25 Girls, 25 Weeks; They Will Never be the Same

April 29, 2009 - PRLog -- New Orleans, La.  – This fall, 25 girls will forever change the course of their lives when they spend 25 weeks learning what school can’t teach them.

“I feel some young women have lost the essence of womanhood,” LaMiskey Dillon said. “They are unsure how to carry themselves and don’t get simple grooming and make-up training. They also lack the knowledge of what to wear to certain occasions and life events. I am lending a helping hand.”

Dillon, founder of the Etiquette and Success Academy, hopes girls in and around New Orleans will take advantage of what Dillon says is a unique opportunity to participate in an elite program that promises to prepare them well for a life lived with grace and class. The program – designed for high school juniors and seniors -- culminates with a debutante ball on New Years’ Eve.

“I strongly believe in the complete development of our youth.  We need not focus on just academics or social skills but on the entire individual,” Dillon said. “We have to make sure they have a healthy mental, physical, and emotional understanding of themselves.”

Dillon has a particular interest in the young people of New Orleans, having worked with them in the role of mentor, trainer and etiquette advisor and she is excited to introduce this program to girls and their families who might not otherwise get the opportunity. While girls who are associated with a private club or social aid and pleasure club might get the requisite training in etiquette and living skills, Dillon says that all girls leaving high school should also get the chance.

“I noticed my lack in certain areas immediately after high school,” Dillon said, “I felt compelled to bring a program that included etiquette and life skills training to soon-to-be high school graduates so that they are better prepared for the ‘real world’.”

The program will offer a wide array of activities and training including a health and wellness workshop, professional dance lessons, make-up sessions, culinary training, community service projects and leadership training.

Parents are asked to raise money to cover the cost of the program, while girls are required to attend sessions two Saturdays a month beginning in August and culminating in December. Dillon said the selection process will be competitive, but the rewards will be worth the energy.

For more information, contact:

LaMiskey Dillon, 1937 Veterans Memorial Blvd., No, 181, Metairie, LA 70005
504-621-7616
Debutante@etiquettesa.com, www.EtiquetteSA.com

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At ESA, our mission is to improve the quality of life of the youth in the New Orleans area by providing personal development and mentoring to youth ages 12-22.