Theo Wolffe Wins 2016 Alpha Beautillion Event

June 9, 2016

On Sunday, June 5 at the Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts, six outstanding high school seniors from Bermuda’s private and public schools took to the stage to compete in the 15th annual Alpha Beautillion sponsored by the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Epsilon Theta Lambda Chapter, Bermuda, with Theo Wolffe from Warwick Academy winning the event.

The six Alpha Beaus who competed for the $13,000 in scholarship funds to attend university were Jordan Simmons-Trott representing CedarBridge Academy, Alfred “Trey” Maybury from Saltus Grammar School, Chakote Wainwright representing Impact Mentoring Academy, Theo Wolffe from Warwick Academy, Rollin Nathan Jr from Bermuda Institute, and Enrico Escolastica of The Berkeley Institute.

“These six young men were nominated by their respective schools to participate in the Alpha Beautillion and are respected by the administration, staff and peers at their schools,” a spokesperson said.

“The doors opened at 5:00 p.m. for a prompt 5:30 start, and the audience poured into the auditorium with great anticipation to cheer on the 2016 Alpha Beaus. The evening commenced with congratulatory remarks from the illustrious Chapter President, Bro. Philip Trott followed by an address by the Premier of Bermuda the Hon. Michael Dunkley JP, MP. This year’s emcees were Brother Jason Wade and Zaren Bennett, the latter was the winner of the 2015 Beautillion competition.

“The first talent of the evening was the Introduction of the Alpha Beaus. Each participant was immaculately adorned in his school uniform and introduced himself to the audience by stating the school he represented, his interests and hobbies, career aspirations, and the axioms by which he governs his life.

“As each Alpha Beau articulately delivered his introduction with poise and self-confidence, the audience erupted in thunderous applause and affirmative chants in support of their favorite participant.

“Each Alpha Beau was required to execute a 5 minute oratory speech on the following topic: “If you had a one on one with the Premier, what would you challenge him to do?”

“As each Alpha Beau presented his speech, it was evident that the mentoring from the Ms. Kim Caines and Ms. Ebony Fray of Bermuda Toastmasters club, had afforded the young men the opportunity to fine tune their posture and oratorical skills when engaged in public speaking.

“Each Alpha Beau presented lucid arguments to support his position on the aforementioned topic, and delivered an intellectually stimulating narrative that engaged the audience.”

“The talent exhibition of the Alpha Beaus started with a rendition of Lil Wayne’s “How to Love” sung by Chakote Wainwright.

“This was followed up by a dynamic drama performance all in the lead up to a 9-piece jazz ensemble performance by Jordan Simmons-Trott of CedarBridge Academy. Thereafter, Enrico Escolastica wowed the audience by performing an original song which was written and produced by him.”

“Alfred Maybury displayed his skills at sign language signing to the popular Christian song “Now Behold the Lamb.” This was followed up by Rollin Nathan, Jr who took the audience to church with his rendition of “Tis so Sweet to Trust in Jesus” on the tenor saxophone before transitioning to the piano to play “Amazing Grace” a performance he dedicated to his grandmother who passed away earlier this year.”

“Finally, Theo Wolffe, electrified the crowd by starting his talent at the rear of the auditorium before walking stage to complete his saxophone piece “I will always love you” by Whitney Houston.”

“One of the most challenging aspects of the competition is the Impromptu Question and Answer Period. This part of the program allows the Alpha Beaus to demonstrate their ability to think critically, to remain composed under pressure, and to respond expeditiously to a current issue in Bermuda. The impromptu question this year was: “Recently there has been an increase in criminal activity with young men using dark visors.

“Should our government ban these dark visors? Explain your answer.” Each of the Alpha Beaus tackled this question with dignity, and the answers spectrum of answers many of which touched on the dark visors not being the problem; tackling social reform and educating our young men is the start to curving this behavior.

“One major highlight that every attendee of the Alpha Beautillion looks forward to is the annual Step Show Exhibition. This year our Alpha Beaus were instructed once again by Bro. Omar Lodge.”

“At the end of the step routine the jammed packed crowd was standing on their feet in amazement at the dynamic synchronized presentation of the Alpha Beaus. The seamless transitions between each routine showcased the individual competencies of the participants.

“All the Beaus, now relieved, provided there own version of the “new” running man dance fad which has taken over the internet in recent years.

“In between each major segment, a video presentation enlightened the audience about the activities that the Alpha Beaus engaged in throughout their seven month mentoring process with the Brothers of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.

“Each of the Alpha Beaus participated in community service initiatives at the Matilda Smith Williams Residence home, Workshop Presentations at Digicel, Deloitte and Butterfield & Vallis as well as public Speaking initiatives with Toastmasters, Bermuda Chapter, and Interview workshops with Deshay Caines of Bermuda Business Development Agency.

“The night culminated with the Alpha Beaus lined on stage in a brotherly fashion awaiting the announcement of the 2015 Alpha Beautillion winner. The second runner up was Enrico Escolastica of The Berkeley Institute who was awarded $2000, the first runner up was Jordan Simmons-Trott of CedarBridge Academy who received a $3000 bursary, and the winner of the 2016 Alpha Beautillion was Theo Wolffe of Warwick Academy who received a $5000 bursary.

“Mr. Simmons-Trott was the winner of the overall best oratorical performance and received an award from Toast Masters’ President, Ms. Kim Caines. Each of the remaining participants received a $1000 bursary and all will be sent on an all expenses paid trip to the Leadership Development Institute at Long Island University, sponsored by the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. The Alpha Beaus were judged on their performance throughout their seven month mentoring process, as well as their performance on the night of the Alpha Beautillion.

“As is customary, the evening summited with a reflective rendition of the Alpha hymn in which the Brothers of the Fraternity surrounded the Alpha Beaus. This nostalgic tradition represents the fact that the Alpha Beaus are forever connected to the Brothers of Alpha in Bermuda for future mentorship, support and networking opportunities.

“The judges for the prestigious event were: the Hon. Sylvan Richards, JP, MP Minister of Social Development and Sport; Jessica Mello, Director Consulting, Deliotte; Karla Lacey, Chief Operating Officer, Bermuda Tourism Authority; Veronique Sotto, Operational Excellence Director, Digicel; and John Barritt, JP, Attorney at MJM Limited.

“Bro. Dantae Williams was the Chairman of the 2016 Alpha Beautillion. Also serving in the Beautillion Committee were Bro. Zuri Darrell, Bro. Omar Lodge, Bro. C. Michael Wellman, Bro. Dr. John Duncan, Bro. Lloyd Holder, Bro. Michael Pearman. The Fraternity at large is to be commended for their tireless efforts, and commitment to the social development of the young men in the island of Bermuda.

This year Digicel was the title sponsor of the Beautillion. Veronique Sotto, Judge and Operational Excellence Director at Digicel said “I would like to personally congratulate all of the participants of the Alpha Beautillion. It was a pleasure to witness the talent on the stage, and to see the future of Bermuda striving to succeed.”

“Digicel is a proud sponsor of the Alpha Beautillion. We believe that investing in our young people is investing in our island’s future. Programmes like the Beautillion provide the mentoring and support that our young people need.”

“Other contributing sponsors were Deloitte, Butterfield & Vallis and Markel Corp. The members of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity thank our sponsors, corporate donors and patrons for their support in the Beautillion program and the organization as we endeavor to make a difference in our community one life at a time.”

“The 15th Annual Alpha Beautillion will go down in history because of the impact that the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Epsilon Theta Lambda Chapter has made in fulfilling its Fraternity mandates of “Manly Deeds, Scholarship, and Love for all Mankind.”

- Photos by Anthony Wade