(Riverton, WY) – The Boys & Girls Club of Riverton hosted their 5th annual awards & recognition breakfast on Wednesday. The morning highlighted the work of the club and recognized the folks who make it possible.
Riverton’s Mary Axthelm was given the Distinguished Service Award, recognizing her exceptional leadership and service to the community. The award was presented by former Riverton City Council member, Rebecca Schatza. “Mary has influenced thousands of students, families, and colleagues through her unwavering belief in the power of community and the importance of showing up with consistency and heart,” said Schatza.
Reflecting on the honor, Axthelm shared, “Each trial has only deepened my faith and reinforced my belief that my work—and this work we do together—is part of a much bigger plan.” Axthelm orchestrated a surprise flash mob, which included many members of the audience, a moment that will surely go down in history as one of the most memorable of the day.
Keynote speaker Rocky Bleier, a four-time Super Bowl champion and Vietnam veteran, captivated the audience with his extraordinary journey—from Notre Dame to the battlefield, and then back to the NFL. He spoke candidly about receiving his draft notice, being wounded in Vietnam, and his determined return to professional football. “We all possess the ability to control our own destiny; it lies in our own hands,” said Bleier. “We can influence ourselves and others—and that is also what the Boys & Girls Club does.”
Also during the program, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming’s Youth of the Year, Jase B., delivered his stirring speech. He shared his journey from a prison-like orphanage in China to a loving adoptive family in the United States and the transformative impact of the Club on his life. With the support of Club staff, Jase has developed new skills, built confidence, and is now pursuing a future in forensic science.
Suzie Koehn of Wind River Realty and Curt Galitz—former Club kid, board member, and proud member of the Alumni Hall of Fame—served as co-chairs of this year’s breakfast and the Leading the Way Campaign. The campaign supports the purchase of a permanent Club facility in Riverton and provides two years of operating costs, laying a strong foundation for future generations to learn, grow, and lead in a space of their own.
The Riverton Foundation Education Award winners were also announced by past honoree Mary Margaret Stockton. Riverton senior Ellanie Forbis received a $1,500 scholarship for college, while Riverton senior Katelynn Lemley received a $500 scholarship. These awards are provided by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming Foundation.
The Boys & Girls Club of Riverton currently serves 289 registered members through programs focused on Academic Success, Good Character & Leadership, and Healthy Lifestyles. This year’s breakfast saw a great turnout. CEO Ashley Bright remarked, “There’s something special about the community of Riverton. People come together like a team—it’s a powerful reminder that, together, we’re building something that lasts far beyond today.”
The event was described as a a tremendous success, raising 41 percent of the Club’s $510,000 annual budget. For more about the Boys & Girls Club of Riverton, click here.
