Jamey Rivers knows the role etiquette can play in the development of a child, and she works with the Antebellum Chapter of the National League of Junior Cotillions to help develop the future leaders of her community.

What she doesn’t know are the addresses of every student in Baldwin County who is eligible to join the Junior Cotillion.

“Invitations are sent to some students to join the cotillion,” Rivers said. “Just because someone does not receive an invitation does not mean they cannot join. The Junior Cotillion is open to any student in fifth through eighth grades in Baldwin County.”

Rivers relies on word of mouth and some advertising to let students know that they can join the cotillion, and in doing so, learn social etiquette, manners, general courtesy, as well as ballroom dancing.

The 2008-2009 cotillion will soon get under way, and Rivers, who is a licenser for the national organization, is looking for students to join.

Each year, students attend classes where they are taught formal dining, manners and dance. Two cotillion balls are held each year. The Holly Ball is held around the Christmas holidays, and another is held in March or April. At these events, students put into practice what they have learned in the classes.

“The second- and third-year students enjoy a five-course meal prior to the ball,” Rivers said.

The program is a three-year course for students in fifth through eighth grades. Cotillion members may join in any of those years, and can complete as many as three years. Beginning in the second year of the program, cotillion members work with the cotillion assistant program, helping with the first-year class.

Classes are held at First United Methodist Church and run throughout the school year. Balls are held at La Fete.

The Antebellum Chapter is part of the National League of Junior Cotillions that oversees the same program for young members all over the country.

For more information about the cotillion, visit www.nljc.com or e-mail Jamey Rivers at jamey.rivers@nljc.com