The Arts Facet of the Monroe-Grambling (LA) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated held its Beautillion Clinic on Sunday, March 30, in the Movie Theater on the Grambling State University (GSU) campus.
“The Beautillion is a transformative program designed to celebrate, educate, and empower young men as they transition into adulthood. Rooted in principles of leadership, academic excellence, cultural awareness, and community service, the Beautillion provides participants with the tools and experiences needed to develop into confident, responsible, and successful individuals,” explained Beverly Hill-Hercules, chair of the Arts Facet.
Under the National Theme for the Arts: Lights, Camera, Action: Our Stories, Our Lens, the Arts Facet chose its Clinic Theme: The Art and Spirit of Mentorship. Speaking a few words of encouragement was guest Dr. Martin Lemelle, Jr., president of GSU and the youngest serving president at an HBCU in the nation. Dr. Lemelle, a former Beaux, spoke on leadership and mentorship encouraging the young men to enjoy the journey and find something that they are passionate about. He also reminded the Beaus to find that something that each can do better than anyone else. He left the group with a question, “How do you continue to fill you cup? You can’t pour from a cup that is empty.”
The group watched the movie “The Forge” about a business owner who mentored a young man who did not have his father in his life and needed guidance. The young men responded to questions after the movie, drawing outstanding wisdom of putting others first and the benefit of forgiveness.
The Beaus for 2025 are Angel Sheppard, Monroe, who attends Neville High School. Activities: Soccer, Golf, and Boxing. Zheric DeShawn Hill, Grambling, attends Ruston High School. Activities: Football, National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Trindon Romel Moore, attends Ruston High School. Activities: Football, Track, Bearcat Mentoring Program, Football Player Council, and Bearcat Buddy Program. Cadyn Jamar Rodgers, Monroe, attends Neville High School. Activities: Football, Track & Field, B.O.O.M Youth Fraternity. Johnny Ray Winzer attends Ruston High School. Activities: Football and Soccer. Sanplice Christopher Simien, Monroe, attends Saint Frederick High School. Activities: Football, Track and Field, Spanish National Honor Society, St. Vincent DePaul Service Group. Devin Lucas Harris, Monroe, attends Carroll High School. Activities: Track and Field. Ashton A’Shawn Jackson, Monroe, attends Ouachita Parish High School. Activities: Track and Field, Football, NAACP, Top Teens of America. Nicholas Jerimiah Nelson, attends Ouachita Parish High School, Monroe. Activities: Track and Field, Football, SGANHS, Student of the Year, Top Teens of America, Jack Kent Foundation Scholar. DeArrion Jamone S’ven Outley, attends Ruston High School and activities include Football, Track & Field, Basketball, FFA, FCC, FCS.
Through mentorship, clinics, networking opportunities, and a culminating formal presentation, the program aims to cultivate leadership, encourage academic excellence, promote cultural awareness, develop social & professional etiquette, and encourage community engagement.
The President of the Monroe-Grambling (LA) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated, is Adrienne Webber, and other members of the Arts Facet for this year are Monica Bradley, Laverne Conley, Juan Hooper, Katrina Harris, Thomasina White, Dr. Janet Floyd, Dr. Tonya Hunter, Dr. Erica Murray, and Dr. Nikole Roebuck.