Minister and mentor named Mississippi Parent of the Year

Vicksburg, MS 06/21/09
Minister and mentor named Mississippi parent of the year

Posted: June 21, 2009 08:57 PM EDT

Updated: June 22, 2009 02:17 AM EDT

By Roslyn Anderson - bio | email

VICKSBURG, MS (WLBT) - Father's Day was very special for a Vicksburg minister being honored by the state.

Reverend Troy Truly, Sr. is Mississipp's Parent of the Year and not just to his biological children but many more.

It's a familiar scene this third Sunday in June, a family gathers to bless the food before the Father's Day meal.

In Vicksburg, Rev. Troy Truly, Sr. is surrounding by loved ones who recognize his impact on their lives and the lives of others.

On Friday, the 46-year-old was named Mississippi's 2009 Parent of the Year by State Department of Education.

While he is the biological father of two children, Troy, Jr. and Maria, he and wife Joan have opened their home as foster parents to dozens of disadvantaged youth.

"This award here speaks to the wholeness of what my wife and I are doing and the work that we do," said Truly.

The Trulys have created the Eagle's Nest, a ministry to mentor boys.

They reached out to Warren County Youth Court to offer a loving environment for troubled children.

His advice to fathers is to be there for their children.

"There are fathers out there that are stepping up to the plate that we can achieve and yes we can with hands coming together, believing that we can make a difference," said the parent of the year.

"It makes me proud that he is not only done his job to bring my brother and I up, but that he's going back and helping kids that are less fortunate," said daughter 25 year old Maria Truly.

He was nominated parent of the year by Vicksburg Intermediate School and eventually was chosen from a statewide field.

His focus is to inspire the next generation of men.

"We're all fathers who have a desire to love our children, after all love is something we all search for here."