Treena Norwood, a Union County resident with more than a decade of nonprofit and youth development experience, will lead the National League of Junior Cotillions' Union County chapter as its new director.

Norwood was appointed in August, The Enquirer Journal reported on Sept. 10. She called the role "a blessing in disguise considering all she has experienced in her personal life and through volunteerism."

Norwood is a Western Carolina University graduate with a bachelor's degree in hospitality and tourism. Her professional background spans business development, nonprofit community relations and strategic partnerships, according to the chapter's page on the NLJC website. She is also a home educator, youth soccer coach and active volunteer in her church's children's and youth ministries.

In her director's statement on the chapter website, Norwood said she sees parents as a child's most influential teachers and views the program as a way to reinforce courtesy, respect and integrity alongside families. She expressed hope that students leave the program with greater confidence, lasting friendships and the character to lead with respect.

The Junior Cotillion is a three-year curriculum covering etiquette, character education and ballroom dance, according to the NLJC's national program page. The national program is designed for grades 5 through 8. The Union County chapter, also known as the Union County-Monroe Chapter, also accepts ninth-graders in its Year II classes.

All classes meet at Central Hall at Central United Methodist Church, 801 S. Hayne St., Monroe.

The 2026-2027 season is open for enrollment. Junior Cotillion classes for grades 5 through 9 begin Sunday, Sept. 27. Tuition is $325 for Year I students in fifth and sixth grade and $375 for Year II, which serves returning students and new seventh- through ninth-graders. A Pre-Cotillion program for students in grades 2 through 4 costs $150; spring 2027 class dates have not been announced.

The Year I Grand Ball is scheduled for Sunday, March 14, 2027, from 3 to 6 p.m. at 1710 W. Franklin St. in Monroe. The refund deadline is Sunday, Oct. 11.

Families can find enrollment details on the chapter's enrollment page.

Upcoming community events

  • Saturday, Sept. 19: Weddington hosts a public input session on park plans.
  • Fall 2026: A Union County nonprofit plans its second annual bash for the disability community.