Casper – On September 16, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming celebrated seven distinguished alumni during its 28th Annual Awards & Recognition Breakfast at the Ford Wyoming Center. The inductees—Rachel Bouzis, Johnny Herman, Damarian Kelly, John Kornkven, Ally Orr, Michael Rickard and Chris Usry—shared how the Club’s after‑school and summer programs gave them a sense of belonging, mentorship and the confidence to pursue ambitious careers.
From the Club to the Navy SEALs
Michael Rickard, who spent his youth at the Casper Boys Club in the late 1970s and early 1980s, credited the Club’s boxing program and supportive staff with laying a lifelong foundation. “A kid can walk through your doors not knowing what they’re capable of and walk out with a foundation that holds for the rest of their life,” Rickard said. After earning a bicycle by selling more than 1,000 raffle tickets door‑to‑door, he later became a Navy SEAL and rose to Master Chief Petty Officer.
Educators and Community Leaders
Chris Usry, a 1991‑1997 Club participant, now serves as Assistant Principal at Pathways Innovation Center. He emphasized that the Club’s caring adults taught him the value of service: “You don’t hang out at the Club and work with kids for 20 years. You have to care about kids, and that’s what I remember.”
Ally Orr, who attended from 1998 to 2002, recalled summer basketball as more than a game. “Those summers gave me community, teammates, mentors and friendships that I still have today,” she said. Orr now works as an educator and soccer coach, continuing to volunteer and give back to the Casper community.
Faith, Service and Public Safety
Johnny Herman, a lifelong Club member, serves today as a chaplain at the Natrona County Jail. He dedicated his Hall of Fame acceptance to “all those little Johnny Hermans that will never get a chance to be up here,” underscoring the Club’s role in shaping compassionate leaders.
John Kornkven, who was with the Club from 1973 to 1979, highlighted the inclusive atmosphere that welcomed youth from all backgrounds. “When you were in the Club, you belonged. It didn’t matter where you were from or who your family was. You just belonged,” he reflected.
Boxing, Business and Mentorship
Damarian Kelly, a 2006‑2013 member, now runs a small business and competes as a professional boxer. He continues to mentor younger boxers, passing on the encouragement and sense of belonging he received as a Club youth.
Policy and Health Leadership
Rachel Bouzis, who attended the Old Main Club from 2000 to 2003, now directs Policy & Learning at the Natrona Collective Health Trust. As a parent, she expressed gratitude that her daughter will benefit from the same lessons she learned: “We want her to be exposed to kids that she wouldn’t be exposed to, and learn lessons that you can only learn the hard way.”
Hall of Fame Legacy
The Alumni Hall of Fame, created in 2023, has recognized 31 former members whose achievements reflect the Club’s lasting impact. The organization, which began as the Casper Boys Club in 1969, now operates 11 sites across four Wyoming counties, offering after‑school tutoring, sports, career preparation and other programs that help young people discover their potential.
By honoring these seven individuals, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming reaffirmed its mission to provide a safe, supportive environment where children can grow into responsible adults, leaders and contributors to the broader community.
Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.
