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Jaden Overstreet, a senior at Grand Terrace High School, was named Sir Knight 2025 at the 58th annual Beautillion event sponsored by the Social Lites Inc. of the Inland Empire.
The event, with the theme “Mastering Your Destiny Defines Your Success,” was held March 29 at Cal State San Bernardino.
In addition to receiving the Beautillion program’s highest honor, Overstreet received more than $11,000 in scholarships and awards and was recognized by his peers with the title Mr. Congeniality, according to a news release. He plans to pursue a degree in graphic design.
Also honored at the event were high school seniors Joseph Goree Jr., who received more than $7,000 in scholarships and awards, and Brandon McIntosh Jr., receiving more than $6,000 in awards.
Raafi Bell, principal of Hardy Brown College Prep and a 2004 Beautillion Sir Knight, served as master of ceremonies. He talked about the the history of the Beautillion program, connecting past themes to this year’s focus on self-mastery and success.
Akilana Osonduagwuike, an educator and administrator, delivered the keynote address, and the program featured a performance choreographed by 1984 Beautillion alumnus Russell Ward.
The Social Lites also presented the Trail Blazer Award to Danny Tillman, a member of the San Bernardino City Unified School District Board of Education; and Gwendolyn Dowdy Rodgers, a member of the San Bernardino County Board of Education.
Social Lites Inc. of the inland Empire is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young people, and the Beautillion Knights are participants in the Social Lites’ mentorship program.
The extracurricular program centers around academic and community service projects and is focused on leadership, character, life development skills and health education for students of color from elementary to high school.
“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,” Sheri Lewis, president of the Social Lites, said in the news release.
The organization is preparing for its 59th annual Beautillion scholarship program, which will begin Oct. 19.
For information, contact Lewis at 909-320-0799; Elsie Paulino, vice president, at 951-205-8823; or Marlene Davis, community outreach, 909-709-5502.
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