Where Dreams Meet Distinction: Social Lites, Inc. Beautillion Honors Scholarship Recipients

Written by Carl Dameron on April 29, 2025. Posted in The Social Lites

The evening’s highest honor was awarded to Grand Terrace High School senior Jaden Overstreet. Beautillion Chairperson, Tina Darling, 2025 Sir Knight, Jaden Overstreet, and Elsie Paulino, Social Lites, Inc., Vice President.

“Since its inception, the Beautillion program has prepared nearly 1,000 young men for success in higher education, awarding over $2.5 million in scholarships and awards dedicated to supporting their first year of college,” said Lewis.

SAN BERNARDINO, CA — The Social Lites, Inc. marked a significant milestone as they hosted the 58th Annual Beautillion Scholarship Program at California State University, San Bernardino. The “Mastering Your Destiny Defines Your Success” event celebrated academic achievement, leadership, and community service among high school senior young men.

“The evening’s highest honor was awarded to Jaden Overstreet, a Grand Terrace High School senior who was crowned the 2025 Beautillion Sir Knight. In addition to receiving over $11,000 in scholarships and awards, Overstreet was also recognized by his peers with the title of Mr. Congeniality. He plans to pursue a degree in Graphic Design at a local university this fall,” said The Social Lites, Inc.’s President Sheri Lewis.

Raafi Bell—Principal of Hardy Brown College Prep and a 2004 Beautillion Sir Knight served as Master of Ceremonies. He traced the history of the Beautillion, connecting past themes to this year’s focus on self-mastery and success.

Dr. Akalana Osonduagwuike, a distinguished educator, administrator, and mentor whose career spans the Rialto Unified and Moreno Valley Unified School Districts, delivered the keynote address. Dr. Osonduagwuike, recognized for his unwavering commitment to empowering underrepresented youth, emphasized perseverance, leadership, and compassion in his remarks.

The program also featured a special performance choreographed by Beautillion alumnus Russell Ward (Alumni 1984), whose dynamic routine inspired the audience to celebrate with standing ovations and joyful participation.

59th Annual Beautillion Scholarship Program participants were: Brandon McIntosh,Jr., Joseph Goree, Jr., and Jaden Overstreet

Other distinguished award recipients included:

Joseph Goree, Jr., who earned more than $7,000 in scholarships and awards.

Brandon McIntosh, Jr. received over $6,000 in support for his higher education endeavors.

Lewis explained that, “Each young man was further honored with Resolutions and Proclamations from local and state dignitaries, including California State Assembly Member Joe Baca, U.S. Representative Pete Aguilar, Rialto Mayor Joe Baca, Sr., San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran, San Jacinto Mayor Alonso Ledezma, and Grand Terrace Mayor Bill Hussey, and Gold Sponsorship from Assembly Member, James Ramos.”

Additionally, the Social Lites, Inc. presented the distinguished Trail Blazer Award to:

Mr. Danny Tillman, Trustee, San Bernardino City Unified School District Board.

Dr. Gwendolyn Dowdy Rodgers, Trustee, San Bernardino County Board of Education.

As the organization concludes its 58th season, preparations are underway for the 59th Annual Beautillion Scholarship Program, set to commence on October 19, 2025, and conclude at California State University, San Bernardino on March 28, 2026.

“Since its inception, the Beautillion program has prepared nearly 1,000 young men for success in higher education, awarding over $2.5 million in scholarships and awards dedicated to supporting their first year of college,” said Lewis.

High school senior young men interested in participating in the upcoming Beautillion season should contact the Social Lites, Inc. for more information:

Sheri Lewis, President – (909) 320-0799

Elsie Paulino, Vice President – (951) 205-8823

Marlene Davis, Community Outreach – (909) 709-5502

Brandon McIntosh,Jr., Joseph Goree, Jr., and Jaden Overstreet

About Social Lites, Inc.
Social Lites, Inc., based in the Inland Empire, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the educational and professional aspirations of young men through scholarship programs, leadership training, and community engagement.

The Social Lites Annual Beautillion is Set for March 30

Written by Carl Dameron on March 10, 2024. Posted in The Social Lites

“The Beautillion Knights program guides young men to ensure that our youth are college-bound and equipped to succeed in life and to realize their full potential as young men, career professionals, entrepreneurs, and productive outstanding citizens,” said Social Lites spokesperson Marlene Davis.

SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF. — The Social Lites, Inc. will award scholarships to deserving Black high school senior young men at its Beautillion Knights event on March 30 at Cal State San Bernardino. The Inland Empire nonprofit has provided scholarships for 54 years to young men attending college or technical school.

The 2024 Beautillion Knights are Ali Dphrepaulezz of Etiwanda High School; Daniel Rivera of Cajon High School; Destyn Maurice of Flabob Airport Preparatory Academy in Moreno Valley; Frank Cox III of Summit High School; Solomon Moore of Citrus Valley High School, Syncere Brackett of Centennial High School in Eastvale, Darvion McGee, The PAL Charter Academy in San Bernardino.

“College-bound 11th and 12th-grade students who are enrolled in the Beautillion Knights program participate in a five-month extracurricular program. During that time, they gain practical knowledge and experience that grounds them with lifelong foundations that benefit their academic and career success,” said Social Lites spokesperson Marlene Davis.

Subjects include leadership development, life skills, and health education. Mentor-tutors work with young men to develop their talents and skills, exposing them to real-world experiences that give them insights into how to solve problems and prepare themselves for success as career professionals, entrepreneurs, and productive citizens.

“The program guides young men to ensure that our youth are college-bound and equipped to succeed in life and to realize their full potential as young men, career professionals, entrepreneurs, and productive outstanding citizens,” said Davis.

“The Social Lites organize weekly training sessions for their Knights and Court, which feature guest speakers who provide education on various important topics such as public speaking, dressing for success, resume writing, college applications, and business skills. The program also encourages Knights to participate in extracurricular academic activities, attend cultural events, engage in community service projects, and refine their social skills,” said Davis.

“We have given out approximately $4.5 million in scholarships to more than 500 college-bound local young men. We have seen young men transformed into responsible adults through our program over the years. We encourage you to meet with us at our weekly meetings held every Sunday in downtown San Bernardino,” said Davis.

“We encourage you to join us on March 30^th for our 57^th Annual Beautillion at Cal State University San Bernardino’s Student Union North. Social hour starts at 5:30 p.m., with scholarship award presentations to our Knights starting at 7:00.”

Please contact Marlene Davis for more information at (909) 709-5502.