King of the Year Story
Tre’Shaun Thomas joined Forever Kings in 2020 during his freshman year at LaSalle High School, marking the beginning of a transformative journey within this brotherhood.
Initially, I was hesitant about Forever Kings, wondering if it would be the right fit for Tre'Shaun during such a critical time in his life. He had recently experienced the loss of his grandmother, who had been his cheerleader and a significant support system. Her passing left a void in his life, causing him to withdraw and struggle both academically and emotionally. Despite my support, I knew he needed more.
Forever Kings turned out to be a blessing from above. Tre'Shaun faithfully attended biweekly sessions, even balancing them with his football commitments. The organization provided a safe space where he felt accepted and surrounded by positive energy. It was here that he slowly began to rebuild himself.
Tre'Shaun faced mental and emotional challenges that required time to overcome, but Forever Kings remained steadfast. They kept their doors open, even during the challenges posed by COVID-19, ensuring Tre had a consistent support system.
Through Forever Kings, Tre'Shaun began to make positive changes in his life. He became more attentive to his academics, motivated by the encouragement and accountability of his brothers in the organization. By the end of his freshman year, his grades had significantly improved, setting the stage for continued success throughout high school.
Beyond academics, Forever Kings taught Tre'Shaun invaluable life lessons about authenticity, leadership, and cultivating healthy relationships. These lessons shaped his high school experience and prepared him for his future endeavors. His growth extended beyond academics and personal development and deepened his faith. Through his experiences at Forever Kings, he discovered a newfound connection to Christ, culminating in his decision to be baptized and embrace a new beginning.
Tre'Shaun not only looked forward to the biweekly meetings, King outings, and kickbacks but also discovered a new love for Christ. While he had some knowledge of Christ before, I vividly recall him calling me last year and saying, "Mom, I want to get baptized. I want to start anew." At that moment, I sensed a profound evolution within Tre. He is transforming into someone entirely different from the quiet freshman who first entered Forever Kings. I believe God is preparing to reveal a new King.
Tre often says, "Forever Kings has changed my life." He considers it his second home and holds a special place in his heart for everyone there. Recently, he was honored with the Garner Family Scholarship and named 2024 King of the Year!
Tre'Shaun's creativity flourished at Forever Kings. He was featured on the Triple R record and worked alongside King Xander, learning videography and photography. These opportunities nurtured his creativity, demonstrating how Forever Kings supports and develops talents. Everything Forever Kings stands for—mindset refinement, self-re-imagining, life reshaping—has profoundly impacted Tre'Shaun. His journey from a young boy searching for direction to a confident young man embracing leadership exemplifies the unwavering dedication of Forever Kings' founders.
I often ask Tre what he would do if something happened to me, and his answer is always reassuring: "Mom, Mr. JB will make sure I get to Forever Kings; he'll take care of me.” I am deeply grateful for the sacrifices Mr. JB and his team make because they genuinely care about our youth.
