Wyoming Senate recognizes Boys & Girls Clubs youth; candidate Nathan Hurley speaks about mental-health recovery

The Wyoming Senate paused routine business on Feb. 10 to welcome representatives and youth from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Wyoming. Senators introduced regional club leaders and three youth-of-the-year candidates; the Senate presented certificates of appreciation and acknowledged scholarship awards to the participants.

Nathan Hurley, a 16-year-old sophomore at Central High School and the Southeast Wyoming Youth of the Year candidate, told the chamber that he had struggled with mental-health issues, experienced extended hospitalization and attempted to take his own life before finding support at the Boys & Girls Club. "The club has strengthened me as a person and developed me into a leader in many ways," Hurley said. He said ROTC has also helped him grow, and that since joining the club he has accumulated volunteer hours including coaching flag football and helping at a food bank.

Hurley told senators he plans to attend the University of Wyoming to study to become a surgical technician and ultimately a surgeon, motivated in part by personal losses in his family. He said he intends to continue volunteering and to speak about mental health after graduation.

Senators presented certificates of appreciation to the youth nominees and acknowledged scholarship awards; the presiding officer praised Hurley's speech as "phenomenal" and congratulated all the club participants. Club representatives noted the state-wide reach of the organization, citing multiple clubs, tens of thousands of contacts with youth and hundreds of thousands of meals provided through their programs.

The recognition was ceremonial; no formal legislative action or vote was taken during the presentation.