Tallahassee Teen Reflects on Transformative Links Beautillion Program

Miles Byrd shares how the mentorship and leadership development of the annual event has shaped him for success.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Miles Byrd, a high school senior in Tallahassee, Florida, is honored to be participating in the 16th Annual Links Beautillion, a program run by the local chapter of The Links, Incorporated. Byrd describes the transformative impact of the mentorship, character education, and leadership development he has experienced through the program, which he says will stay with him long after the Beautillion event itself.

Why it matters

The Links Beautillion program provides a unique opportunity for young Black men in the Tallahassee community to receive intensive mentorship, develop critical life skills, and build a supportive network of peers. As Byrd prepares to attend Morehouse College, the lessons and relationships forged through the Beautillion will serve him well in the next chapter of his life.

The details

Through the Links Beautillion program, Byrd and 14 other high school seniors participate in a curriculum-based series of sessions focused on real-world skills like financial literacy, community service, professional etiquette, public speaking, and leadership. Byrd says the mentorship provided by nearly 50 active and alumnae members of the local Links chapter has been particularly impactful, as they encourage the young men to strive for excellence.

  • Byrd has attended the Links Beautillion for several years prior to being selected as a participant this year.
  • The 16th Annual Links Beautillion is scheduled for March 1, 2026.
  • Byrd will begin attending Morehouse College in the fall after completing the Beautillion program.

The players

Miles Byrd

A high school senior at Florida State University Schools who is an honor roll student and class president, and is participating in the 2026 Links Beautillion program.

The Links, Incorporated

A national non-profit organization of professional women of color committed to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the culture and economic survival of the African diaspora.

Tallahassee (FL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated

The local chapter of The Links, Incorporated that organizes the annual Beautillion program in Tallahassee.

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What they’re saying

“They encourage us to strive for excellence, not because it is easy, but because they believe in us and know we are capable of it.”

— Miles Byrd, Participant, Links Beautillion (tallahassee.com)

What’s next

Byrd will be formally presented at the 16th Annual Links Beautillion event on March 1, 2026, marking the culmination of his participation in the program.

The takeaway

The Links Beautillion program in Tallahassee provides a powerful model for mentoring and developing young Black men, equipping them with critical life skills and a supportive network that will serve them well beyond high school and into their college and professional careers.