This year will mark a significant milestone in the history of the Tallahassee (FL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated (Florida’s first chapter), as in May 2026, we will mark the 75th Anniversary of our chapter. The theme for the 75th Anniversary is “Diamond Moments: Celebrating 75 Years of Friendship and Service.”
In the months leading up to the actual celebration in May, each chapter program will recap its rich history, underscoring 75 years in a significant way. A major part of our chapter’s programming has included the Beautillion.
Established in 2011 during our chapter’s 60th anniversary celebration, the Beautillion continues to serve as a meaningful platform to recognize and develop emerging leaders. The program includes months of structured educational sessions focused on leadership, character development, cultural pride, etiquette, communication, and essential life skills. For example, as a salute to our 75 years of service, this year Beaux, among other things, conducted a 75-minute clean-up of a park in Frenchtown and distributed 75 self-care products to the homeless. Through projects like these, our Beaux have grown individually and collectively, forming lasting bonds while preparing for future success.
We are proud to honor these exceptional young men for their achievements in academics, leadership, athletics, the arts, community service, and faith-based involvement. Their completion of the Links Beautillion curriculum reflects their readiness to be presented as gentlemen and as leaders of tomorrow.
We extend our sincere appreciation to the families, friends, businesses, and Attendants whose unwavering support has contributed to the success of the 15 Beaux presented this evening. We also commend the Beautillion Committee, led by Dr. Adriane Peters, along with our Link members and volunteers, for their commitment and countless hours of service. Your dedication of time, talent, and resources has made this Beautillion a memorable experience for all involved.
Congratulations to our outstanding Beaux, and thank you to everyone who has joined us in celebrating their accomplishments and supporting this impactful program.
Yours in Service,
Ms. Kimberly Hankerson, President
Post Office Box 11186 Tallahassee, FL 32308 www.tallahasseelinksinc.org
March 1, 2026
Dear Tallahassee (FL) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated and Honored Beaux:
Commendations and congratulations are in order on the debut and formal presentation of the Sixteenth Annual Links Beautillion! I am so proud of your organization and the participating Beaux. Much is to be said and long remembered regarding the achievements of the Beautillion participants and your success stories demonstrated in areas of academics, leadership, community service, church involvement, the arts and sports.
Community leaders and citizens of Tallahassee look forward to your continued preparation to accept the reigns of leadership as our future leaders. Your participation in and completion of the Links Beautillion program has introduced you to many of our natio nal, state and local decision-makers and your lofty goals, ambitions and educational pursuits are indeed lauded throughout the Tallahassee community.
I congratulate Caleb Isaiah Anderson, Caleb Berry, Isaiah Butler, Miles Byrd, Micah A. Cork, Joshua Edwards, Donald Leo English III, Omega Forbes, Kayden Deshawn Hall, Alexander Howard, Calvin Ivey, Joseph King, Andrew Victor Nelson, Ronan Shillingford, and Jaydence Triggs. Your experience as a Beau is worthy of this community’s admiration and applause. You serve as an example for high school seniors to follow. On behalf of the City of Tallahassee and its citizens, I salute you as you have accepted and demonstrated your commitment to leadership, character, high ideals and purposes.
Best wishes to you on this, your evening of debut as gentlemen, and on your service to this community and society. Do remember my challenge to each of you as I expect to witness you, as future leaders, building a better future for this world.
John E. Dailey Mayor
The 16th Annual Tallahassee (FL)
Chapter of The Links, Incorporated Beautillion
Formal Presentation of Beaux
PROGRAMME
Master of Ceremonies – Mr. Darrick Watson
Trumpet Fanfare
Introductions and Procession of Beaux and Parents
Beau Caleb Anderson
Beau Caleb Berry
Beau Miles Byrd
Beau Isaiah Butler
Beau Micah Cork
Beau Joshua Edwards
Beau Donald English, III
Beau Omega Forbes
Beau Kayden Hall
Beau Alexander Howard
Beau Calvin Ivey, Jr.
Beau Joseph King
Beau Andrew Nelson
Beau Ronan Shillingford
Beau Jaydence Triggs
Blessing of the Food ...........................................................................................................Bishop Julius H. McAllister, Jr.
Presiding Prelate, Ninth Episcopal District, African Methodist Episcopal Church
Welcome and Occasion.......................................................................................Dr. Adriane R. Peters, Beautillion Chair
Entertainment........................................................................................................................................Mr. Jamarien Moore
Blessing of the Beaux...........................................................................................................Bishop Julius H. McAllister, Jr.
Presiding Prelate, Ninth Episcopal District, African Methodist Episcopal Church
Waltz Led by Former Mayor and Mrs. John Marks, III...............................................Beaux, Mothers, and Attendants
Dinner is Served
Griot’s Rites of Passage Message................................................................................................Attorney Fred H. Flowers Flowers Law, LLC
Special Remarks..............................................................................................................................Honorable Darryl Jones
Member Leon County School Board, District 3
The Legacy of Service Award....................................................................................................................Dr. Elaine Bryant
Dr. Kelley Bolden Bailey
Special Recognition...............................................................................................................................Mr. Darius Jones, Jr.
2025 Linda G. Dilworth Beau of the Year
Beautillion Awards and Recognitions..........................................................................................Attorney Opal Williams
Caleb Anderson, affectionately known as Cinco, is the son of Calvin and Kerri Anderson and the proud brother of Karys Anderson. He is a senior at Lincoln High School, where he maintains an impressive unweighted GPA of 3.55. Caleb plans to attend Florida A&M University to major in accounting, with aspirations of building a career grounded in integrity, leadership, and service to others.
Favorite Quote:
John 3:16 — “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Caleb Berry is the son of Keith and Kimberly Berry and the proud brother of Joi Berry. He is a senior at Leon High School, where he maintains an unweighted GPA of 3.0. Caleb plans to attend either the University of West Florida or Bethune-Cookman University to major in Environmental Science, driven by his passion for sustainability, conservation, and protecting natural resources for future generations.
ISAIAH BUTLER MILES BYRD
Favorite Quote:
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” –Philippians 4:13
Isaiah Butler, affectionately known as Lai, is the son of Shakeira and Kelvin Salters and the proud brother of Kelvin and Malik Salters. He is a senior at FAMU Developmental Research School, where he has earned a 3.0 unweighted GPA. Isaiah plans to attend Minnesota State University to major in Entrepreneurship, where he will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to build, lead, and manage successful businesses.
Favorite Quote:
“If you don’t fail, you’re not even trying.”
– Denzel Washington
Miles Byrd is the son of Dr. Miles Byrd and Mrs. Maura Byrd and the proud brother of Madeleine Byrd. He is a senior at Florida State University School and is dual-enrolled at Tallahassee State College, where he maintains an impressive unweighted GPA of 3.57. Miles plans to attend Morehouse College to major in International Studies, with a long-term goal of becoming a physician committed to service and global health equity.
MICAH CORK JOSHUA EDWARDS
Favorite Quote:
“Always smile, no matter the ups or downs.”
Micah A. Cork, affectionately known as Micah, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Cork and the proud brother of MiKayla C. Jones. He is a senior at Amos P. Godby High School, where he maintains an unweighted GPA of 3.3, reflecting his dedication and steady academic growth. Micah plans to attend Howard University or Florida A&M University, and major in Mechanical Engineering and pursue a career centered on innovation, problem-solving, and service.
Favorite Quote:
“To whom much is given, much is required.”
Joshua Immanuel Edwards, affectionately known as Josh, is the son of Dr. Harold Windell and Talethia Edwards and the proud brother of Jermaine, Haniah, Elijah, Haleigh, Harper, Harley, and Raymond. He is a senior at James S. Rickards High School, where he maintains an impressive unweighted GPA of 3.7. Joshua plans to attend Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University to major in Finance in the School of Business and Industry.
DONALD ENGLISH OMEGA FORBES
Favorite Quote:
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
– Maya Angelou
Donald English III is the son of Allesa English and Donald English and the proud brother of Jackson English. He is a senior at James S. Rickards High School, where he maintains an unweighted GPA of 3.58 and has a deep passion for learning. Donald plans to major in Aerospace Engineering, inspired by his fascination with outer space, innovation, and scientific discovery. He is an International Baccalaureate (IB) student and President of the Quiz Bowl Club.
Favorite Quote:
“Nobody’s perfect, but strive to be as perfect as humanly possible.”
Omega Forbes, affectionately known as Zoe, is the son of Taneka Forbes and Omega Forbes and the proud brother of Destiny Forbes. He is a senior at Amos P. Godby High School, where he maintains an unweighted GPA of 3.3. Omega plans to attend Florida State University to major in Political Science, with aspirations of pursuing a career in leadership and public service.
KAYDEN HALL ALEXANDER HOWARD
Favorite Quote:
“The man who says he can, and the man who says he can’t be both correct.”
– Confucius
Kayden Deshawn Hall, affectionately known as KD, is the son of Mr. Unrikay and Mrs. Janelle Hall and the proud brother of Kellen Hall. He is an active member of Mt. Horeb Primitive Baptist Church, where he serves as a youth usher and participates in the Youth Department. A senior at James S. Rickards High School and dual-enrolled student at Tallahassee State College, Kayden maintains an impressive 3.8 unweighted GPA.
CALVIN IVEY
Favorite Quote:
“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”
– Mahatma Gandhi
Calvin Jermaine Ivey Jr., affectionately known as CJ, is the son of Tracy Henderson and Calvin Ivey Sr., and the proud brother of Ke’Vyon Young, Samari Ivey, Diamond Ivey, and Camron Ivey. He is a senior at James S. Rickards High School, where he maintains an impressive unweighted GPA of 3.54. Calvin plans to attend Florida A&M University to major in Computer Science, with aspirations of pursuing a career in technology and innovation.
Favorite Quote:
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5
Alexander Howard, affectionately known as Alex, is the son of Jaronda Harris and Antonio Howard. He is a senior at FAMU Developmental Research School, where he maintains an impressive unweighted GPA of 3.4. Alex plans to attend Florida A&M University to major in Information Technology, with interests in innovation, cybersecurity, and developing digital solutions that positively impact communities.
JOSEPH KING
Favorite Quote:
“Where there is light, there is also darkness.”
– Anonymous
Joseph Vernon Jackson King, affectionately known as King, is the son of Erin Jackson and the proud brother of Samuel, Chief, and Khadijah. He is a senior at SAIL High School, where he maintains an unweighted GPA of 2.8. Joseph plans to continue his education at Tallahassee State College and Florida A&M University, majoring in Music Production, with aspirations to build a professional career in the music and entertainment industry.
ANDREW NELSON RONAN SHILLINGFORD
Favorite Quote:
“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.”
–Ralph Waldo Emerson
Andrew Nelson, affectionately known as “Drew,” is the son of Mr. Randy and Mrs. Andrea Nelson and the proud brother of Miles Nelson. A senior at Wakulla High School, he has earned an impressive unweighted GPA of 3.6, reflecting his commitment to academic excellence. Drew will attend Missouri University of Science and Technology, where he plans to major in Business Analytics with a concentration in Information Technology.
JAYDENCE TRIGGS
Favorite Quote:
“Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.”
– Kevin Durant
Jaydence Triggs, affectionately known as Triggs, is the son of Karra Gibson and Anthony Triggs and the proud brother of Ariel Triggs. He is a senior at FAMU Developmental Research School, where he has maintained an unweighted GPA of 2.7. Jaydence plans to attend college and pursue a degree in Athletic Training through a CAATE-accredited program, with the goal of helping athletes achieve peak performance while promoting long-term health.
Favorite Quote:
“Hang onto your dreams, the future is built on dreams.”
Ronan Shillingford, affectionately known as Ron, is the son of Lasylvia Handy. He is a senior at James S. Rickards High School, where he maintains an impressive unweighted GPA of 3.5. Ronan plans to attend Temple University Japan Campus to major in Computer Science, combining his passion for technology with a desire for global learning and cross-cultural experiences.
