Testimonials
Dear Sy,
I am writing to you in reference to the Etiquette Program that I am currently running at our Boys and Girls Club. This program has been a huge success with our members. I started with twelve girls, all whom love it. While speaking with the girls about what they enjoyed the program thus far, they stated that from the beginning they felt a sense of belonging because of the written letter inviting them to the program.
speaking with the girls...they felt a sense of belonging because of the written letter inviting them to the program.
Throughout the program we have done the various activities that are listed with the session which helps the program run smoothly. One of the activities is that they had to create a poster board with clothing to wear for three occasions- dress up, school, and play. The members cut outfits out of magazines and completed what they would wear for each category. We then went to our local mall were they had the opportunity to find the clothes and try them on! The members said it was the most fun they ever had.
I would like to thank you for introducing us to this fun, interactive, and educational program. It is a big hit with our members and I look forward to continuing it!
Shaye A. Roscoe
Program Director
Boys and Girls Club
Lower Naugatuck Valley
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Parents Testimonials
Mrs. Rose-Marie Mouning Becoming a Young Lady Etiquette Program 4th Grade Girls, J. P. Vincent School
Parent One
I felt that the BYL was an excellent program. My daughter enjoyed herself greatly. She has a more positive attitude about herself. She was able to have a special relationship with her peers. I feel that this is a program which other girls will be able to benefit from in the years to come.
Parent Two
I found the program as being a positive source for Kenya. She is always trying to correct others at the table now. Kenya seems to have more self esteem to me since she was in the program. Kenya seems to care about her appearance now.
Parent Three
I think this was a great program for the young ladies. I could tell from the final program that they learned a lot and had a good time doing so. My daughter looked forward to attending each week and always came home to share what she learned.
Parent Four
My daughter Zamiera L really enjoyed the BYL etiquette program. I thought the program taught my daughter more about the real world and what to expect. She now knows the importance of speaking properly and having more respect towards others. I remember when she was preparing for the last day, her remarks were “I wish this wasn’t the last day, I really had a lot of fun.” So just to see how much the girls or “Young Ladies” have learned was just amazing to me as a parent.
Parent Five
I think it was an excellent program. Yes it has been a very positive impact. She has more confidence in the things she says and does. BYL has been very helpful teaching Dageanna things that I never learned at her age. Dageanna feels proud every time she tells family & friends about dressing proper & baking, etc. I noticed how she wants to set the table, how she sits straight. She takes her time now when she talks.
I would like to thank the woman that put this program together. It has taught Dageanna a lot of things that I did not learn at her age. I lost my mother at an early age and I think a program like this would have helped with how I viewed myself.
Parent Six
The BYL program provides a perfect atmosphere for girls to interact and express their views as they approach their pre-teen years. The program has impacted my daughter by re-enforcing proper etiquette and other social conduct. It has shown my daughter that other girls share her growing up experiences. It has made my daughter more aware of herself and how her actions and manner are perceived by others (both the positive and negative impact).
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Student Interviews
Destinie
What is your fondest memory of the etiquette club?
Attending Nordstrom and being able to pick out and try on the different types of clothes for different types of settings…like what to wear to the interview, what not to wear, the do’s and don’ts of an interview. The other was the tea and the meetings…how we always started off with conversation between the girls. Also, I liked the tea and snacks for when we watched different movies. We mostly did everything with each other and we tried to figure things out and be independent. It taught you how to be independent and responsible.
What lesson has stuck with you the most?
The table settings and the way you speak to a person of higher authority or a person in general.
Which was you favorite lesson?
The table settings because that is what stuck in my head the most and the different types of settings - the formal setting, the casual setting. My friends always ask me about the salad fork, the fork for the main meal and which one you should use first! I recently went to a conference and took an etiquette seminar there. My friends were like “Why are you taking another etiquette class, you already know everything!” I take them as a refresher so I won’t forget and to learn new things.
Did this program change your life?
Yes, very much. It teaches you how to speak, it made me more independent, responsible, how I talk, oh, actually how I speak, how I dress, how I present myself in front of certain people, how not to look stupid in situations and to use for everyday life.
Did this program have anything to do with you going to college?
In a way it did. It’s a way to show that girls can do everything that boys can do if not better.
Would you recommend this program to others?
Yes! I highly recommend it.
Do you know what will be your major in college?
Early childhood education. I will be attending South Carolina State University this fall.
Marzina
How did you feel being invited to join a club of gracious living?
When being invited to join a club gracious living, well…I was very excited and somewhat confused not knowing what’s stored for me.
What did gracious living mean to you before the etiquette club?
What gracious living meant to me before the etiquette club was, well…I don’t remember.
What did it mean to you after the etiquette club
What gracious living meant after the etiquette club was presenting yourself in a respectful, honorable manner, in public as well as in your home.
What does it mean to you now?
What grac(ious) liv(ing) means to me now is respecting myself as well as presenting myself in an honorable manner everywhere I go.
How do you still use the rules of etiquette that you learned in the club?
I still use the rules of etiquette I’ve learned in the club everywhere I go and in anyway possible.
Are you planning to go to college?
Without question, yes I am planning to go to college. (Spelman, Greenboro University, Purdue)
Please give any general comments about how the club still positively affects your life.
This club, the etiquette club (Ms. Whitaker) has taught me how to dress on different occasions. Whether business, formal, casual. When I go to restaurants I still place the napkin on my lap. I even place my fork and knife like an X on my plate. (that let’s the waitress know that your through eating. Even when I’m @ home my etiquette skills play a roll when I’m setting the table, making my tea (stirring my tea), I can go on and on. In brief this club has made a physical, and mental change in me from Day one.
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