We owe a debt of gratitude to Junior Assembly Cotillion’s earliest founders and sustainers over the decades including:

1920-1936: Mrs. R. Turner Arrington and Miss Idear Steele Traylor

During this time, cotillion was called The Junior German.

1936-1944: Mrs. Edloe Donnan

During this time, cotillion was called the Junior Cotillion and then renamed The Junior Assembly.

1944-1984: Miss Janet Cleiland Donnan

First called The Junior Assembly, it was informally known to most as Miss Donnan’s Cotillion. More than 10,000 students were taught under Miss Donnan’s leadership.

1984-2008: Mrs. Jackie Davidson and Mrs. Susan Norton

During this time, cotillion was again renamed to Junior Assembly Cotillion to reflect both the organization’s history and purpose. This also was a pivotal time as Mrs. Davidson and Mrs. Norton worked together to quadruple the size of cotillion and added a Far West End location to compliment the existing downtown Richmond location. Their leadership, wisdom and passion for cotillion shaped the cotillion that our students and families currently experience.

2008-2021: Mrs. Katherine Byer and Mrs. Liz Stanko

Sisters Mrs. Byer and Mrs. Stanko shared their family business with so many Richmond families during this time. Prior owners and directors Mrs. Norton (mother of Byer and Stanko, retired in 2012) and Mrs. Davidson (retired in 2008) were instrumental in helping Byer and Stanko make JAC the timeless tradition that it is today. Mrs. Byer retired at the end of 2021 to spend more time with her family and pursue other passions in her home town of St. Louis, MO.

2022-present: Mrs. Liz Stanko

Mrs. Stanko enjoys every aspect of Junior Assembly Cotillion and is thrilled to continue carrying on the long-standing tradition and value-add that JAC brings to Richmond families, now more than ever before.  She is passionate about helping our tweens and teens develop social self-confidence and important skills to help them be the best versions of themselves as they mature.