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Senior seizes opportunity with both
hands
 To
understand what motivates Bilal Turner, look no further than his
forearms.
A
tattoo snakes down each one. The Albany High School senior is quick to
point out that the tattoos aren’t gang-related. Rather, they are a
tribute to his two biggest influences. His mother, Chanell Turner, is
represented on the left arm, and his late grandmother, Mamie Maxwell, on
the right.
“My mom has always been strong for her children. Education comes first
for her,” he said. And his grandmother taught him to seize opportunities
that would take him far.
The advice hasn’t fallen on deaf ears.
During the summer, Bilal became the first Albany High student ever
elected to the highest position (governor) at Boys’ State, an annual
leadership program sponsored by the American Legion. Getting into Boys’
State is competitive; being the first Albany High student elected leader
by his peers from all over New York fueled Bilal’s already-burning
desire to run for office.
“I want to use my Boys’ State experience to further my career in
politics,” he said. “Maybe I’ll become a senator, then work my way to
the White House.”
It’s no surprise to those who know Bilal that he’s headed for great
things.
“He’s a success story already,” said Mike Elliott, who taught Bilal
eighth-grade social studies at North Albany Academy and was student
government advisor when Bilal was class president there. “He’s always
been a leader and a go-getter. He really has passion and is driven to be
successful."
This fall, Bilal has his sights set on college and is looking at SUNY
Cortland or SUNY Brockport for a bachelor’s degree in sports management.
West Point and the U.S. Naval Academy are under consideration, too,
thanks to his experience at Boys’ State.
After that? Law school.
Bilal would like to be a sports agent, negotiating contracts for
professional athletes, before he launches into a career in public
office. He’s confident he’ll thrive because he heeds the words of the
women who inspired him most.
“It’s not the color of your skin, it’s not your background, it’s not the
people you know,” Bilal said. “It’s how you take the opportunities given
to you.”
His grandmother would be proud.
“Everyone’s proud of him,” said Mr. Elliott.
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