Celebrating Our Graduating Seniors: NCL

By Christy Vandersee

Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.

Coco Chanel

This perfect quote set the stage for the National Charity League, Inc. (NCL, Inc.) Moon Valley Chapter Senior Recognition Class of 2020 event on March 1, 2020. The theme for the event was Chanel since the icon herself often spoke about how important it was for a woman to be an individual and think for herself – a quality that all our graduating seniors hold in spades.

The Senior Recognition event serves as a way for our chapter to celebrate the accomplishments each of these young women and their mothers have achieved throughout their NCL journey. It provides a chance to share all the high school and NCL accomplishments of each senior, as well as their favorite philanthropy and leadership role. It also gives each girl an opportunity to talk about their future plans.

In the beginning of this journey, some of these girls may have started off not knowing what to expect, while others were familiar with the organization through friends or siblings. Some were excited about it, while others may have been hesitant to start. One thing they all agreed upon as they reached their last year is that they had no regrets, only wonderful memories.

This is a journey taken by their mother’s side at a time when teenage daughters might not be as close to their mothers as they once were during their younger years. At Senior Recognition, a common theme was heard when these young women said their farewells – they thanked their mothers for the experience of NCL.

In an elegant Chanel inspired program, the seniors each wrote a message to their mothers. Megan Bladine wrote, “Mom, I’m so glad that we joined NCL and stuck with it. You are such an inspiration and have helped me grow in my leadership and service, you have helped me become the person I am today, and I am thankful we have shared this 6-year journey together. Love you!”

This is why NCL has become so important to me. My younger daughter and I joined when she was in the 7 th grade, and she is now a freshman in high school. Looking at her across the table wearing a dress and heels, smiling as she was talking to a friend seated next to her (who she didn’t know before NCL), I was so happy. You see, she’s my quiet child. NCL has made her step out of her comfort zone. She has made new friends outside of her school and is holding leadership positions. One day, sooner than I’m truthfully ready for, it will be her Senior Recognition. I know she too will look back with fond memories at the 6 years with NCL, taking this journey by my side.

NCL, Inc. is a philanthropic organization with over 200 chapters across the country that all share the mission of fostering strong mother-daughter relationships through community service, leadership development and cultural experiences. Members include girls ranging 7 th to 12 th grade along with their mothers. For more information, visit our website at moonvalley.nationalcharityleague.org “Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.” - Coco Chanel