Local high school leaders participate in the Links Beautillion

The Tallahassee Chapter of The Links, Incorporated has launched its 13th Annual Leadership Development, Mentoring, Character Education Program and Links Beautillion.

The Links Beautillion features a multi-faceted curriculum-based program that will culminate on March 5 at 6 p.m. at the FSU Dunlap Champions Club, with a Black-Tie event. 

In addition to mentoring facilitated by community leaders, Links Beautillion participants (referred to individually as a “Beau”) will engage in a development program centered around: rites of passage, cultural awareness, leadership development and community service learning. The Beautillion also promises superlative achievement and scholarship awards that the participants can use for their college education. 

This year, 11 young men are participating in the Beautillion.  For the next few weeks, we are profiling these young leaders. This week featured Beaux are Shamir Mehki Franklin, Samuel Melchizedek Jackson King, Axama Rene’ and Isaac Mizell Triplett.

For more information about how to attend the Beautillion email tallahasseelinksbeautillion@gmail.com or go to Eventbrite for ticket information: Tallahassee (Fl) Chapter of the Links, Inc. – 13th Annual Links Beautillion Tickets, Sun, Mar 5, 2023 at 6 p.m. | Eventbrite.

Name: Shamir Mehki Franklin 

School: Amos P. Godby High School

Parents: Patrick Sr. & Samone Franklin

Future College: Florida A&M University

Planned Major: Mechanical engineering

Desired Profession: Mechanical engineer 

Profile: Shamir is not only a good scholar, but he is also an athlete, having played football.  Aware of his community and civic responsibilities, he is a member of the Omega Lamplighter, Inc and attends the Family Worship and Praise Center.

Significant Quote: “If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.” Martin Luther King

Name: Samuel Melchizedek Jackson King

School: FAMU Developmental Research School

Parents: Ms. Erin Jackson

Future College: Morehouse College or Florida A&M University

Planned Major: Psychology & African American studies/theatre, minor

Desired Profession: Clinical psychologist

Profile: Samuel is a reporter and photographer of the school’s Yearbook Club, National Honor Society, a Cadet 1st Lieutenant in JROTC, a trumpet player in the Symphonic Band, Mr. Student Government Association and Senior Class President in SGA. He also is the school announcer—doing announcements every afternoon.  He is also secretary of the Tallahassee Area Coalition Center of Excellence National Achiever Society and a mentee of the 100 Black Men, Inc. Moreover, he is a FAMU DRS Freedom School’s Junior Servant Leader Intern and a Peer Educator for Leaders Igniting a Generation of Healthy Teens group. He attends the Family Worship and Praise Center where he serves on the Youth Ministries Choir and volunteers, most notably as a part of the Shoes 4 Schools Initiative.

Significant Quote: “If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.”  Maya Angelou

Name:  Axama Rene’

School: Lincoln High School

Parents: Kervin and Abyla Rene’

Future College: University of Central Florida

Planned Major: Aerospace engineering

Desired Profession: Aerospace engineer at NASA

Profile: Axama is an officer at Lincoln High’s National Honor Society. He’s also the Vice President of Mu Alpha Theta and tutors students at his school.  Concerned about the environment, he is a member of The Green Club—ensuring the local environment is clean. He attends Bethel AME Church.

Significant Quote: “The only thing you take with you when you’re gone is what you leave behind.” John Allston

Name:  Isaac Mizell Triplett

School: James S. Rickards High School—International Baccalaureate Program 

Parents: Fred and Shedric Triplett

Future College: Clark Atlanta or Florida A&M University

Planned Major: Applied physiology & kinesiology

Desired Profession: Sports physician or rehabilitation therapist

Profile: Isaac is a member of the National Honor Society and is a member of the school’s sport and competitive cheerleading squads.  He is also the reigning 2022-2023 Mr. Blue  and Gold. He is the Step Captain and Stroll Master for the Distinguished Young Gentlemen, as well as the recipient of the Coach’s Merit Award.  Isaac is also a competitive gymnast at the Trousdell Gymnastics Center where he received the Gymnast of the Year award the past 2 years.  He also coaches recreational gymnastics classes and provides private lessons.  He attends Restoration Place Church.

Significant Quote: “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” James 1:19