Each year, we choose one person to recognize for his or her philanthropy and commitment toward serving the youth of our community and state. This person is honored at the Annual Awards and Recognition Breakfast held each fall. The 2014 honoree is Mr. Joe Scott.

Joe Scott is a true Wyoming son, born in Natrona County on August 25, 1949. He, his sister and his late brother were raised by a single mother, with his uncle Jack Sullivan playing an instrumental role as a father-figure. He attended Casper’s St. Anthony’s Catholic School, East Junior High and was among the first class to graduate from Kelly Walsh High School.

Earning his first paycheck even before completing the third grade, Joe learned the value of hard work, doing his fair share on the family ranch in the Shirley Basin. Owned and operated by Uncle Jack, the Sullivan Ranch was Joe’s second home. He spent many of his weekends and summers there throughout his childhood and into his young adulthood. During his 20s, he struggled through some personal hardships, but was able to get his life back on track and began working for Neil McMurry as a pumper for wells north of Casper.

A decade later, he found himself surrounded by acres and acres of untouched prairie in rural Sublette County. Joining Mick McMurry, he was among the first company men for McMurry Oil Company to begin pumping in the Jonah Field near Pinedale. At the beginning, money was tight for everybody, so much so that many employees, including Joe, put in extra time with no extra pay to help it along. Jonah blossomed throughout the 1990’s, eventually getting to point where Joe felt he could move on.

Following his work in the Jonah Field, Mr. Scott and a partner founded a water treatment company based on the Higgins Loop technology that would allow the safe return of gas well water back into the environment. They ultimately sold the company to Exterran.

Joe has returned to Casper and his roots, operating his newest venture Discovery Downhole, a mud motor company. He is committed to his community supporting many charitable organizations including the Child Development Center of Natrona County, Seton House, the Two Fly Foundation, St. Anthony’s Tri-Parish School and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming.

Although Joe’s career has taken him to places across the country and the occasional hunting/fishing expedition to Alaska, Joe’s home will always be Wyoming. From the Shirley Basin, to his Hulett-area ranch, to his home outside of Casper, Joe Scott’s heart is truly Wyoming.

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Join us in honoring Joe Scott at the 16th Annual Awards and Recognition Breakfast on Tuesday, Sept. 16 at the Casper Events Center. Breakfast will be served at 6:45 a.m. with the program starting at 7 a.m. The featured speaker is Major League Baseball legend, Darryl Strawberry. To reserve your seats, go to www.bgccw.com and fill out the online registration. There is no cost to attend the Breakfast, but attendees will be asked to make a contribution to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming.