The Illuminating Excellence Gala and Leadership Development Program serves to equip, encourage, and stimulate young ladies and gentlemen who are juniors and seniors in high school to pursue higher education, academic excellence, personal development, and civic involvement. The program focuses on the needs of minority and underserved young people with objectives to:
Enhance personal, civic and leadership development through structured educational workshops.
Promote high academic achievement and provide scholarships towards higher education.
Promote servant leadership through volunteerism and community service.
Promote high ethical standards, character development, good citizenship, and social graces during the formative years.
Promote camaraderie and positive relationships with other young women.
Promote artistic expression and health through dance and movement.
The program objectives are achieved through a seven-month curriculum consisting of educational workshops, activities, community service outings and rehearsals.
The culminating event of the program is the Illuminating Excellence Gala, to be held on April 5, 2024 at which the young ladies and gentlemen are formally presented to the Hudson Valley community in Poughkeepsie, New York, and potentially awarded scholarships and prizes.
Between the internet and what we teach at home, why pay for a presentation ball? For the same reason that a high school football team doesn’t only get together on Friday nights: Without practice, they would embarrass themselves! We’re counting on families to instill the importance of bonding and learning with their peers. We’re here to add to their students’ knowledge, and give them the opportunity to get together with their peers for learning, development, growth, and bonding, as well as practice, practice, practice… to prepare them for further education and successful adulthood.
This would be useful for my children who are not juniors or seniors in high school. Are there workshops for students in other grades? No. Our 2025 Leadership Development Program is intended for 11th and 12th grade students.
How many students will participate in the 2025 Leadership Development Program? We expect to limit group size to 10 boys and 10 girls this year. Invitations will be issued after the final application deadline passes and we complete interviews with the candidates. To request an application, simply sign up for our Waiting List by emailing[email protected].
Where will the Leadership Development Workshops take place? For the up-to-date list of locations and dates for our current classes, check the schedule on the Mid-Hudson Valley Chapter’s website: www.jackandjillmhv.org. Workshops will typically take place in local venues in northern Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess Counties that we’ve partnered with such as churches, country clubs, civic centers, etc. depending on demand, availability, and scheduling. Some workshops will be virtual; and some may be hybrid (in-person with a virtual participation option). The presentation ball will follows the six to seven months of workshops, and will be held in Poughkeepsie, New York.
Is there a dress code? Yes. We ask that young men wear slacks with a belt and leather shoes, as well as a button-up shirt and a sport coat or jacket. Young women are asked to wear knee-length skirts or dresses, or dress pants with a button up shirt or an appropriate blouse, and business-casual shoes. We do make some exceptions, especially as it may pertain to the content of a Workshop, so please inquire in advance with any questions.