Local youth named finalist in NLJC essay contest
A local middle school student has been named a winner in the national essay contest for the National League of Junior Cotillions. Ben Hollis, son of Dr. Tom and Jon Jon Hollis, is a student in the NLJC Hot Springs Chapter. The National League of Junior Cotillions holds the annual “What Junior Cotillion Means to Me” Essay Contest with a grand prize of a $500 educational scholarship to the essay winner and also presents plaques and certificates to four finalists. Hollis was chosen as a finalist winner from across the nation with more than 1,500 essays submitted and was presented with his plaque from NLJC President Charles Winters.
“We are very proud to have such an outstanding young man as one of our students,” said Susan and Patrick Humphries, directors of the local chapter, in the press release. “Ben is an eager, intelligent and diligent participant in our program. He is taking the skills taught in these classes and making them a part of his everyday life.”
According to Hollis’ essay, he has enjoyed his cotillion experience. In his poem he writes, “do the right thing when no one is aware, Respect and kindness to others sound familiar and rings true to what my Lord and family say, No need to grunt or sweat Cotillion life. Undiscovered country — still out there, NLJC has prepared me — no fears!”
“The skills that we teach these children promote respect, self-confidence and strong self-esteem, enabling them to deal with the issues facing adolescents today. This encourages the social behavior and character necessary to gain the edge in future experiences, such as college entrance, business experiences and other life opportunities,” said Susan Humphries. “Ben Hollis has taken the skills taught in this program and used them to enhance his character, to achieve personal goals and to set high standards for personal behavior. He exemplifies the NLJC mission statement — learning to act and to treat others with honor, dignity and respect.”
The National League of Junior Cotillions is an etiquette and social dance training program that involves thousands of students nationwide. The local program is offered to any interested sixth- to eighthgrade boy or girl in the county. Registration for the 2017-18 season will be held May 10- June 1, to begin in September. For more information, email Susan Humphries at susan.humphries@nljc.com.