Lacey teen selected as "Youth of the Year"

Terrance Krall, 18, of Lacey, has been named “Youth of the Year” by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County.

The River Ridge High School senior will now vie for the Washington Youth of the Year title, which comes with a $1,000 scholarship and a chance to advance to the regional competition.

Krall joined the Lacey branch of the Boys & Girls Club in 2007, and is now a part-time staff member. He credits the after-school program for turning his life around.

“I felt like my whole life up to that point, I’d been doing negative things,” he said.

“It has made me the athlete I am today,” he added. “It’s made me a great leader and a good speaker. ...It’s made me a hard worker.”

Branch director Shellica Trevino said Krall deserves the recognition.

“He’s just a real go-getter type of kid, and we’re super proud of him,” she said.

The state Youth of the Year competition will be March 27-28. It will feature a reception with Governor Jay Inslee.