Trouper Gilbertson, 19, of Albert Lea, was recently named as Minnesota’s Foster/Adopted Child of the Year for 2008. Trouper is the son of Michael and Maureen Gilbertson of rural Freeborn County.

Trouper came to the Gilbertson home at age 7 as a foster child and was ultimately adopted by them. The Gilbertsons have been licensed as professional foster parents for 24 years their licensing agency is PATH (Professional Association of Treatment Homes) of Rochester.

Trouper attended Lakeview Elementary, Southwest Middle School and Albert Lea High School, graduating in 2008. He is a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Albert Lea. He is now a student in the power line program at Minnesota West Community and Technical College in Jackson.