Raising Confident & Polite Kids: How Junior Assembly is Shaping the Next Generation

Episode 35: Raising Confident & Polite Kids: How Junior Assembly is Shaping the Next Generation

Episode Summary:
In this episode of the Women of Fort Mill Podcast, host Kellie Hoover welcomes special guest LeShea Perkins, founder of the Junior Assembly program in Fort Mill and Lake Wylie. Junior Assembly is designed to help children develop timeless social skills—that build confidence and prepare them for success in school, community, and future careers.

LeShea shares how her daughter’s experience in a long-standing Gastonia program inspired her to bring etiquette classes for kids to York County. What began as an exclusive, invite-only program has transformed into a welcoming, inclusive space where both girls and boys can grow. With a focus on confidence, character, and connection, Junior Assembly equips children to thrive in real-life situations—whether it’s speaking up in a group, handling themselves at a formal dinner, or showing up with confidence at school dances and job interviews.

Episode Highlights:

• From Exclusive to Inclusive: Learn how LeShea reshaped Junior Assembly from a hush-hush tradition into an open etiquette program for children in Fort Mill and Lake Wylie.
• Why Etiquette Matters in Today’s Digital Age: With kids spending more time on screens, many struggle with basic face-to-face interactions. 
• Confidence for Life: From table manners for kids to writing thank-you notes, Junior Assembly teaches life skills that extend into adulthood, professional networking, and leadership.
• Parent Success Stories: Hear how families are already seeing the impact—from children using etiquette at home to teens approaching job interviews and school dances with confidence.
• Program Structure: Running from September through April, Junior Assembly includes eight themed monthly events covering dining etiquette, ballroom dance lessons, social media etiquette, and communication skills for grades 4–8.
• Quick Parenting Tip: LeShea’s simple advice—“put the phones away and acknowledge people when they walk into the room”—is a small but powerful way to model and encourage respect at home.

Final Takeaway: 

Raising children who are confident, kind, and socially aware doesn’t happen overnight—it takes practice, exposure, and guidance. The Junior Assembly in Fort Mill and Lake Wylie gives kids a safe, structured environment to step away from screens and practice real-world skills that will serve them for a lifetime. Whether it’s polite introductions, table etiquette, or dance lessons for kids, these experiences help shape respectful, capable young adults who are ready to shine in school, family life, and the workplace.

If you’re a parent searching for confidence-building programs for kids, children’s etiquette classes near Fort Mill, or simply a positive weekend activity, Junior Assembly is more than just a program—it’s an investment in your child’s future.

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Junior Assembly website: juniorassemblyofyork.com

Facebook page:  Fort Mill Junior Assembly