The National League of Junior Cotillions™ is proud to sponsor two annual scholarship essay contests for NLJC students nationwide. Both contests are judged at the corporate level. Students submit essays for the "What Junior Cotillion Means to Me" contest after completing a cotillion season. Winners and finalists are invited to one of the next cotillion season's annual Balls for award presentations and local press coverage. A scholarship, plaques, and beautifully designed certificates are presented to the
winner and finalists.
 
In observance of National Courtesy, Character and Citizenship Month™ , the annual "How learning Good Manners Can Improve Our Lives" scholarship contest is for all students nationwide. A scholarship, plaques, and beautifully designed certificates are presented to the winner and finalists at the February class, where the city's Mayor is invited to address the students on the subject of "The Importance of Using Good Manners as a Public Servant" and is asked to sign a Proclamation proclaiming February as National Courtesy, Character and Citizenship Month™ for the city.
 
 
 
 
Junior Cotillion can be interpreted in different ways, but I think that the main lesson is clear-to treat others with respect, dignity, honor and use proper etiquette wherever you go. Personally, Junior cotillion has given me confidence to be the first one to say “hello” to a new student at school. Through sports etiquette, I’ve learned how to keep cool when I’ve lost to an opposing team. I also have learned to be courteous to adults, giving firm handshakes and making eye contact. Attending this class has taught me to act kindly towards others and even a few dance steps!
 
 
Junior Cotillion means a lot to me because I have learned more manners. Even though dancing with a boy is a little bit weird, I still like it. It is fun to see some of my friends there and to have a laugh every once in a while. If I quit Cotillion, I would be sad because it is fun to go once a month at least. I also like it because I get to dress up nice, more than I use to. I am so glad I chose to do Cotillion because I needed to learn more manners. Now I think I can be the best guest at a party!

 
 
I wasn’t looking forward to starting Cotillion. I figured that we would be lectured on table manners, and it would be boring. But Cotillion is nothing like I expected. It isn’t just about table manners, and our teacher doesn’t lecture us. She talks with us, and what she says makes a lot of sense. I am having fun, and I am learning how to act in all kinds of situations, even how to dance. I feel much more comfortable when I’m with people, and though I’m still not totally comfortable dancing with boys, I feel more confident knowing what to do.
 
 
Junior Cotillion means I can be sure how to be respectful and polite to my family and peers. I can go to a fancy restaurant and know how to act appropriately. I can also impress my parents, be lady-like when I should, be able to ballroom dance and be a ballroom dance teacher for my friends. I couldn’t do that without taking Cotillion. I would have missed out on a lot of fun and knowledge. Cotillion was an opportunity of a lifetime. I met new friends, teachers, learned cool dances, and most importantly, I learned to be polite and respectful.
   
   
Like everything in life, there’s a right and wrong way to do things. Through Junior Cotillion, I have learned many of the necessary skills to respect and better the relationships around me. The proper manners and etiquette that I have learned have made me more confident now and I am sure it will later in life. My dignity and esteem have been strengthened by having the knowledge of proper courtesies, manners and responsibilities necessary for everyday life and the special occasions I’m sure that I will enjoy. To me, Cotillion is honor, dignity, respect and more.