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.
 
“Cotillion was a word that hung over me for several years. At dinner I would hear, “Bryn! You are not at the barn, please use your table manners or we will sign you up for Cotillion.” When I was forced to wear a dress to the National Capital Equestrian League banquet, I heard, “Bryn, please put a smile on your face. I’m going to sign you up for cotillion so you’ll get used to wearing dresses”. I thought they were kidding around until last June when I was told “Bryn, I signed you up for Cotillion”. My life was over. I realized something during the first meeting. I wasn’t alone. Other kids parents had forced them to join also. I have actually learned several things. I have become more comfortable at dancing, and while I may not use “Cotillion manners” every day, all day, I have gotten better about looking people in the eye and speaking up and
speaking clearly. My phone manners have also improved because of Cotillion. I believe the one thing that I have learned the most through Cotillion is that I can still be Bryn, the girl who would rather muck a stall than clean her room, yet be Bryn with good manners and be willing to clean up and put a dress on occasionally. Thank you Cotillion."
 
 
"I have always been interested in history and my southern heritage in particular. I have read and dreamed of a time when gracious living and manners prevailed. I consider membership in Junior Cotillion stresses not only the importance of proper etiquette, but also the importance of my complete development as an individual. Junior Cotillion has taught me about the personal qualities of nobility and generosity of character and how to become a disciplined individual. I believe the person who succeeds in today's world must possess the qualities emphasized at Junior Cotillion. I believe through the efforts of Mrs. Jimmy Darnell at Junior Cotillion, I am being taught these necessary skills."
 
 
“When my father was invited to China, I attended a traditional nine-course Chinese banquet. It was interesting how, although I did not speak Mandarin, I was able to seat the lady to my right by communicating through my actions of pulling out the chair and smiling. Navigating the utensils was easy because there were only chopsticks. 
Some dishes (like eating eel and silkworm cocoons) were challenging, but I sampled everything. During this trip, I often relied on manners to communicate. I was proud to bring honor to my father through my etiquette in a culture where respecting one’s parents is highly valued.”
   
   
“Although I still prefer wearing a basketball uniform to a formal dress, I have learned a lot in Cotillion. Cotillion has taught me that cultivating good manners and proper etiquette, like learning to be a good athlete, takes practice and discipline. Through the many fun dances and classes, I have learned the value of behaving in a dignified and respectful manner, and have learned to respect such behaviors in others. I have learned that polite and courteous behavior always leaves a positive impression on others - both on the court and off!”
   
   
“Junior Cotillion activities have made a big impact on my life in a very positive way. The social graces I have learned have been re-enforced through practice. Junior Cotillion has taught me how to make a good impression by being sincere and graceful in my relations with my friends, family and others I’ve met. The adults in the cotillion have been role models for me. They have inspired me and helped me in building confidence in myself and my relationships with my cotillion friends. I know I have become a better person through the lessons I have learned.”
 
 
“Junior Cotillion is a “fashion statement” as I not only “dress for success”, but also demonstrate through my interaction with others, that I am indeed a person of noble character. I have learned by example to put my best foot forward as I show respect, treating others with an open mind and caring attitude. Cotillion has helped me grow in my deep-seated family values like honesty and love of my country. All of Cotillion’s important values have been returned to me three-fold, because I have cared enough to give my very best in any given situation. Cotillion has and will continue to enable me to grow in mind, body, and strength, as I become an adult, making new friends and establish my place in today’s society.”
 
   
“With the growth of our country’s population each year
from people of other countries, the need for good manners and proper etiquette has never been more important. These different nationalities bring with them more than personal possessions. They have changed the face of America’s society with the influence and mix of their new beliefs and customs into our own. Still, the international language of politeness and courtesy has no barriers and is understood by all. Looking directly into someone’s eyes and offering them a good strong handshake says, “Hello, It’s very nice to meet you” in any language. Standing for a lady shows respect anywhere in the world. Going to Junior Cotillion has allowed me to feel more comfortable in situations with anyone I meet, regardless of the language they speak. Having the experiences under my belt of dancing, good table manners and even knowing how to escort and seat a lady will put me ahead of the game in my future.”
   
 

One cold night, my family and I drove from Albany, Georgia to the tall mountains in Asheville, North Carolina. We had been invited to attend a wedding at the Grove Park Inn.

After the wedding ceremony on Saturday evening, a fancy dinner was served to the guests. A table had been reserved for all the children that attended the wedding. All the grown-ups were talking and my parents were seated at a different table. I didn't know what kind of food we were being served, but it looked very different from what Mom cooks at home! The waitress brought a small plate with lobster and scallops. Next she served a crisp lettuce salad. After that came the main course followd by a wonderful desert.

Because I had taken Cotillion this year, I knew exactly which utensils to use for each course. The other kids watched me select a fork and they followed my lead. I kept my napkin in my lap and was happy that I had practiced my "party manners" during Cotillion classes.

After the dinner there was dancing. I did the Fox Trot and the Waltz with my dad. He's not a very good dancer, but it was dark and not many people noticed.

I have been involved with Cotillion for two years and have already been accepted for next year. Thanks to Cotillion I am very comfortable in all social settings and am confident of my manners. I think the other kids at the wedding could have used a few Cotillion classes!

   
   
At the age of 12 I became a participant of NLJC, not fully understanding what it would do for me. Mr. and Mrs. Merritt's training has allowd me to develop a unique relationship with my 78 year old great grandmother. When my great grandfather died last year, she lost her dance partner of 54 years. My great grandmother was lonely, I explained to her that I was taking dance and proper etiquette classes. We dance together monthly at the United States Amateur Ballroom Dancers Association (USABDA) local dance. NLJC has taught me to be a proper, respectful gentleman.