Manners Matter at Just For Girls Academy

Teaching young ladies that manners matter, the University Park Women’s Club (UPWC) partnered with teachers at Just for Girls Academy of Bradenton, Florida, to mentor and assist the third grade students with their manners and etiquette skills. On May 14, 2014, the girls and their teachers were honored with a luncheon at the University Park Country Club cafe, sponsored by John Neal, president of both John Neal Homes, and Neal Land Ventures, the developer of the community.

“Seeing these young ladies learning how to take pride in their manners is really neat. I enjoyed being able to talk with them, and they even helped me with my own table etiquette. For instance, I learned that napkins shouldn’t be tucked into the top of a shirt, but should be folded in a triangle on my lap,” said John Neal. “The girls not only took pride in their own manners, but also in each other. They enjoyed being able to share their knowledge, and I am happy to have the opportunity to show them that their efforts are appreciated and valued,” said Neal.

"Just for Girls is extremely fortunate to have the support of local businesses and organizations that not only support our programming, but also contribute to the health and well-being of the ‘whole child’,” said Dr. Jennifer Rosenboom, Just for Girls Academy Principal. “With the support of John Neal Homes and the University Park Women’s Club, this enrichment program empowers our girls to explore new social situations and teaches them that ‘manners matter’ in building confidence and self-esteem," she said.

Laisa Nuñez, a third grade student and etiquette class graduate, had very positive feelings about what she learned from her teachers and the women’s club volunteers. “Learning etiquette has made us feel confident and comfortable, because you know how to act and what to do. When you meet someone new, you shake his or her hand and say, ‘Nice to meet you’, and it’s polite. My mom was very proud of what I learned,” said Nuñez.

The UPWC members host a school supplies drive twice a year for the Just for Girls Academy, and they were excited to have the opportunity to pass along advice and skills they’ve perfected.

John Neal is President of Neal Land Ventures (NLV), a land acquisition and development company, whose focus is on buying and entitling land in Sarasota and Manatee counties.  In the past two years NLV has secured more than a dozen properties for John Neal Homes and other area builders. NLV will soon open two new communities, Wildgrass in Sarasota County and Estuary Park in Manatee County. John Neal Homes is a semi-custom luxury home builder currently building in Lakewood Ranch, The Concession, University Park, The Inlets, and on privately owned homesites in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, & Parrish. The company is completely integrated to benefit its customers, with its engineering and building team, plus Charlene Neal PureStyle design services and Waterscapes Pools & Spa, the fifth largest pool company in the state. Established in 2010, the company's honors and accolades include Aurora Awards for models in The Country Club at Lakewood Ranch and Country Club East and several Parade of Homes awards from the Manatee-Sarasota Building Industry Association. For more information go to www.homesbyjohnneal.com