The Inaugural Illuminating Excellence Gala

The Inaugural Illuminating Excellence Gala

Join us for a night of live music, dinner, and dancing as we celebrate excellence and achievement at the Inaugural Illuminating Excellence Gala
on April 5, 2025!


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​Click here to meet our Teen Leadership Participants
​
The Mid-Hudson Valley Chapter of Jack and Jill of America has carefully curated a leadership development program designed to support teens' development into successful, responsible, community-minded, and ethical young people. The culminating event of the program is The Inaugural Illuminating Excellence Gala. In the presence of parents, family, and the greater Hudson Valley community, we will honor our outstanding teens. This is The Premier Presentation Gala honoring teen leaders in the Hudson Valley! It will be a night to remember!

Attire: The gala is a black tie affair for ages 13+. Gowns and tuxedos are recommended.

Free valet parking is available at the venue.

The Illuminating Excellence Gala is a fundraiser. The Mid-Hudson Valley Chapter is raising funds to support the Jack and Jill of America Foundation. Donations in any amount are welcome.

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 potentially 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 Inaugural Illuminating Excellence Gala which will 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.

How many students will participate in the 2025 Leadership Development Program?

We will be presenting a group of 12 teen leaders at the presentation gala this year.  
To request an application, email [email protected].

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. We may be able to include younger leaders in future years.
To meet our Teen Leaders, visit 

Where will the Leadership Development Workshops take place?

An up-to-date list of locations and dates for our current classes will be shared with all participants. Most workshops will be virtual; and some may be hybrid (in-person with a virtual participation option). The photo shoot and dance rehearsals will be in person.
The presentation ball will follow 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.