Treyvious “Trey” L. Copeland, a senior at Gadsden County High School was recently named the Linda G. Dilworth Beau of the Year and the Best All Around Beau during the Tallahassee Chapter of the Links, Incorporated 13th Annual Beautillion. They are the highest awards given during this annual event.
The Links Beautillion black tie formal was held on Sunday, March 5, 2023. The event was held at the FSU Dunlap Champions Club where eleven local high school seniors were celebrated and presented to the community. The participants, who are each called ‘Beau,’ were selected based on demonstrated achievements in academics, leadership, sports, the arts, community service and/or church involvement. They all received varying amounts in scholarship awards, totaling more than $25,000.
The Best All Around Beau Award winner is the Beautillion participant that best exemplifies character, participation, encouragement, and community spirit and is unique in that the other participants themselves vote on the winner by secret ballot. The Linda G. Dilworth Beau of the Year Award winner is based several factors including academic excellence, leadership, community service, entrepreneurial excellence, extracurricular activities, and personal responsibility.
In addition to being recognized as Beau of the Year and Best All Around Beau, Treyvious was also honored as the first place winner of the Academic Excellence Award, the first place winner of the Outstanding Community Service Award and the second place winner of the Outstanding Leadership Award.
Treyvious is the son of Taneka Copeland and Darrius Dudley. He attends Greater Bethel Missionary Baptist Church where he serves on the Usher Board and ministers through mime. He is a senior at Gadsden County High School and dual enrolled at Florida A&M University with a cumulative GPA of 3.98/4.72. He is the Student Body President and current Mr. Gadsden High School. He is also President of the National Honor Society, National Beta Club and African American Culture Club. He serves as an ambassador for the Florida A&M Trio program and is a member of the National Honor Society of High School Scholars and Florida State University SSTRIDE program. He is also President of the Distinguished Young Gentlemen and is an active volunteer with the MLK Committee of Chattahoochee and Chattahoochee Elementary School. Trey plans to attend Florida A&M and become a pharmacist. A female student attendant accompanied each young man. Quintera Safford, also a senior at Gadsden County High, was Trey’s escort attendant.
“We are so very proud of Trey,” said Kimberly Hankerson, President of the Tallahassee Chapter of the Links. “He embodies those characteristics that are emblematic of what we are looking for in young men who complete our program. We are so excited to see what his future holds.”
Trey took part in the Beautillion event that was the culmination of the organization’s Leadership Development, Mentoring Character Education Program and Links Beautillion. This curriculum-based program was designed to inspire and stimulate further growth and development of African American high school senior young men. The goal is to enhance their sense of civic responsibility and appreciation for cultural heritage and to publicly recognize their achievements as talented young men. Moreover, the Beautillion event symbolizes their transition from childhood to adulthood.
“This was an excellent experience,” said Trey. “I had an opportunity to participate in an outstanding leadership program, while also making some lifetime friends and being awarded significant scholarship money.”
Trey’s mom, Taneka Copeland says that she was pleased to have her son participate in the Links program that introduced her son to “so many national, state and local decision-makers. Trey has worked hard to establish himself as a leader and this program helped to support the goals that he has for himself and enhance his skills in a variety of areas.”
“Our organization is delighted to witness the growth and development of these young leaders,” said Dr. Sonya Stephens, the current Beautillion chairman. Trey is very respected by our organization, his peers and exemplifies extraordinary commitment and dedication in several areas.
Established in 1951, The Tallahassee (FL) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated has the distinction of being the first chapter established in the state and has made significant contributions to the improvement of life for youth and their families in the Tallahassee and Gadsden communities through its community service and philanthropic efforts.
Sharon Berrian – Gadsden County News Service
