It is a huge honor to be standing here. I have been a part of the Boys Ranch for ten years now. I remember just like it was yesterday, going to the Boys Ranch. I was just a fourteen-year-old boy facing several challenges in life. I remember just praying and asking God to please give me a better life. I remember telling God I would do anything. Well, what I didn’t realize was, God answered that prayer for me before I even asked it. He answered that prayer by putting me at the Boys Ranch. I realized that God knew what was best for me all along. I was just too angry to realize it. I got to thinking and thought to myself that this place could be the miracle I needed in my life. So, I decided to give it a chance and see what it was all about. I did. The Boys Ranch has been the biggest blessing in my life. Over the course of my four years in High school, I received several awards and honors and scholarships, and was able to build relationships and friendships with some wonderful people.
After graduating high school, I received an opportunity that I never imagined. I was so used to believing what my dad had always told me, and that was that I would never amount to anything in life. I used that as my ambition to achieve my goals. I was able to attend Valdosta State University to chase my dreams of furthering my education. In December I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. In April I received a wonderful opportunity to achieve another life goal, getting accepted into the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Police Academy as a Pre-Service Candidate, graduating in July. At graduation I had the special honor of having my badge pinned on me by Mr. Terry Norris. Now I am chasing my dream job as a Special Agent with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. I have two more life goals that I plan to achieve, to obtain my master’s degree in criminal justice, and to become more involved with the Youth Homes. They will forever have a special place in my heart. Because of them, I have a chance in life. There is no telling where I would be today if it were not for the youth homes. I am also extremely thankful for all the supporters. None of this would be possible without you. Thank you for all that you do!
Update: Trevor is moving forward in his dream of working with the GBI. He continues to be grateful for the work of the Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes.