Dressed in their Sunday best, more than 400 northshore sixth-to-ninth graders gather once a month from September to March to learn social graces that can last a lifetime. They are participating in a two-year program that focuses on etiquette, ethics, social dance, everyday and formal manners, character education, citizenship, accountability and handling peer pressure.

Not what you might expect from that age group.

The programs of the Covington/Mandeville and Slidell chapters of the National League of Junior Cotillions are designed to build self-confidence and character, and to help the students set boundaries of behavior. This has been the second Cotillion year for Gail Soong's son Joshua, a ninth grader. "It's a wonderful program and my son loves it," she says. "He's learned to handle any social situation, and he's more polite and has greater confidence. He's really had a great time learning to dance, too. At a recent school homecoming dance, he was thrilled that all the girls wanted to dance with him-he was one of the few boys who knew how!"

Says northshore co-director Mark Grush, "Our students are taught in a fun way to treat others with honor, dignity and respect. Boys learn to rise when a lady enters a room, open doors and pull out chairs, etc. Girls are taught how to act like ladies and to expect nothing less than to be treated as such."

Children are often embarrassed when they find themselves in a situation that they are not familiar with. Cotillion classes give them the opportunity-with their peers-to learn the proper way to act in a social situation, while having fun in the process. Young ladies and gentlemen are expected to leave the program with the confidence and poise that comes from knowing the proper etiquette in any social situation.

Grush emphasizes the importance of participation for the full two-year program. The first year includes basic manners and dance. During the second year, through repetition and practice, responding in social situations becomes more natural. The second year also includes field trips to sporting events, a five-course dinner engagement, plays, etc.

Denise Thomas' daughter Randi, a seventh grader, is also in her second year. "Every student should have the opportunity to take part in Cotillion," says Denise. "It's been a fabulous experience for Randi to learn social skills, such as the art of conversation, dining etiquette and letter writing, just to name a few. These skills have been lost in our society. I would really love to see the program expand here so that earlier grades and those all the way through high school could participate."

Northshore classes meet once a month from September to November, with a December ball, and in January and February, with a March ball. Boys wear a coat and tie to all functions; girls are attired in their Sunday best for classes and in semi-formal dress, with gloves, for the balls. Class size is limited to an even number of about 25 girls and 25 boys each.

The mission of the National League of Junior Cotillions is: To learn to treat others with honor, dignity and respect for better relationships with family, friends and associates. Local directors are trained in Charlotte, North Carolina and follow a carefully designed detailed manual. The organization was founded in 1978, and now has chapters in twenty-five states. Information on the NLJC can be found by calling (800) 633-7947, or at www.nljc.com.

For more information on the northshore programs, contact Mark or Debbie Grush at 643-9785.

Two new Cotillion chapters are being formed on the southshore with classes beginning in August. Headed by Amanda Crettet, owner of Crettet's Stationery & Gifts in downtown Covington, the programs will be offered to students in Metairie and the greater New Orleans area. For additional information on the southshore programs, contact Amanda at (985) 893-8958.

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