By Ashley Wilson
YMCA Media Relations Manager
ORANGE PARK -- Today, 18-year-old Orange Park High School senior Antonio Thomas is a standout cornerback on the Raider football team and a lightening fast track sprinter.
This particular afternoon during what would be a typical lunch period, Thomas sat with Dale Crawford – his mentor through Take Stock In Children, a program managed by the YMCA in Clay County – during their weekly visit.
Thomas quickly stood out as a very polite and respectful young man – a ‘kid’ with not a care in the world. It became clear that Antonio has dealt with more than his fair share of adversity and throughout his pain, Dale became an essential lifeline.
At any early age, Thomas’ father left and he spent the better part of his upbringing being raised by his mother; but with a younger brother and sister, this teenager often played the role of parent. "It was rough. We all moved into my Grandma’s house so that my mom could work, but we had each other," said Thomas.
It wasn’t long after that move that his little brother passed away in his arms after a severe asthma attack. "It changed my life," Thomas recalls. As if that weren’t enough, the Thomas family absorbed yet another blow when his mother suffered a stroke.
"I remember it was a Friday and it was during football season. I had just gotten home from playing in a game and got word my mom had a stroke. I went straight to the hospital and she was in the ICU. I couldn’t believe it."
For the next few months, the high school senior juggled school, football, taking care of his little sister, and attending physical therapy with his mom. While demanding of his time and energy, Thomas says he got his calling.
"I’ve always done well in Anatomy and Physiology… and there I was helping my mom throughout her physical therapy and it just hit me. This is what I want to do with my life."
"Many young men could have acted out – which is a very normal reaction – but Antonio took it all in stride," said Dale Crawford, Thomas’ mentor.
The two have been working together since Thomas was in the 7th grade through Take Stock In Children – a program that links volunteer mentors with students in need of direction.
The pair spends an hour each week during school hours – studying, talking, exchange life’s trials and tribulations. It didn’t take long to see there’s a strong bond there.
"I’ve got two grown sons and it’s like I’ve gotten a gift and I’m able to help raise another son. Antonio is such a good kid and he means the world to me."
With graduation in sight, Thomas looks forward to the future. "I plan on attending Florida A&M University in Tallahassee this coming fall to major in physical therapy… and Dale’s coming with me [both laughing]! Just kidding, but we are definitely staying in touch."
Take Stock In Children, managed by the YMCA in Clay County, is always looking for volunteer mentors to offer their time to help shape a young person’s life. Those wanting to become a mentor may contact Anna Taylor,
Take Stock In Children Director, at (904) 644-0072 or ataylor@FirstCoastYMCA.org.
February 8th 2010 - 12:08PM