National League of Junior Cotillions
Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center Chapter
Welcome
NATIONAL LEAGUE OF JUNIOR COTILLIONS, SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
SIDNEY & BERNE DAVIS AND CHARLOTTE HARBOUR CHAPTERS
REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR THE 2026-2027 SEASON
CONGRATULATIONS, CLASS OF 2025 GRADUATES
Dear Parents,
Thank you for your interest in the Southwest Florida Chapters of the National League of Junior Cotillions, headquartered at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in downtown Fort Myers.
Enrolling your child in Cotillion is a formative investment during a pivotal season of growth. As children move from dependence toward independence, the habits they develop now shape how they will carry themselves in high school, college, and beyond.
Cotillion equips young people with social awareness, confidence, and responsible conduct, teaching them how to enter a room with composure, communicate respectfully, and navigate both formal and everyday situations with ease.
At Graduation, when your child walks the red carpet as a Cotillion Graduate, that moment reflects preparation, growth, and your intentional decision to invest in their character.
Enrollment is intentionally limited and carefully balanced to preserve the quality of the experience. We encourage families to register promptly.
Thank you for the privilege of working with your child. We are honored to partner with families who value character, courtesy, and confident leadership.
Warmly,
Laurie Coventry Payne
Director, Southwest Florida Chapters
IF YOU HAVE BEEN NOMINATED FOR MEMBERSHIP
Our chapter grows through recommendations.
If you were nominated for the program, congratulations — nomination is an honor.
Someone has thought highly enough of your family and child to recommend your family for membership.
If you are a legacy family, welcome back.
If you discovered us independently, your initiative qualifies your family for nomination by the Director.
ELIGIBIILITY
Junior Cotillion is open to middle school students.
Level I Advanced, a dual-enrollment option, is open to students in grades 8, 9, and 10.
NLJC is considered one of the finest etiquette,
social dance, and character educational programs in the country
REGISTER TODAY
COTILLION AT THE SIDNEY & BERNE DAVIS ART CENTER IS MAGICAL
Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center
2301 First Street
Fort Myers, Florida 33901
Announcements
REGISTRATION FOR THE
2026-2027 SEASON IS OPEN
Personal recommendation remains the primary way our chapter grows
Enrollment is managed on a first-come, first-served basis
and remains open only until classes reach capacity
Every spring, we ask current and legacy families to share their Cotillion experience with parents of children in their child's class at school, or who participate with their child in outside activities, such as sports, dance, or youth groups.
If you are considering joining the program, we recommend joining during the Spring Membership Drive. Classes fill quickly. Once we reach our cap, we close registration until the following season. By then, a child may have aged out or missed the opportunity to join with friends.
TO REQUEST AN INVITATION OR FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Contact the director to request an invitation or to ask questions
[email protected]
or text to schedule a call (941) 855-0777
STAFF & ASSOCIATES
LAURIE COVENTY-PAYNE, DIRECTOR
DOUGLAS COVENTRY, EVENT MANAGER
COURTNEY MCGIRT, GLT DIRECTOR
EVOKE PHOTOGRAPHY, COTILLION PHOTOGRAPHERS
JULIA WRONA, BOOKKEEPER
JOIN US!
TESTIMONIALS FROM THE 2024-2025 SEASON
TESTIMONIALS FROM THE 2023-2024 SEASON
TESTIMONIALS FROM THE 2025-2026 COMING SOON
SAVE THE DATE
COTILLION OPEN HOUSE & PARENT RECEPTION
Season I and Level I Advanced
(parents only)
Join us for our annual Cotillion Open House & Parent Reception to familiarise you with the program's mission, values, teaching philosophy, desired outcomes, and schedule of events.
Seating is limited. Kindly RSVP.
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center
Downtown Fort Myers
6:15 PM - RECEPTION
7:00 PM - PRESENTATION
About Director
Laurie Coventry Payne, Director of two Southwest Florida Chapters of the National League of Junior Cotillions, established her first chapter in 2004. Since then, more than 4,000 students have registered, representing six counties and 52 schools across Southwest Florida.
Before entering the field of education and nonprofit leadership, Laurie was a professional classical dancer in Europe. Following her performing career, she earned a master’s degree in environmental science and later served as an adjunct professor at Florida Gulf Coast University.
She subsequently became the executive director of a nonprofit foundation dedicated to supporting programs that encourage creativity, cultivate character, and strengthen community. The National League of Junior Cotillions is the Foundation’s largest and longest-standing program.
Laurie has been married to her husband for thirty-nine years. Together, they have five grown children, three grandchildren, and a golden retriever named Pony.
Laurie Coventry Payne, M.S.
[email protected]
(941) 855-0777
Leave a message if there is no answer or text to schedule a call
