Donna Corbett, executive director and primary instructor for AGE, hosted the event. The Little Miss Etiquette Tea Party was designed to demonstrate to parents and community leaders the educational and social benefits children gain by participating in etiquette education. Sponsors for the Little Miss Etiquette Tea Party were AGE, TCP Magazine and Meredith College.
Decorations and floral arrangements were designed and provided by Linda Wilcox of Raleigh.

Four young ladies – Brianna Benkin, Taylor Dunn, Victoria Mims, and Kayla Walker – participated in the afternoon of education, fine dining and entertainment. All participants in the tea party were between the ages of 5 and 8 years old. Other guests included the girls’ parents, board members and staff of AGE, event entertainers and other supporters of AGE programs.

The event began with Ms. Corbett welcoming the guests to the event before escorting the young participants to a separate classroom for their first etiquette lesson. Meanwhile, AGE board member and TCP Magazine Editor Peggy Tatum conducted an information session with other guests to inform them of the variety of opportunities afforded to youth and adults through AGE classes and events, emphasizing AGE’s proven track record in enhancing the self-confidence and communication skills that have helped youth in their social and academic endeavors and adults in their efforts toward job preparedness. After only a few minutes, the young students returned to the tea party eager to demonstrate lessons learned in appropriate communication in public and in table etiquette. They were also treated to an etiquette quiz game conducted by board member Tiffany Latham. To authenticate the event as a party for “little princesses,” Ms. Latham dressed and participated in the tea party with the young participants as “Princess Tiffany.”

During lunch, the guests were entertained by the Solid Rock Church Spirit of Worship Dance Troop of Garner and their instructor Cheryl Thomas. The afternoon was culminated with gifts, flowers and etiquette lesson certificates of completion for the four participants. At the completion of the program, Ms. Corbett announced plans to coordinate additional periodic tea parties for young girls who want to get their first experiences in etiquette education. Parents were also encouraged to enroll their children in the full four-week sessions of etiquette lessons. The afternoon of poise, elegance and proper manners would certainly have made Miss Emily Post proud!

AGE is a Raleigh-based organization dedicated to providing education that will enhance the image development, life skills, interpersonal communication skills and etiquette of adults and youth throughout the Triangle area. AGE’
s clientele and partners include state and county court programs, social services programs, universities and community colleges, churches, businesses, youth sports leagues and numerous other community-based programs. For additional information on AGE or to enroll yourself or your child in an AGE class, contact Donna Corbett at (919) 676-0262 or agetiquette@bellsouth.net.

This article was submitted by Neasha M. Bryant, AGE Communications Consultant.