(CHARLOTTE, NC)— Simone Biles, selected for embodying grace and humility as a four-time Olympic gold medalist, heads “Ten Best-Mannered People” list published by the National League of Junior Cotillions (NLJC).

“The selections are made based on each person’s commitment to honor, dignity, and mannerly conduct,” says President Charles Winters. “We feel these ten individuals have distinguished themselves through excellence of character and conduct and applaud them for their contributions to society.”

The top “Ten Best-Mannered” are:
1. Simone Biles – A gymnast serving as an excellent role model for today’s youth.
2. Matt Damon – for being a perfect gentleman who treats everyone with respect, regardless of their fame or social standing, and shows kindness to all.
3. Rory McIlroy – for displaying exemplary sportsmanship, taking the time to engage with his fans, and treating his fellow golfers with nothing but dignity and kindness.
4. Missy Franklin – for her grace in the spotlight and accepting both victory and defeat with elegance and poise.
5. Chris Wallace – for his tact and diplomacy while reporting and mediating during the 2016 election season and throughout his years in journalism.
6. Ben Carson – for displaying his humility in success as both a pediatric neurosurgeon and political advocate and depicting himself as an upright and dignified individual to all.
7. Christine Caine – for passionately sharing her desire to help readers achieve a life of peace and happiness through faith.
8. Pat Head Summitt – for exemplifying all the traits of noble character that Junior Cotillion teaches throughout her career as the winningest coach in all of basketball history and for her dedication to building character in her players and teaching them grace, honor, and dignity.
9. Harrison Smith – for being known as the NFL’s most anonymous star and an example of great sportsmanship. Smith is a former Junior Cotillion student in the Knoxville Chapter under the direction of Mindy Coulter.
10. Sasha and Malia Obama – for their consistent, well-mannered conduct in the public eye.

Cotillion students and directors nationwide nominate individuals for the “Ten Best-Mannered People” award each year.

The National League of Junior Cotillions (1-800-633-7947) is headquartered in Charlotte, NC and has licensed chapters throughout the United States. It hosts the popular cotillion website and etiquette blog (www.nljc.com).

NOTE: To schedule an interview with Charles Winters, NLJC President, phone (704) 867-3167, or email: [email protected].