Message from the Senior Pastor
It fills my heart with immense joy and pride to pen this message for our annual Youth Awards Gala & Rites of Passage B.A.L.L.!
Though I've only been blessed to serve as your Senior Pastor for six months, the children and youth of Beth Eden have already carved out a special place in my heart and truly feel like family.
Tonight, we celebrate not just accomplishments, but the blossoming potential and unwavering spirit of our young people. This Rites of Passage B.A.L.L. marks a significant milestone in their spiritual journeys, acknowledging their growth and commitment to walking in God's light. It's a testament to the strong foundations we are building together, rooted in faith, love, and community.
To our honorees: know that your dedication, talent, and passion do not go unnoticed. You are an inspiration to us all, and we believe in your boundless potential to shape a brighter future, guided by God's grace. May this evening be a memorable celebration of all you have achieved and a powerful affirmation of all that is yet to come.
With a joyful heart,
Dr. James Lewis Boatner Senior Pastor
Beth Eden Baptist Church
Message from the Ministry
To the Class of 2025 what a beautiful journey it has been. You have overcome obstacles, embraced growth, and reached this milestone with grace and determination. Your achievements speak of resilience. Your hearts speak of purpose.
We celebrate all that you’ve accomplished and all that lies ahead. But more than your success, we honor your choice to walk in truth. In a culture that often rewards compromise, you have chosen purity. You have dared to say: “My life, my heart, and my future belong to God” That quiet strength, that bold obedience it is nothing short of extraordinary You are not just graduating You are rising into calling, into character, into Christ. May your journey forward be guided by wisdom, grounded in faith, and full of holy confidence.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” – Matthew 5:8 (KJV) With pride, with love, and with our deepest admiration We celebrate you.
Sincerely,
Shawnette “Marcey” Gilliam, Ministry Leader LLOG, YLOG, LMOH and YMOH
Purpose:
To emphasize a lifestyle of purity through Christ in their thoughts, language, music, movies, dress, attitude, friendships, respect for self and others, etiquette and respect for authority.
Goals:
· To address real life teen and pre-teen situations using God’s word to provide biblical direction and foundation for practical solutions.
· To stress God’s plan for purity until marriage
LLOG & YLOG Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, which is in you, which you have from God and you are not your own? You were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body”
YMOH Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 13:11
“When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.”
Ephesians 5:3 (NLT)
“Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you Such sins have no place among Gods’ people”
PastParticipants
2024 McKenna Allen, Jordyn Castillo, Jordan Alvarez, Caleb Latimer, Coryn French, Mason Johnson
2019 Amala Abdul, Miya Pickney-Smith, Nicholas Hudson
2018 Imani Royal, Aaronese Wilcox, Ke’Shawn Reed, Kimi Battle
2017 Krystian Bailey, Domonique Roy, Darien Scott, Isaiah Hudson
2016 Keanna Bailey, Braeden Nealy, Jordan Patterson
2015 Leland Burley, Daryl Cortez, Jr., Essence Flowers, Blant “Trey” Foster III, LaDarrius Johns, Brandon Johnson
2014 Christian Broussard, Jhonae Franklin
2013 Jourie Dyer, Jerrin Dyer, Cherise Lee, Steffon Harris
2012 Ashley Roberts, Darence Johns, Ricque Ross, Terrell Coleman, LaQuisha Luckey
2011 Franklin Battle, Candice Cherry, Renee Poydras, Marcus Miller, Desiree Miller, Joseph Luckey, Jasmine Bryant
2010 Davin Simpkins, Sarah Jackson, Whitley Brown, Olesia Coleman, Dennis Patterson
2009 Malcolm Hicks, Kourtney Brice, Asya Jones, William Brown, Alisha Clark, Darlena Jackson, Charlesetta Woodbury, Janelle Gore, Jessica Gore, Jasmine Gore
2008 Ashleigh Cleveland, Danyelle Liggins, SanTashashia Welch
2007 Caitlin Guidry, Jazmine Campbell, Jeffrey Conley, II, LaVanda Marie Harris, Tempestt Hicks
2006 Jasmine Stevenson, Jessica Bowman, Shanel Brown
Program
Master & Mistress of Ceremony: Jeremy Henderson & Coryn French
Scripture: Troy Roberts, Jr.
Prayer: Caleb Latimer
Welcome: Jayla Henderson
History & Occasion of the Rites of Passage B.A.L.L.: McKenna Allen
Presentation of Young Men of Honor and Young Ladies of Grace Participants and Honorees: Miya Pickney
YLOG Rite of Passage: Lady Pamela Daniels
YMOH Rite of Passage: Rev. Jerret Holmes
Sacred Ceremony: Pastor & First Lady James & Destiny Boatner
Commitment Statement to Parents: 2025 YMOH & YLOG Graduates
Blessing of the Food: Mason Johnson
Dinner Is Served
Special Recognitions & Remarks: Shawnette Gilliam
Waltz: Escorts and YLOG & YMOH Graduates
Closing Remarks & Prayer: Pastor James Boatner
AboutMe
SydneyTylerGilmoreisagraduate attendingPaulQuinninthefall Sheaspires tobearenowneddirector,actress,and entrepreneur.Directinginboththeaterand filmreceivinganhonorablementionfrom KentStateUniversity.SheperformedinWe AreOne,InTheHeights,Matilda,Hairspray Jr.,JekyllandHydeandthefilm,"Stream This!"
Sydney Gilmore
2025Graduate
Activities
Shehasbeenhonoredwiththe SalutetoExcellenceAwardfromAKA Sorority,Inc.andVolunteerofthe Yearforanannualtoydrive.Sydney wentonandfoundedtwopodcasts, ayouthmagazine,andaresources webfamily.ServedontheYouth AdvisoryCouncilwithOhio CongresswomanBrown.
Recently,Sydneywasinthemusical “SomethingRotten”andwaspicked outof20,000applicantstobeapart ofDisneyDreamersAcademyforthe classof2025.
Sydney continues to give back to her community by donating clothes and accessories and by staying active in church.
She lives by the scripture “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13.
AboutMe
NinaHillisthebeloveddaughterofSammie HillJr.andKanetriaHardeman.Shehasone olderbrother,SamuelWalkerHill,completing herimmediatefamily
Nina Hill
2025Graduate
Herfavoritescriptureis Psalms46:5:
“Godiswithinher;shewillnot fail.”Thisverseservesasa constantreminderthatwith God’spresenceinherlife,she cangetthroughanything andovercomeanyobstacle
Activities
NinaisaproudgraduateofOscarDean WyattHighSchoolandisaproud Chaparral Throughoutherhighschool career,shepursuedherinterestfor CulinaryArtsbytakingarangeofdifferent courses,includingTourismandHospitality, IntroductiontoCulinaryArts,CulinaryArts, andAdvancedCulinaryArts Shewasin theAVID(AdvancementViaIndividual Determination)programforallfouryears andwasinductedintotheNationalHonor Societyduringherjunioryear
NinahasbeenacceptedtoTexas WesleyanUniversity,whereshewillbegin hercollegiatejourneythisfall,majoringin Psychology.
Ninaacknowledgesthatheraccomplishmentswouldnothavebeenpossiblewithout theloveandsupportofherparents,extendedfamily,andchurchfamily.Sheisforever gratefulfortheprayers,encouragement,andguidancethathasshapedherintothe youngwomanofgracesheistoday.
Sherecognizesthatthisisn’ttheendbutthebeginningofanewjourneyinherlife,and sheisexcitedtoseewhatGodhasinstoreforher
AboutMe
TimothyAllenPeyton,a17-year-oldadventurousandfun-loving son,isanonlychildwhohastheprivilegeofbeingrearedbetween twofamilies:Peyton’sandGreene’s.
TimothyhasbeenanactivememberoftheBeth-EdenBaptist Churchsincehewasfouryearsold AsamemberTimhasbeena veryactiveservantintheyouthministryasayouthusher,ayouth choirmember,andamemberoftheA.W.A.N.A.Club.Ashegrew andmaturedspiritually,hegainedinterestinYoungManofHonor, FineArts,MIMEandafaithfulmemberofYouthChurch
Additionally,hewasveryinvolvedinoneofthechurches’summer componentsK.I.P.-KnowledgeIsPoweraswellastheCollegeand CareerReadinessclasses HehasalsovolunteeredwiththeYMOH atMainStreetArtsFestival,theCityofFortWorthParadeofLights, assistingwithThanksgivingbasketdistributiontofamiliesinthe city,theBack-to-SchoolGive-A-WaywithVolunteersofAmerica, TXandwithSeasonofChangeAnnualChristmasCollabaganza.
Timothy Peyton
FavoriteArtist:NoCap
GospelSong:GodIsbyRev. JamesCleveland
Scripture:Icandoallthings throughChristwhostrengthsme, Phil4:13
Motto:IfIt’sToBe,It’sUpToME!
Activities
TimothyisarecentgraduatefromSummitHigh School,MansfieldISD,whereheexcelledin Government,History,ClubsandSports
Throughouthistimeinhisschool,hewas passionateabouttheSonofSummit,anall maleleadershipgroupfocusingongrowthand accountability,theBlackStudentAssociation,a programtoincreaseawarenessofdiversity andtopromotetheaspectofblackcultural andvolunteeringwithReachingOutMinistry,a re-entryprogramsforadultmalesandteens whereheservedwithitsfoodbank,andteen summit.
Healsoplayedfootballinbothhisfreshman andsophomoreyearsatSummit.DuringTim’s youngeryears,heplayedfootballand participatedintrackfieldeventswiththe HallmarkFootballandTrackAssociation
Beyondacademics,Timothy,enjoyslisteningtoOle’Skoolmusic,playingwithhisgamingsystem-PlayStation 5,playingbasketballandplayingtheDoubleBassinstrument,whichhebeganplayingin5thgrade
In2024,TimothywaspresentedintheAlphaKappaAlphaSorority,BetaMuOmegaChapter,HighSenior RecognitionScholarshipProgram.There,hereceivedtheBeverlyButlerFamilyScholarship.Timothyhasbeen acceptedatninedifferentcolleges/universities,buthehasdecidedtotracehisrootsatoneoftheHistorical BlackCollegesandUniversities-hewillmatriculateonthecampusofWileyUniversity,wherehewillpursuea B.S.degreeinBusinessAdministrationwithaminorinAviationMaintenance.Timothyiseagertoembarkon hisnextjourneywithdedication,creativityandenthusiasm!
AboutMe
MynameisKahlybWesley,Iam18yearsold.I amaformermemberofBethEdenBaptist Church,whereIparticipatedinYouthMinistry, Choir,andMimeandcurrentlyamamemberof CornerstoneBaptistChurchArlington.My motherisAngelaThomasandmyfatheris RobertWesley MysisterisAshleighCleveland, mybrothersareMykoleClevelandand EphirhamWesley.
Kahlyb Wesley
2025Graduate
Hisfavoritescriptureis1 Corinthians13:11
“WhenIwasachild,Ispake asachild,Iunderstoodasa child,Ithoughtasachild:but whenIbecameaman,Iput awaychildishthings”
Activities
IamgraduatingfromLakeRidgeHigh SchoolinMansfieldTexasandwillbe attendingSamHoustonStateUniversity thisAugustwhereIwouldmajorintheFine ArtswithaconcentrationinAnimation
AtCornerstone,I’vevolunteeredand attendedplentyofprograms.Iwaspartof SonsOfDaniel,amen'smentorship programfor7years,whereinmylastyearI wasthepresident,whichvolunteeredfor MissionArlingtononnumerousoccasions,I volunteeredasayouthworkerinthe Children’sMinistry,IwasaYouthUsher I alsoparticipatedintheSpeaker’sMinistry whereIwasastatefinalist2yearsinarow intheBaptistGeneralConventionofTexas.
OverthepastfewmonthsI’vegainedscholarshipstohelpmewiththefinancialpartof college.IwasinthisprogramcalledRaisingtheStandardFoundationandtheBetaMu OmegaChapterofAlphaKappaAlphaSororityIncorporatedwhereIreceivedthe VernerFrasherSimmonsMemorialScholarship.
FromCornerstone,I’vegained3scholarshipsforengaginginthechurch’sactivities andwritingwellroundedessays.Thosebeing,theYouthMinistryScholarship,The GeneralMinistryScholarship,andtheWilliamDwightMcKissicSr.Scholarship
2025 Graduates & Youth CONGRATULATIONS
We are proud of you and all of your accomplishments. We pray that you are successful in all of your future endeavors.
"Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God" Matthew 5:8 Beth Eden Baptist Church
NinaHill
SydneyGilmore
Congratulations 2025 Graduates and Youth
We pray that the Lord is in Everywhere You Go! Let the Lord lead you Everywhere You Go!
Proverbs 3:5,6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him. and He will make your paths straight."
Rev Earl, Sheila & Christopher Brice
Laverne & Candace Williams
Best Wishes to Our 2025 Graduates & Youth!
We are proud of you! The future belongs to those that believe in the beauty of their dreams!
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future"
Aunt Donna and Uncle Steve extend their heartfelt congratulations to our Niece, Nina Hill, for being part of the Oscar Dean Wyatt High School Class of 2025.
We are thrilled about her upcoming journey as she prepares to attend Texas Wesleyan University in the Fall of 2025.
Congratulations RJ Congratulations RJ
You’vereachedawonderfulmilestone, andthebestisyettocome.MayGod guideyoureverystepasyoupursueyour dreams
"TrustintheLordwithallyourheartand leannotonyourownunderstanding;in allyourwayssubmittohim,andhewill makeyourpathsstraight."
Proverbs3:5–6(NIV)
WecelebrateyouandallthatGodhasin storeforyourfuture!
Love,
JanieGrubbs
We are so proud of your incredible achievement Keep trusting Him every step of the way. The best is yet to come!
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future"
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
Please come shop with us, RUTHIE B'S Beauty Supply and More, located at 8010 Matlock Road, Arlington, TX 76002, Ste 300
ThisisjustthebeginningofallGod hasplannedforyourlife.Keepthe faith,stayfocused,andwalkboldly intoyourfuture
"IcandoallthingsthroughChrist whostrengthensme."
Philippians4:13(NKJV)
Wishingyoucontinuedsuccess,joy, andblessingsonyourjourney!
Your hard work, perseverance, and faith have brought you to this special moment and I celebrate you!
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans."
Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)
As you move forward, keep God first, and He will guide your steps into greatness I am cheering you on!
Flecia Freeman
Todaymarksabigmilestoneinyourjourney,andIhopeyoutakea momenttotrulycelebratetheincrediblepersonyou’rebecoming. You’veshowndedication,resilience,andaspark thatsetsyou apart.
Theworldisfullofpossibilities,andIhavenodoubtyouwillcarve outyourownamazingpath.Keepdreamingbig,workinghard,and believinginyourself youarecapableofgreatthings!
Enjoythismoment it’sonlythebeginningofyouradventure!
TerranceWatson
Congratulations on this incredible milestone in your life! This ceremony marks more than just a transition it’s a powerful reflection of your growth, wisdom, and the journey ahead. You have walked this path with strength and purpose, and today, you step forward with a deeper understanding of who you are. May this moment be a reminder of the courage, resilience, and light within you.
The future holds endless possibilities, and I have no doubt you will embrace them with grace and determination. Celebrate this day it is a testament to the remarkable person you are becoming!
Love you, Uncle Roland
Congratulations Timothy Peyton
From,
Chris, Dr. Jae, and Crissy Butler
TIMOTHY TIMOTHY
My dearest grandchild, today, as you celebrate your Rites of Passage, and though I may not be there in person, know that I am with you in spirit, beaming with pride I always knew you had greatness in you the determination, the kindness, and the heart to overcome any obstacle.
Life will take you on many paths, some easy, some challenging, but remember, you carry a piece of me within you always Keep chasing your dreams, stay true to who you are, and never forget to find joy in the simple moments.
I love you endlessly, and I am so proud of you
The Rites of Passage is designed to guide you through meaningful life transitions by marking a shift in identity, responsibility, and purpose At its core, it’s about personal growth, cultural connection, and community belonging It’s not just a ceremony; it’s a transformative experience that honors where you’ve been and prepares you for where you’re going.
I am so proud of how you are moving forward, endeavoring to BE GREAT! Keep trusting God and abiding in His love as it s one’s only hope Jeremiah 31:33-34, says, “I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts I will be their God, and they will be my people”
As you prepare to matriculate on the campus of Wiley University, have fun, enjoy, and expose yourself to all it has to offer but remember who you are and whose you are
Much respect, Michael
J. Wilson, “Uncle Mike”
TIMOTHY
Tonight marks a beautiful milestone not only of who you are, but of who God is shaping you to become. As you step forward in grace and confidence, may you always remember the words of 1 Timothy 4:12: 'Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.'
Your strength lies not just in your presence, but in your purpose. Walk boldly, serve humbly, and always keep your heart anchored in Him.
We are so proud of the man you are becoming.
Love, Aunt Chelle and Jillian
BETH EDEN GRADUATES Congratulations Congratulations
Your journey has been one of faith, effort, and grace. May God continue to open doors and order your steps.
"The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs… You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail."
— Isaiah 58:11 (NIV)
We are proud of you and excited for all that lies ahead!
Congratulations
Timothy Peyton
Today,youwalkedwithpurpose,clothedindignity,andguidedbya deepeningspiritualawareness. YourpresenceattheRitesofPassageBall ismorethanacelebration-it’sasacredmilestone,markingyourjourney intogreaterwisdom,strength,andself-discovery.
Asyoucontiuetogrow,mayyourspiritremainopen,yourheartgrounded intruth,andyourpathilluminatedbyfaithandpurpose. Youareabeacon oflight,notjustforyourself,butforthosewhowalkbesideyouandforthose whowillfollow.
Wehonoryourjourney,yourcourage,andthebeautifulsoulyouare becoming.
Wedeeprespectandjoy,
Addison Addison Addison
Congratulations Jaslyn Sparks & Jayden Taylor
for moving forward to your Junior and Senior Year - 2025 - 2026!!!
Chester & Carolyn Wilson
Congratulations Beth Eden 2025 Graduates!
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11
We love you all!
Janie and Lawrence Grubbs
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
Minnie Johnson
RJ
Keep up the good work. Remember, Ecclesiastes 9:11 tells us, “The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong…”
Love,
M &T iN l
RJ RJ
Fromthemomentyouwere bornwehavelovedyouasour own.Toseeyougrowintothe brave,courageous,leaderthat youaretodaybringsusnothing butjoy.
Mayyoucontinuetohave"faith overfear"asitwillneverlead youwrong!Proudofyou yesterday,today,tomorrow,and forevermore.
Love Aunt Tonni, Uncle Grant & Gigi
RJ RJ
To My Grandson RJ,
I am so proud of who you are, how hard you’ve worked and what you’ve accomplished. I love you more than you know.
Love Granny
Congratulations Young Men of Honor and Young Ladies of Grace on a spectacular year!
congratulations congratulations
Beth-Eden Youth Ministry
Beth-Eden Youth Ministry congratulations congratulations
YLOG & YMOH YLOG & YMOH
Your Pastor loved you. Your Pastor loved you. In Memory of In Memory of
Dr. B.R. Daniels, Sr. Dr. B.R. Daniels, Sr.
BETH EDEN YOUTH & FINE ARTS MINISTRIES
Salute our Little L Ladies of Grace, & Young Men of Honor
Joshua 1:9 - “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage ’ be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
ROLAND GREENE TIFFANY FOSTER
Youth Director
TAMMI NEALY
Youth Activities Coordinator
SHAWNETTE GILLIAM Fine Arts Director
LLOG, YLOG, YMOH Ministry Leader
DR. JAMES LEWIS BOATNER, SENIOR PASTOR