7th Annual Awards & Recognition Breakfast

Kids and education were celebrated at the Boys & Girls Club of the Bighorns 7th Annual Awards & Recognition Breakfast on Wednesday, November 2, 2022. The breakfast honored beloved teacher Carol Ruby for her impact in thousands of students’ lives during her 45 years of teaching. Preliminary dollars raised at the event total $52,545. All proceeds support impactful programming at the Club.

In awarding Carol Ruby with the Distinguished Service Award, Scott Berglund, an occupational therapist with Johnson County School District #1, said, “I credit my love for learning to the teacher who loved me.” He shared how the love Mrs. Ruby showed him impacted him through the years, including helping him to be strong after the loss of his daughter. Fellow educator Billy Farris likened working alongside Carol to working with football legend John Elway and praised her dedication to staff, students and the community. Upon receiving the award, touched by emotion, Carol highlighted the community: “Johnson County has the best students and parents that there are, and I am so thankful to have had my time to teach so many students and to help them to know that they are loved. You are loved.”

Club Director Bonnie Swett shared her excitement in working with the kids and watching them grow and discover their full potential. Club parent Kelly Buckingham thanked the staff for creating a rich learning environment that challenges her daughter, who has a rare birth defect, and her son to try new things. She shared how the Club has helped form her daughter into a leader who now inspires others, despite her health challenges.  Junior Youth of the Year finalist, Emmit M., described how the Club has helped him become the best version of himself. In honor of the impact of the Club in the community, Mayor Shane Schrader proclaimed the day “Boys & Girls Club Appreciation and Awareness Day in Buffalo.”