Hidalgo County Cotillion Est. 1954
Empower young women to achieve their dreams and goals.
Our Mission
At Hidalgo County Cotillion , our mission is to empower young women to reach their full potential. We focus on building confidence, leadership skills, and lifelong friendships among our members.
Cotillion Eligibility
Who may apply for Cotillion?
Young women who will be high school juniors next fall (apply during sophomore year), have lived in Hidalgo County for at least one year, and have not participated in another debut or cotillion. The young ladies must submit an application during their sophomore year of high school. Eligibility is based on the applicant being classified as a high school junior in the following academic year.
What character standards are required?
Applicants must demonstrate high moral and ethical standards and agree to follow all Cotillion rules and policies.
What are the dues and when are they due?
Dues are $625, covering all required events over two years. Dues are non-refundable and must be paid by June 15.
Are there attendance requirements?
Yes. Participants must attend all scheduled events listed in the Debutante Calendar and RSVP on time to every invitation.
What are the attire requirements?
Appropriate attire is required for all events. A white ball gown, meeting Cotillion specifications, is required for the presentation ball.
Are escorts required?
Yes. Each participant must select a young male escort (ages 15–18) and an adult male presenter (father or father-figure) for the presentation.
Are there conduct rules?
Yes. All participants must follow mandatory standards, including a zero-tolerance alcohol policy at all Cotillion events. activities.
When do I apply?
- The application period opens in April, and remains open through May 30. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
- Once submitted, each application undergoes a comprehensive review process. An Advisory Board comprised of nearly 26 dedicated women carefully evaluates every application. This review goes beyond basic eligibility requirements and focuses on identifying young ladies who demonstrate strong character, responsibility, and a genuine commitment to personal growth and community involvement.
- The Advisory Board works thoughtfully and collaboratively to select candidates who will positively represent both the Cotillion organization and the greater Hidalgo County community. Selection is based on the applicant’s overall qualifications, conduct, and potential to uphold the values, traditions, and standards of the Cotillion program.
- Applicants and families are encouraged to apply early, ensure all required information is complete, and carefully review all eligibility criteria prior to submission.
If I applied and did not receive an invite?
Before assuming you were not selected, please review the following:
- Did you submit your application on time?
If so, you should have received a confirmation email after submitting. All applications are time-stamped.
- Keep in mind: Cotillion has limited space and receives many applications from highly qualified young women. Not everyone who applies can be selected.
- Check your email and mail carefully.
Invitations are sent by email and mail. Occasionally, emails may be missed or mail may be delayed, so it’s important to enter the correct email address and check it regularly.
Is Cotillion right for me ?
Cotillion offers many meaningful benefits, including opportunities to build networking and social skills, develop time management and responsibility, learn proper etiquette and appropriate dress, and attend educational seminars designed specifically for young women. Participants gain confidence, poise, and lifelong skills that extend well beyond the Cotillion experience.
However, Cotillion requires a serious commitment. Please do not apply unless you are fully certain you want to participate. If selected and extended an invitation, the expectation is that you will accept. Because spaces are limited and no extra invitations are issued, declining an invitation means taking the place of another young lady who truly wishes to participate. Applicants should carefully review all time, financial, and attendance requirements before applying.
Young women who enjoy and succeed in Cotillion are responsible, organized, and dependable. They regularly check email and phone communications, respond promptly to advisors, meet deadlines, and attend all required events.
Cotillion may not be a good fit for those who struggle with RSVPs, communication, attendance, or dress code compliance, as adherence to all guidelines is essential to the success of the program.
Time and Financial Commitments
Time Requirements
A two-year commitment is required to prepare young women for leadership, service, and personal growth. During their junior and senior years of high school, debutantes participate in a variety of events, culminating in the traditional Debutante Presentation & Ball.
Please do not apply unless you are prepared to make all Cotillion events a top priority. All events are held on Sundays and are mandatory.
We understand that our members maintain busy schedules and are often involved in academics, athletics, and community activities. Event dates are scheduled and published months in advance to allow for proper planning. Each debutante is expected to place these required dates on her calendar and arrange other commitments accordingly.
HCC EVENTS
- Townhall (August)
- Orientation (September)
- Fall Tea (October)
- Petticoats & Pics (November)
- Community Service events (December)
- Presentation Rehearsal (January)
- Debutante Presentation & Ball (January)
The complete event schedule is published at the beginning of the program to assist families with advance planning. All program events are mandatory, and full participation is essential to the Cotillion experience.
Financial Requirements
The honor of being selected for Hidalgo County Cotillion reflects a
young woman’s individual accomplishments, commitment, leadership potential, and exemplary character. Selection is based solely on merit and the ability to represent the organization and community with integrity.
Hidalgo County Cotillion is a nonprofit organization and is entirely self-sustaining. The program is funded exclusively through Debutante fees, and 100% of those fees are spent directly on the Debutantes and program events.
Program Cost
The cost to participate is $700, which covers the entire two-year program. This fee is paid prior to joining the program. Seniors do not pay this fee. The fee covers all required Cotillion events over both years. Additional expenses in addition to program dues, each Debutante is responsible for personal presentation expenses. These costs vary depending on individual choices and family preferences and may include: Debutante gown and gloves Petticoat, shoes, and jewelry, and Family attire for the Presentation
projected expenses for our members
Refund Policy
Unfortunately, there are no refunds for any reason.
Legacies & Sisters Information
Do legacies automatically get in?
A legacy is any girl whose mother or maternal grandmother was in Cotillion. Legacies are not automatically admitted into Cotillion. All interested young ladies must submit an application during the spring of their sophomore year, regardless of whether a sister or mother previously participated in Cotillion.
Participation as a sister or legacy does not guarantee admission. Due to the large number of qualified sisters and legacies, automatic acceptance is not possible, and all applicants are evaluated equally through the standard selection process.