County Chapter of the National League of Junior Cotillions since 2006. For nearly 20 years, she has dedicated herself to teaching young people in Greenwood, South Carolina, the importance of manners, etiquette, confidence, and respect.
For Meg, this work is deeply personal. All four of her children participated in NLJC classes, along with many of their friends, as well as several of her nieces and nephews. Over the years, she has had the opportunity to get to know so many young people in the Greenwood community and considers it a privilege to play a small role in their growth and development.
This year marks a special full-circle moment in her journey as director, as she is teaching the child of one of her very first students. It is a meaningful reminder of the lasting impact the program has had across generations of Greenwood families.
At the beginning of each season, Meg shares an important message with her students: good manners are not about status or superiority. Instead, they are about showing respect for others and gaining confidence in social settings. As she often says, “Manners are just a way to show respect.”
Meg also teaches that etiquette is simply a set of guidelines for how to behave in different situations. Like learning any skill, it requires practice, so that when the moment comes, students can respond with confidence and ease.
Even after nearly two decades of teaching, Meg continues to enjoy getting to know her students and watching them grow throughout the year. Her commitment to the mission of NLJC has made a lasting impact on countless families in Greenwood, and her influence continues to be felt in each new generation of students.
Spotlight Archives
Alexandra Starnes
Celebrating 11 years of dedication
It is our pleasure to spotlight Alexandra Starnes, Director of the Travis & Williamson County Chapters of the National League of Junior Cotillions.
Alexandra Starnes’ journey with the National League of Junior Cotillions began over 20 years ago when she first walked into the program as a shy and skeptical sixth grader. Through the experience, she discovered confidence, leadership, and the value of strong character, lessons that would shape her future and inspire her lifelong commitment to helping young people grow.
After completing all three years of Junior Cotillion, Alexandra returned as a student assistant and continued working with NLJC throughout her high school years, mentoring younger students and helping create the same welcoming environment that once helped her thrive.
Following graduation, Alexandra was selected to join the world-renowned Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, where she experienced the discipline, teamwork, and professionalism that come with performing on one of the most prestigious teams in the world. During her time in Dallas, she also served as Assistant Director for the NLJC Travis County Chapters.
Alexandra later earned her dance education degree and teacher certification from Texas State University, specializing in drill team directing. Her passion for mentorship, etiquette education, and youth development led her back to the program that first inspired her.
Now entering her 12th season as an NLJC Director, Alexandra proudly serves as the owner and director of the Travis County and Williamson County Chapters in Austin, Texas. She is dedicated to guiding students as they develop confidence, respect, and social skills that will benefit them for a lifetime. Alexandra believes the National League of Junior Cotillions program empowers young people to become poised, thoughtful leaders who will positively impact their schools and communities for many years to come.
We are honored to have Alexandra lead the Travis & Williamson County Chapters and thank her for her dedication to shaping tomorrow’s leaders!
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!
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.
