Thomas Turner, Class of 2008, attended StoneBridge from kindergarten through 12th grade, and from early on in his StoneBridge years he knew he was destined for a life as a political statesman.
After graduating from SBS, Thomas attended Liberty University where he received a bachelor of science degree in politics and policy in 2012. He then went on to the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership at the University of Virginia.
During his junior year at StoneBridge, Thomas was given a word study assignment on the word “statesman.” The Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines statesman as “a man versed in the arts of government; usually, one eminent for political abilities; a politician,” and also “one employed in public affairs.”
It was the personal definition that he says defines his duty as a follower of Christ and as a leader.
“We are called to be visionary guides to those entrusted to us to lead, and to ensure that if they drift away, to guide back on the correct path,” Thomas said. “This often means having to speak the truth to power and living without fear of ridicule or exclusion.”
His list of involvement in the political realm is long, and includes state director and campaign consultant for Conservatives for Clean Energy Virginia, the Young Republican Federation of Virginia (YRFV), Young Republican National Federation (YRNF), and founder and first chairman of the Western Tidewater Young Republicans, which spreads from Chesapeake to Sussex County.
In 2021, he was named the “Volunteer of the Year” for the Republican Party of Virginia. He won the “Friend of the College Republicans” award in 2022, and in 2024 was named “Man of the Year” by the Young Republican National Federation.
In all he does, Thomas seeks to apply his faith to his service.
“I have been blessed to use my leadership role and career to advance sound policy and mentor young activists as they begin their journey,” he remarks. “I was mentored by great Virginians like Rep. Randy Forbes, Delegate Chris Jones, and numerous men and women who applied their faith in service. I seek to do the same to others,” he said.
To Thomas, these roles are just titles.
“It is the work that we do that is important. I use my role to advance the dignity of all men and to fight for the American dream through limited government and innovation,” he said.
Thomas was very active during his time at StoneBridge and credits his time here for teaching him how to work with others and to have discernment.
“Chapel and my time as a Spiritual Life and Worship prefect my junior and senior year refreshed my spirit. My tenth grade portfolio project on Frederick Douglas also led me to Republican politics,” he noted.
“StoneBridge gave me the preparation to think critically and challenge the status quo. It was theater that taught me to think on my feet, to be able to speak in any situation, where a quick-measured response was needed,” he explained.
He developed perseverance through the rigor of the tough SBS academics, and learned to trust God when things got tough. To this day, Thomas said he still gets chills when he thinks how his teachers prayed over the students every day.
“Thomas was our student tour guide when Ron and I came to visit StoneBridge as prospective parents,” Lower School Principal Barbara Wells said. “He was a delight to meet and was very engaging and informative. We especially appreciated his enthusiasm about the faculty and his personal responses to our questions.”
To him, leadership is about three things: service, love, and duty.
“Leadership is not about power, it’s about what you can give to others,” he said, noting how Christ poured everything into the 12 disciples during his earthly ministry. “Christ served them by washing their feet as a sign of humility; he showed empathy to the least of men and he fulfilled his duty by dying for our sins. He rose from the grave, destroying death, and sits as our High Priest who has overcome. I attempt to lead the same way, by serving with humility.”
Thomas teaches others he works with that no role is too low for anyone to do. “I still stuff envelopes with the interns, I block walk neighborhoods and work the phone bank, and serve any way I can because I cannot require anyone to do something I’m unwilling to do,” he says. “Christ called us to serve as he served others, so I must do the same.”
