Lakeside Middle School student Katherine Calandro was named the winner of a national essay contest and won a $500 scholarship.
Calandro won the contest of the National League of Junior Cotillions. She is a second-year student in the Hot Springs Chapter and the daughter of Tony and Ann Calandro.
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 male or female students in grades 6-8.
"We are very proud to have such an outstanding young lady as one of our students," said Susan and Patrick Humphries, directors of the local chapter. "Katherine is a poised, intelligent and diligent participant in our program. She is taking the skills taught in these classes and making them a part of her everyday life."
The annual "What Junior Cotillion Means to Me" Essay Contest awards plaques and certificates to four finalists. Calandro was chosen as the grand prize winner from more than 1,500 essays submitted. She was presented with her scholarship during the school's awards assembly on June 5.
According to her essay, Calandro has enjoyed her Cotillion experience and "looks forward to using the skills that I have learned throughout my years. I think Cotillion is a great way to show kids all over the country how to present themselves to others with confidence."
"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," said Susan Humphries. "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.
"Katherine Calandro has taken the skills taught in this program and used them to enhance her character, to achieve personal goals and to set high standards for personal behavior. She exemplifies the NLJC mission statement -- learning to act and to treat others with honor, dignity, and respect."
School on 07/01/2015