Inspiring Journey: Douglas County Teen Named Youth of the Year
Douglas County is buzzing with excitement as one of its own, Terrance Labonte-Postell, has been officially crowned the Youth of the Year by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta! The gala event, held this past Friday, brought together heartfelt stories and inspiring speeches from young leaders across the region, but it was Labonte-Postell who shone the brightest. His journey is a testament to resilience and the power of community support.
The Big Win
At just 18 years old, Terrance took home the honor, which means he will now represent the Douglas County Boys and Girls Club and the Metro Atlanta branch at the state level. “Winning Youth of the Year for metro Atlanta was a thrilling experience and so close to my heart. It’s emotional for me,” he shared, his eyes brimming with excitement. The journey to this moment has been anything but easy, but Labonte-Postell credits his time at the Boys and Girls Club for inspiring him to push through hardships and become a role model for his peers.
Meeting a Football Legend
The gala even had a touch of fame, with former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan serving as one of the judges. Picture this: a budding young leader sharing his story with a sports icon! “I couldn’t imagine doing this alone and was blessed to have such amazing mentors who were nothing but supportive and wonderful,” Labonte-Postell said, highlighting the importance of mentorship in his life. Clearly, the people around him played a significant role in his achievements.
A Message of Leadership
So, what’s next for this remarkable teen? He’s gearing up for the statewide competition by preparing a speech that he hopes will resonate with many. “I will focus on the legacy of impact,” he explained. His main beliefs? First, becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable—a lesson he learned while working to overcome his initial shyness and connect with others at the club. Secondly, he emphasizes not wasting time waiting for the right moment. Terrance took this to heart when he launched his own podcast, A Better Endeavor, because he didn’t want to sit around waiting for the perfect opportunity. “I thought, ‘I need to get started now!’” he recalled.
From Humble Beginnings
But Terrance’s life hasn’t always been this bright. His past experiences in the foster care system shaped him into the determined young man he is today. Just four years ago, he was adopted by his foster parents, a transformative event that reinforced his drive for success. “Being in the foster care system, I wasn’t supposed to do well. Now, I’m making better grades than ever,” Labonte-Postell proudly declared, boasting a 3.4 GPA and active participation on his high school’s track and field team.
A Dream Come True
As an exciting bonus, Labonte-Postell was recently awarded tickets to the Super Bowl through the Boys and Girls Clubs of America’s Think, Learn, Create Change (TLC) program, which is sponsored by the NFL. “It was a big surprise,” he said with a laugh, recalling how he initially thought someone else had won. The TLC program empowers youth to engage in advocacy and take charge of their future, aligning perfectly with Labonte-Postell’s mission.
Family Feud Over Super Bowl Tickets
Now that he’s got the coveted Super Bowl tickets, Terrance is faced with a fun dilemma—who will he bring along? “I’m going to let my mom and dad fight to the death because they both like football,” he joked, adding, “I know nothing about football, but I do like the halftime show.”
Looking to the Future
The future looks bright for Labonte-Postell, and there’s no denying that he’s just getting started. The sheer joy he expressed over this achievement speaks volumes about his character and potential. Stay tuned as this young leader takes the next steps in his inspiring journey. One thing’s for sure: Douglas County has a reason to be proud!
