National League of Junior Cotillions
Roanoke Valley Chapter
Welcome
Junior Cotillion provides training in character education, modern manners, and social dance. The curriculum is designed to give students practice in courtesy, lessons in formal etiquette and reinforces some of the nice manners they've already learned at home. Classes begin in the fall and conclude in the spring and we meet about once a month for an hour and a half.
If you know of any families who may be interested in participating in our program for modern manners, please forward this link on to them: www.nljc.com/chapter/roanokevalley Parents Receptions (Information Sessions) are held at the Shenandoah Club downtown for new families to learn more about the Junior Cotillion program. Please park in the back lot on Bullitt Ave. All are welcome... grandparents, teachers, principals, and school administrators!
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| We already have students enrolled from: |
| Andrew Lewis Middle School |
| West Salem |
| Roanoke Catholic |
| Cave Spring Middle School |
| North Cross School |
| Community School |
| Wasena |
| Crystal Spring |
| Faith Christian School |
| Green Valley |
| Greenfield |
| Lexington |
| Northside Middle School |
| Read Mountain |
| Blacksburg Middle School |
| Mount Pleasant |
| William Byrd Middle School |
Announcements
REQUEST YOUR INVITATIONS HERE!
The Roanoke Valley Chapter welcomes students aged 10-14. Please register early to avoid missing out! There is no cost to register, it just helps to keep your family in the loop on the upcoming plans, dates, details etc.
Beginning classes are typically for middle school students but all are encouraged to look into the benefits of participation. All events will be held at the Shenandoah Club in downtown Roanoke on Friday nights. The entire cotillion gets together for the formal evening ball at the end of the season. If graduates of our Junior Cotillion would like to attend the next Spring Ball, as assistants, please contact the director to make arrangements.
TESTIMONIALS
The NLJC program has been transformative for our daughter. With limited expectations resulting from our general unfamiliarity with cotillion programs, I registered our daughter in the program. We quickly came to realize the depth and value of the lessons she was learning and experiencing, which are truly beyond measure. The curriculum is comprehensive, providing a balance of lecture and practice, reinforced by an optional homework component. We observed our daughter grow in confidence, both in presence in the way she now carries herself, and verbally in her interactions with peers, teachers, and others. Her newly acquired etiquette skills were on full display during a recent trip, where friends and family were both impressed with, her poise, quiet confidence, and deeply appreciative of her consistently pleasant demeanor; even under somewhat stressful circumstances, she knew what to do and what to say. One year ago, we watched a shy, timid young girl enter a ballroom with great anxiety and apprehension; last month, we stared in admiration and joy at the young lady who confidently entered the Grand Spring Ball with self-assurance, grace, and a new set of lifetime skills. Michelle - parent
When I first joined Junior Cotillion, I really wasn't that excited. I had to wear an uncomfortable suit and dance with girls. But as it went on, I became comfortable learned all the little things, and it all became second nature. I thought it would be years before the skills I had learned would help me; I was wrong. Just a month after the "Grand Ball," I competed on out schoo's mock trial team. Because of participating in cotillion, I knew the importance of posture and when to button my suit for standing and sitting. I knew how to address the jury while on the stand and just how to feel natural in the court room. I even coached some of my teammates on posture. I really believe the confidence boost I got and the etiquette I learned in Junior Cotillion helped play a role in my team winning the championship. Andrew - student
About Director
Although Mrs. Hilbish grew up in Arlington, VA, her mom and dad were both born and raised right here in the Roanoke Valley.
"I spend my free time on volunteer work, on comittees for non-profit organizations, and helping out at my daughter's school. In our increasingly digital culture, I see a real need to strengthen traditional face-to-face interaction among our young people and with grown-ups."
With direct instruction in traditional manners, polite conversation, etiquette, courtesy and a supportive place to practice, students will gain confidence and be better prepared for after-school jobs and more formal social functions with friends and family. As a licensed K-8 teacher, Mrs. Hilbish makes sure their lessons are grounded in consideration and mutual respect.
Jessica Hilbish holds liberal arts degrees from the University of Pennsylvania. She can be reached by email: jessica.hilbish @ nljc.com or by phone: (540) 553 – 5072.