Approximately 14 girls at Lawson Elementary School recently completed the Young Girls of Elegance, an after-school club that met every other week. During the meetings, the girls focused on self-esteem, friendship-building and etiquette.
A former staff member started the after-school program, which Julie Mazar and Jazell Thomas, Lawson’s instructional specialist and counselor, continued.
“The girls grew in self-confidence and developed character,” said Mazar. “We asked a teacher who recently lost a lot of weight to speak to the girls about body image, exercise and healthy eating habits. She told the girls to find a sport or exercise they enjoy doing. It’s not about what you weigh; it’s about how you feel.”
The girls also did a Zumba workout. Zumba is a Latin-inspired workout program that blends a variety of dance and aerobic elements set to Latin, hip-hop and international music.
“It was really cute to watch them do Zumba,” said Mazar.
Fifth grader Jerkayla Nunaley and fourth grader Tymber Grabher explained what attracted them to the club.
“I wanted to join Girls of Elegance because I want to know more about being a young lady, being smart, cooperative and encouraging,” said Nunaley. “My favorite part about the club was putting books on our head and walking across the library without them falling.”
Mazar explained that activity taught the girls to walk tall and proud.
“I want to be able to know more about being a young lady, too,” Grabher. “Joining the club seemed fun and I thought I would try it out.”
“The most important thing I learned is the definition of ‘cooperative,’” said Nunaley.
“It was all really important to me,” said Grabher of the club’s impact.
Young Girls of Elegance culminated with a tea party in the library. Each student found her name written on a place card at a table and the seating assignments were randomized so students sat by others they did not necessarily know. One student at each table served as hostess. When in doubt about etiquette, the girls followed the hosts’ examples.
“The girls used my new wedding china,” said Mazar. “Mrs. Thomas brought in her daughters’ prom dresses for them to wear. They worked on how to make appropriate table conversation and how to use manners when attending a party. They enjoyed tea, scones and cucumber sandwiches. Parents were also invited to join the fun.”