The youth demonstrated skills learned over the course of four weeks at the Kinzua Youth Development Center during a four-course celebratory dinner at the Conewango Club.

Asha Waterhouse, Kinzua Youth Development Center executive director, taught the etiquette class, which is the first level of a series of courses that will be available.

“What a blessing and honor it was to teach practical life-manners skills to the youth of Warren County,” Waterhouse said.

Parents and students alike agree that the course gave them confidence and they would gladly participate in a Level 2 course. One of the students felt prepared and ready to participate in a formal setting just before she traveled to compete in the Miss Northern International Pageant.

Students received certificates of completion for the KYDC's Level One Etiquette Course.

“Each child learned these lessons with enthusiasm. Watching them confidently apply ‘please,’ ‘thank you,’ greetings, and table etiquette at our celebratory dinner was a pleasure. These young people are already making our community more courteous–one polite gesture at a time,” Waterhouse said.

Waterstreet was raised in the south, having traditional southern manners instilled throughout her formative years. Feeling that the basics of etiquette like handshaking and making eye contact while speaking to another are missing within many youth, largely due to technology, Waterstreet began offering etiquette classes in October.

Previously instructing children in etiquette and manners within a church setting, Waterstreet has self-written two curricula tailored to meet the needs of the separate classes being offered. Broken down into four sessions the class focuses on practical skills like proper table manners, respectful communication, and professional presentation. Through interactive lessons and practice, participants will learn to navigate social settings with confidence, preparing them for fine dining, social events, or daily interactions.