PORT ARTHUR, Texas — One Southeast Texas leader is living proof that you are never too young to get involved and help drive change in your community.
Taylor Getwood is the youngest ever Port Arthur Independent School District Board of Trustees member.
Not only does Getwood hold this position, he also holds the titles of "Mr. Texas Southern University" and "Mister HBCU".
Getwood is the first man from the Southeast Texas region to be crowned "Mister HBCU" for the 2023-2024 school year.
When Getwood joined the PAISD Board of Trustees in 2021, he was only 18 years old.
His campaign was all about integrity.
"It was the need. We definitely needed representation. Of course with the youth it was time that we actually started to get involved and get active and be a benefit and an asset to the community they gave to me," Getwood said.
Getwood says he believes his age is an advantage and it helps bridge the gap between students and administrators
"Each and every day I step foot into this board room and I sit in that seat right there, I make sure that I have an open mind, that i'm thinking about my community," Getwood said. "I'm thinking about what's best for this district, what's best for the students, which of whom I just was three years ago now."
This year, Getwood beat out 22 other college-aged men for the 19th Mister HBCU title.
This crown is awarded to outstanding black leaders who will serve as a representative for the 107 historically black college or universities across the country.
"Previous Mr. Texas Southern University's before me always placed top 10, but God saw fit to actually bring home the crown to Houston and Port Arthur, Texas as well because I represent the 409," Getwood said.
Getwood is using his role in the community to advise young leaders.
"No matter where you go, you're going to always face challenges, but it's up to you as a leader if you're going to let those challenges swallow you, or if you're going to swim to the top to let your people out," Getwood said.