The 80th Holly Balls for Junior Assembly Cotillion (JAC) were held this past weekend, December 6-8, 2024 at The Woman’s Club, 211 East Franklin Street. Parents attended to enjoy the festivities and to dance with their son or daughter. JAC students earned money to help those in need in our community. A total of $6,352 was donated by the students and families of Junior Assembly Cotillion to three of our local Christmas Mother funds in Richmond, Hanover and Henrico. Dr. Lydia Johnson, Richmond’s 2024 Christmas Mother, attended all three dances on Friday evening and shared with the students how their generosity and giving hearts of contributing $2,040 to the Richmond Christmas Mother Fund at such a young age means so much to so many in need in our community during this holiday season.
Dr. Lydia Johnson with JAC Owner & Director, Liz Stanko and gift bearers Lydia G. and Miller K.
Photo Credit: Jessica Hendricks
Dr. Lydia Johnson being escorted by junior assistant Garrick A.
Photo Credit: Jessica Hendricks
Recipient of Richmond magazine’s “Best Youth Dance Instruction” for the third year in a row, JAC has been a highly anticipated event for sixth through ninth graders throughout the Richmond area and a tween and teen coaching partner for parents for over 80 years. With technology pervasive and inescapable, our young people need an exciting activity in their lives now more than ever before to add important social tools in their toolbox for the future. JAC fills that need by leading their students through manners, social and contemporary etiquette training over a four-year, integrated program where each year builds on the last. Their fun, inclusive and entertaining ballroom dancing events teach timeless lessons of life skills and manners while also sharing lifelong dancing skills to help their students be the best version of themselves. Their long-standing cotillion program helps build confidence, poise, maturity and better decision-making skills in their students.
Owner and Director Liz Stanko is passionate about having Junior Assembly Cotillion serve as a bright spot in students’ lives. Participants are led by their highly qualified and well-respected dance instructor for over forty years, Greg Thorp. Music for the Holly Balls was provided by the talented Gray McCalley Quartet. For more information on JAC, visit: www.juniorassemblycotillion.com.
