Junior Assembly Cotillion is a Richmond-based, woman-owned, family business and has operated continuously for over 81 years.

Meet The Owner: Liz Stanko

Like her predecessors, current owner Mrs. Liz Stanko is focused on ensuring that Junior Assembly Cotillion provides the best experience possible for their students and families.

Just as her parents and sisters did, Liz attended Junior Assembly Cotillion from sixth through ninth grades and worked as a Junior Assistant through her high school years. She graduated from Douglas Freeman High School and the University of Virginia.

Stanko’s career in Special Events took her to both Atlanta and Richmond where she worked for Goldman Sachs, SunTrust Bank and RiverFront Investment Group. Liz is an active member of her church where she has served in various leadership roles and on committees, and is currently part of the Care Team. She’s a proud mom to her adult children – a son and daughter who are both Virginia Tech alumnae and share her love for dancing, family, cooking and college sports. After seventeen years as a single mom, Liz got remarried to a wonderful man who was worth the wait. Bon Appetit, Wahoowa and Go Hokies!

Meet Our Dance Instructor: Greg Thorp

Greg Thorp is a Junior Assembly Cotillion institution all on his own. He attended Junior Assembly Cotillion as a student for four years and also served as a Junior Assistant. We’re proud that he’s served as our Dance Instructor for more than 35 years. He recently celebrated 52 years with JAC from the time he started as a 6th grade student.  Impressive! Greg is a skilled electrician by day and our beloved Dance Instructor by night. Dancing has always been near and dear to his heart. He’s married with two adult sons, so he knows his audience well!

Meet The Directors: Liz Stanko, Alfreda Beach and Caroline Willhite

Liz Stanko, Alfreda Beach and Caroline Willhite direct the dances each season. Like Liz, Alfreda is a native of Richmond and took part in Junior Assembly Cotillion from sixth through ninth grade. She, too, attended Douglas Freeman High School and graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University. She loves being a part of this Richmond tradition. After owning a clothing store, Alfreda and her husband started a family. They are blessed with four boys, all of whom are either in cotillion as students or junior assistants, or were previously. When she is not on the field watching her sons, Alfreda enjoys cooking, taking an active role in various school organizations and spending time with family and friends.

Caroline Willhite is born and raised in Richmond, Virginia and attended Junior Assembly Cotillion from sixth through ninth grade, and then became a junior assistant. She attended James Madison University for her undergrad and University of Virginia for her Masters’ in Speech Pathology. Caroline works for a private practice and spends most of her time with preschool and elementary-aged children. Caroline loves dancing, yet when she is not at cotillion she loves finding new books to read, playing with her dog, and spending time with friends and family.