ProRodeo Sports News - Nov. 22, 2019

DECEMBER 5-14 LAS VEGAS

Susan Thomas honored Casper rodeo chairwoman 'stunned' to win award

TOP COMMITTEEMAN

BY TRACY RENCK S usanThomas, the chairman of the Central Wyoming Fair & Rodeo board in Casper, has been selected as the PRCA’s 2019 John Justin Committeeman of the “I’m stunned (to receive) this award,” saidThomas, 71. “There are people all over the United States who could be committee people of the year, and I’m accepting this honor for all of the committee people. I think it is important to share this incredible gift.” Thomas has worked with Central Wyoming Fair & Rodeo for 10 years. “I didn’t even know I was nominated for this award,” Year.

year Justin Boots recognizes 125 outstanding volunteers from PRCA rodeos around the country through its John Justin Standard of the West program. PRCA rodeos vote on the individual to receive the PRCA’s John Justin Committeeman of the Year Award, whose dedication represents the deeds of those volunteers. “I’m still trying to get in my head that I won this honor,” Thomas said. “I could have never imagined I would receive an honor like this.” The 2019 Central Wyoming Fair & PRCA Rodeo was July 9-13. Thomas was the grand marshal for the parade. Thomas has always been involved in rodeo, but on the administrative side for the past decade. Thomas was born and raised in Barnum, Wyo. She lived in Washington, D.C., for 18 years. Thomas’ late husband, Craig, served as a U.S. Senator fromWyoming from 1995- 2007. He passed away in June 2007 at age 74. Susan was a high school government teacher for 36 years – 18 in Wyoming, 18 inWashington, D.C. “I came back toWyoming after my husband passed, and I started my life again and got involved with the Central Wyoming Fair & Rodeo,” said Susan, who also trains service dogs. “I will tell you what, Tom Jones (general manager of the Central Wyoming Fair & Rodeo) is incredible. He is one of the best of the best of the best, and he makes everything happen.”

Thomas

Thomas said. “I had no idea. We are a team. We are involved in every aspect of the fair and rodeo, and we work very hard to make everything turn out exactly the way it should. To receive this honor is very rewarding for all of us here. We have great volunteers, and what I enjoy best about what I do is community. Wyoming is one big community, and I like being involved.” Justin Boots created the John Justin Standard of the West program to recognize the hundreds of thousands of hours of work that volunteer rodeo committee members around the country donate to put on rodeos. Each

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ProRodeo Sports News 11/22/2019

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