Upcoming Events
Fall 2026 Events Coming Soon!
Junior Department
Formed in 1929, the first formal Junior Department Cotillion was held 1959. The tradition continues today, promoting service, leadership, education and culture in young women.
Junior Department members meet on the first Sunday of the month and plan an event for each meeting. In the past, members have planned everything from an ice cream social to community service projects. Each Junior is required to complete 10 hours of community service. The highlight of the year for the Junior Department is the Cotillion each April.
To learn more about Junior Department contact juniordeptclub@gmail.com .
Junior Department May/June Newsletter Report
Even though our year is coming to an end, the Juniors have not slowed down! In March we hosted a Princess Tea for local "princesses." We had tea parties, various crafts, make-up, hair styling and even a dance party. Our attendance was a bit smaller than last year's, but that meant that each attendant truly got some individual princess attention! Many of our members said that event was their favorite of the year. A huge thank you to Mica Cassell, Principal of Dixie Bee, for once again allowing us to use her space. Also want to give a shout out to Meredith Toomey, Chairperson, Taylor Gray, Vice Chairperson, and Sophia Conner, Secretary for their additional support to this program. Meredith wrote and submitted a grant through the Wabash Valley Youth Council. Taylor and Sophia represented JDC at a meeting to answer questions the Council might have had. Thanks to those three, we were granted $500.00 to purchase items needed! Congratulations girls!
April saw our 67th annual Cotillion and based on the smiles on everyone's faces it was a huge success. We debuted 14 Debutants and 55 Maids. Poor Susie Dinkle, who once again graciously and wonderfully served as our emcee, as she had to read the seemingly never-ending biographies of our Debs. It wouldn't be surprising if she lost her voice after! Listening to the biographies of the Debs was humbling! It seems as if there isn't a club, sport, group or activity out there that our members aren't involved in! What is equally amazing is their success within their activities. Among our 14 Debs we have Presidential Scholars, Lilly Endowment Recipients, Varsity Athletes and team captains. There are dance soloists, County Fair Princesses, and Homecoming Queens. There are members of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, DECA, HOSA, the Mayor's Youth Council and National Honor Society. These young women have set the bar high for future Debutants. Knowing our current Maids, it's a bar they'll reach!
May will bring the end of our year as we say goodbye and thank you to our current board and welcome our new board. We would love for as many members, both WDC and JDC to join us as we close out the 2025-2026 year by celebrating some pretty incredible young women.
Lee Dagle, Junior Department Advisor