The Social Lites Inc. of the Inland Empire recently held a Career Day event for participants in the organization’s 2024-25 Beautillion Knights program for young people.

The event was held Jan. 19 at the Center for Youth and Community Development in San Bernardino and featured a panel of speakers who shared their experiences with the young people.

Speakers were David M. Reddix, a retired Los Angeles city firefighter and battalion chief; Carl Brazelton, a retired U.S. Air Force pilot; Edward Moore Jr., a retired U.S. Navy vice admiral; and Joseph Paulino, chief of police for San Bernardino City Unified School District’s Police Department.

The speakers emphasized the importance of persistence, resilience and pursuing one’s passions and offered guidance on navigating challenges, according to a news release.

Young people in the the Beautillion Knights program who attended included Joseph Goree Jr., president; Jaden Overstreet, secretary; and Brandon McIntosh Jr., treasurer. Also attending were Jashia Brides, and Chantell Thomas, Fairmaidens in the Beautillion program.

Social Lites Inc. of the inland Empire is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young people, and the Beautillion Knights and their court — Fairmaidens, Squires and Pages — are participants in the Social Lites’ mentorship program.

The extracurricular program, now in its 58th year, centers around academic and community service projects and is focused on leadership, character, life development skills and health education for students of color from elementary to high school.

This year’s program will culminate with the 58th annual Beautillion, to be held Saturday, at the Santos Manuel Student Union on the campus of Cal State San Bernardino.

The event will feature speeches, a ceremonial presentation of this year’s three Knights, scholarship presentations and the announcement of the winner of the Sir Knight title.

For information, go to sociallitesscholarship.com.