Columbus, Georgia Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Celebrates the 24th Biennial Beautillion Ball

The Columbus, Georgia Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. held their 24th Biennial Beautillion Ball on Saturday, December 20, 2025, featuring thirty-six outstanding young men.  This Ball class exemplified the theme: A Platinum Experience Focused on Excellence, Leadership, and Service as they are examples of courage, academic excellence, and leadership in the classroom and community.  They are our future! 

 Over a period of nine months, these young men participated in workshops and community service that developed them mentally, physically, and spiritually.  The workshops included college preparation, personal branding, health and wellness, and financial literacy. The Beaux concluded their experience with etiquette workshops, a talent show, and numerous rehearsals where they honed their formal dancing skills and developed a rousing presentation for the night of the Ball.  

 The night opened with our Master of Ceremonies, Reverend Richard Washington, greeting our 750+ guests at the Trade Center South Hall.  We received remarks from the National and Regional leadership of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. which included National President Darlene Whittington, the Regional Executive Board led by Regional Director Lisa Ivory, Regional Secretary Sha’Ronda McRae, Regional Member at Large Dr. Leila Clay, and our own Columbus, Georgia Chapter member and Regional Treasurer Dr. Shannon Chambers.  We were also blessed to have Immediate Past National President Kornisha Brown as a special guest along with several regional and national appointed leaders.  Chapter President Crystal Shahid rounded out the greetings and from there, the Beaux began their debut to society.  They were presented with a top hat, cane, and medallion by their Fathers and Marshalls, and saluted their families.  They then proceeded to dazzle the crowd with a high energy showcase of their rhythmic ability followed by a beautiful tribute and dance with their mothers.  The Belles joined them for a beautiful waltz and the Grand Beautillion March. 

Senior Teen Jaiden Evans shared a special dedication in memory of the Founder of the Beautillion Ball, Charter Member Juanita Booker, whose vision to create the Ball in 1979 will live on through the hundreds of Beaux who have been fortunate enough to experience this leadership development journey.

 Several awards were presented by Ball Chair Cherie Elcock and Co-Chairs Bianca Brown and Andria Horne to the following Beaux and Community Partners:     

 The Chair’s Award Beau Zachary Collins, Jr, Beau Brandon Durrah

 Mr. Distinction Beau SirMichael Carrington Williams-Thomas

 Mr. Gentleman of Character Beau Austin Jones

 Talent Show Winner Beau Alexander Gwan-Nulla

 Leadership Award (as voted by the Beaux), Beau Zion Daise

 Best All-Around Beau (as voted by the Beaux) Beau Carl Tutton, Beau Kohen Caruthers

 Academic Awards

Junior with the Highest GPA Beau Brennan Neal, Brookstone School

 Senior with the Highest GPA Beau Aidan Jackson, George Washington Carver High School

 Mr. Platinum Beau Beau Tillford Thomas, III

1^st Runner Up to Mr. Platinum Beau Beau Grayson Miley

 Mr. Jack and Jill Beau SirMichael Carrington Williams-Thomas

 1^st Runner Up to Mr. Jack and Jill Beau Graham Edmond

 Academic scholarships were provided to our Beaux whose exemplary grade point averages were the highest amongst the class. 

Beau Alexander Gwan-Nulla-$500, Columbus High School

Beau Tillford Thomas, III-$1,000, Columbus High School

Beau Noah Singleton-$1,500, Columbus High School

 Beau Aidan Jackson-$2,000, G.W. Carver High School

 Several Community Awards were presented in recognition of their service to the Beautillion Ball and the greater community.

Dr. Tujuana Wiggins, Principal at Downtown Elementary Magnet Academy, received the Community Partner Service Award for her significant contributions and support to making the ball a success.

Bianca Brown of Sequoyah B. Creative Design received the Chair’s Visionary Award for her clarity, cohesion, and brilliance brought to every printed and graphic element—ensuring that our message, mission, and spirit were communicated with excellence.

 Mrs. Ann Caggins, Jack and Jill Associate Jewel and Life Member, received the Chair’s Distinguished Service Award for her commitment to philanthropy, leadership, and community advancement.  She has left an indelible mark on all who have been fortunate to know her work.

 Congratulations to Chapter President Crystal Shahid, Beautillion Chair Cherie Elcock, Co-Chairs Bianca Brown and Andria Horne, and all the various committee leads and members who executed an incredible Beautillion season. The evening was truly magical, and we look forward to seeing these young men transform our community and the world through service and leadership.

 Photo credit: Marketih Horace