CEL News: Sunday Edition
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By Staff
Elegance and purpose converged Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, as the Columbus Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated hosted its 24th Biennial Beautillion Ball, an event celebrating leadership, service and academic excellence among young men.


The formal affair introduced 36 young men to society as the 2025 Platinum Gentlemen of Distinction, marking a milestone in their personal development and community engagement. The theme for the evening, “A Platinum Experience: Focused on Excellence, Leadership, and Service,” underscored the organization’s commitment to cultivating well-rounded leaders prepared to make a meaningful impact.
Organizers said the Beautillion Ball not only highlighted the achievements and character of the participants but also served as a catalyst for continued service and civic responsibility.
“Each gentleman represents the values we seek to instill — excellence, integrity and a commitment to serving others,” program chairperson Cherie Howard Elcock said.
Founded to develop leadership skills in children and youth ages 2 to 19, Jack and Jill of America, Inc. focuses on cultural awareness, civic duty, health, education and social interaction. Through philanthropic initiatives, the organization supports programs that benefit children throughout the community.
“For more than 57 years, the mothers of our chapter have been committed to providing extraordinary programming and meaningful experiences for our children and teens,” said Elcock. “We pride ourselves on being COLGA Excellent, and we will continue to excel as we remain focused on the children — together in L.O.V.E., on mission, on purpose.”
The biennial Beautillion Ball remains one of the chapter’s signature events, celebrating young men who exemplify leadership and service while reinforcing the organization’s enduring mission to uplift the next generation.









Triston Hughley, Brandon Durrah, SirMichael Carrington Williams-Thomas, Tyler Freeman, Isaiah Virgil, William Chiles, Zion Daise, David Granville, Donovan Granville, Jr.









Brennan Neal, Brandon Mathew Dunlap, Jr., Ethan Suragh, Elton "EJ" Suragh, Jr., Jalen Stanley, Zachary Collins, Jr., Kelton Arrington, Gavin Patterson, Jeremiah Pearson









Makhi Austin, Benjamin Borr, Graham Edmond, Austin Jones, Carl Tutton, Tamir Drayton, Matthew Melvin, Noah Singleton, Alexander Gwan-Nulla









Kohen Caruthers, Mikehi Williams, Grayson Miley, Kingston Rivers, Tillford Thomas, III, Tristan Lyles, Jordan McGee, Zackary Long, Aidan Jackson