Welcome

Welcome to the homepage for the NLJC Tennessee Valley Chapter. 

For 2021 season, NLJC's  chapter will offer a 5th grade program, a 6th/7th grade combined program, and an "advanced" program for 8th grade thru high school.

We are going to do things a little different this year. We will have this week of registration ( January 18 thru January 23) which can be done online. Unfortunately, we will not have a Parents' Reception, but start right in with classes. I hope you can find the answer to any questions you have here, but if not, please feel free to call me.

 Continue to scroll down for class descriptions, dates, times, and expectations. 

Thank you for your interest in this program which focuses on leadership, character building, civility, all aspects of manners which will allow your children to feel comfortable in every situation they find themselves.

Please know that I welcome parent participation.

For more information about how you can get involved in the Junior Cotillion program, please contact Laura Ritch, Director, at (256) - 227 - 2235 or [email protected] gmail.com.

Clarence Thomas said, “Manners open doors that even the greatest of educations cannot”.

Making sure that your child learns these life-long skills will give them a competitive edge in every facet of their life.

Announcements

REGISTRATION IS ONLINE JANUARY 18 THRU JANUARY 23

When registering: in the blank asking for the grade your child will be in the fall, PLEASE PUT THE GRADE THEY ARE CURRENTLY IN.

About Director

Laura Bingham Ritch is a licensed director for the National League of Junior Cotillions, National League of Junior Cotillions Tennessee Valley Chapter. A 3rd generation Decaturite, Laura graduated from Converse College in Spartanburg, SC. Her masters work was done at both the University of Alabama and Auburn in a joint cooperative program. She has 2 grown daughters, co-owns Goose Pond Farm with her husband, and Main Street West Gallery in Hartselle.  Laura has been an NLJC director for 19 years.

“The most vital thing I bring to my directorship is an understanding of, and empathy for, where you are with your children. My most important role in life has been that of being a Mom. With my children, I have lived through highly competitive individual athletic sports; football; dance try-outs, competitions and recitals; school; mean-girl drama and dating terrors - to college and the scramble for scholarships. I now watch the competition for careers, and help with the moves to different cities that come with promotions; as well as, the building of a new generation. I now understand that the skills young people learn in the National League of Junior Cotillions program are as important as math or any other academic subject, and in the long run, will open more doors to success that any sport.  I truly enjoy helping my students learn to reach for their potential knowing that the skills I teach will touch every facet of their lives and their future. Most importantly, we have fun while we’re learning!”