DECATUR – On Saturday June 1st, the Alphas of DeKalb County held its 2013 Annual Beautillion Gala event at the elegant Crown Plaza Hotel Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia to honor the success of their mentees’ completion of workshops and seminars transforming them into erudite and cultured young men.  The DeKalb Alphas, chartered on June 15, 1980, annually sponsors year-long sessions on professional branding, financial literacy, and college preparation just to name a few lectures which help mold young DeKalb County male high school seniors into productive and refined citizens.  The evening of the Gala crescendoed into a Waltz dance, first with the beaux and their mothers and then with their belles, showcasing to the audience the fruits of their hard work.

“It was truly a rewarding experience watching them progress through the enrichment programs given over the last few months and then to have them presented to the community at the Beautillion,” said Everett Patrick, President of the DeKalb Alphas.  Andre Prospere, Co-Chair of the Beautillion Committee said, “Each year on the night of the Beautillion, I am instantly reminded why we put in all the hard work throughout the year.  To see the transformation that these young men have made over the past year is amazing and truly puts into perspective why we as Alpha Men do what we do.”

While the media incessantly pervades a flurry of negative images of young teen-aged boys, the Beautillion Gala’s Class of 2013 has turned those same stereotypes on its head by focusing primarily on personal development and college preparation.  “It is so important for the DeKalb community to see young African American males in such a positive light.  I am so proud of these young men,” said Patrick.

 “Saturday was an amazing opportunity [for me] to showcase my accomplishments,” said Corey Dutch, Jr., 17, one of ten beaux and a recent graduate of Westlake High School.  “This program helps a boy become a man and helps to transition us into a productive way of life.”

Alpha’s regional and district leadership and other dignitaries were present.  The black tie gala is the DeKalb Alphas signature event.  For over twenty years The DeKalb Alphas, through their Charles H. Wesley Education Foundation, has awarded thousands annually in the form of scholarships to college-bound beaux.

Edward Hightower has been a member of the (DeKalb Alphas) Nu Mu Lambda Chapter for 12 years and a Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.