Etiquette Expert Peggy Post Teaches Students to Put Their Best Foot Forward

Michele Brown, The Immokalee Foundation’s Randall Kenneth Jones, and Peggy Post on a February 2020 tour of the foundation.

How should you greet someone now that handshakes aren’t a wise move? What’s okay to say when texting – and what’s not? What are some strategies for making a good first impression?

These are a few of the many questions etiquette expert Peggy Post answered during an interactive online seminar held exclusively in June for The Immokalee Foundation’s high school students.

“Putting Your Best Foot Forward” explained the basics of etiquette, while providing tips and advice to help students make positive impressions on others and treat everyone they encounter with respect.

The great-granddaughter-in-law of etiquette authority Emily Post and the director emeritus of the Emily Post Institute, Post has been discussing etiquette for decades, penning popular magazine columns, appearing on a number of television programs, and conducting lectures and seminars around the country.

She is the author or co-author of more than a dozen etiquette books, including the 18th edition of “Emily Post’s Etiquette, Manners for a New World.”

Post also conducted lectures and seminars on business and wedding etiquette throughout the United States and has been interviewed by hundreds of media outlets.

Guests tour The Immokalee Foundation, including Peggy Post (back row, third from left)

During The Immokalee Foundation’s online seminar, Post instilled in students why etiquette matters.

“I hope that each student gained an appreciation of – and a passion for – the importance of etiquette,” Post said. “My wish was for each attendee to understand that being kind goes a long way toward self-respect and respect for others. Learning basic considerate behaviors and tried and-true manners for every occasion can boost your confidence. I hope, too, that everyone had fun along the way as we discussed many everyday issues.”

Post, now retired and living in Southwest Florida, was inspired to share her expertise with The Immokalee Foundation after a tour she attended in February. Her seminar was just one of the virtual experiences available for students during the summer, when the Covid-19 pandemic required changes in operations.

Using a variety of online tools and virtual experiences, these high school students continued their summer work in the foundation’s groundbreaking program, “Career Pathways: Empowering Students to Succeed.”

An Immokalee Foundation student attends a summer professional development seminar.

Career Pathways helps prepare students for career opportunities in Southwest Florida in four primary employment sectors: Health Care, Education & Human Services, Engineering & Construction Management, and Business Management & Entrepreneurship.

These pathways include in demand jobs with average annual salaries ranging from $40,000 to $99,000, the majority of which can be attained with professional certifications and credentials.

“Peggy Post’s thought-provoking workshop provided training for our students that will give them an edge in the workplace and beyond,” said Amber Barr, program services director for The Immokalee Foundation. “Her expertise and passion are a huge asset to the foundation and we are thankful that our students will continue to benefit.”

The Immokalee Foundation provides a range of education programs that focus on building pathways to professional careers through support, mentoring and tutoring, and life skills development leading to economic independence.

To learn more about The Immokalee Foundation, volunteering as a career panel speaker or host, becoming a mentor, making a donation, including the foundation in your estate plans, or for additional information, call 239-430-9122 or visit www.immokaleefoundation.org.

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