THOMASVILLE — No one doubts that Byrdell Edward Teasley Ward will succeed. Anyone who spends time with the enterprising young man realizes Ward is too determined not to succeed.

A calm, soft-spoken young man, Ward’s goal is to be become “a great entrepreneur.” He will take it one step at a time, follow his dreams and be wise with the monetary rewards of his efforts.

Ward, 18, is a 2009 Thomasville High School graduate. This summer, he has a job at a place that played a big role during his growing-up years.

He is working with young people at the Marguerite Neel Williams Boys & Girls Club of Thomas County. Ward has spent a lot of time at the 219 Fletcher St. facility. He is the club’s current Youth of the Year and placed third in state competition.

Ward said he was becoming a bum and making bad grades before he began going to the Boys & Girls Club. “I was absolutely going nowhere,” he explained.

The Boys & Girls Club provided him with a place to be. In his job at the club this summer, he is approaching youngsters as a friend. “I think that works better,” Ward explained.

Lee Wagner, Boys & Girl Club executive director, is impressed by Ward’s drive and quest to be successful, but he is most impressed by Ward being so goal-oriented.

“This unfortunately is a rare trait in an alarming number of today's youth. Brydell has his life mapped out with incremental goals in place that will assist him in getting to where he plans to be for at least the next six to seven years. He even has contingency plans, realizing that it is very possible that things will not always work according to the way he has them planned,” Wagner said.

In spite of many challenges, setbacks and obstacles, Ward has and will continue to overcome them in pursuit of his goals and dreams of becoming a successful businessman, Wagner said.

Ward vows to never forget those individuals who assisted him during his quest for success.

“He has promised to return to the Thomasville/Thomas County community some day to repay those individuals for their helping hand once he reaches the level of success and acquires the fortune that he is seeking,” Wagner said.

The Boys & Girls Club executive director expects Ward to reach his goal. Two decades from now, Wagner will not be surprised to learn that Ward has reached the level of success on which he set his sights.

Ward is an artist — “If I see something, I can draw it” — likes poetry and is considering authoring a poetry book. He likes all types of music — “as long as it make sense.”

Born in the Liberty City area of Miami, Fla., Ward moved to Thomasville when he was seven.

His mother is Maria Dancy of Thomasville. His father, Brydell Ward, lives in Bridgeport, Conn. Ward and his three brothers and two sisters get together here and in Connecticut. He sees his father every summer and during some Christmas holidays.