Cheyenne – Craig Falkman of Gillette has been selected to receive the first Leadership Award from the new Craig and Susan Thomas Foundation. The annual Leadership Award recognizes and honors one individual who champions the needs of young people in Wyoming.

Falkman is the Juvenile Program Coordinator for Personal Frontiers, Inc., an out-patient substance abuse treatment facility for adolescents and adults in Campbell County.
Susan Thomas, foundation director, said, "I’m proud to give this award to an individual who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to champion young people who need a leg-up. Craig Falkman’s dedication, his love for helping at-risk youth, make him a champion.”

The first-ever Craig and Susan Thomas Foundation Leadership award was presented to Falkman at the Wyoming State Fair last week. In addition to the honor, the award comes with a $2,500 check to be used as the winner chooses.
“Counselors, mentors and educators deserve recognition for the work they do with our children, especially those who are at-risk. I want them to know that we value their time, efforts and dedication,” Susan Thomas said.

Falkman was nominated by Jennifer Kinnan of Gillette, who said, “Craig Falkman is selfless ….he goes the extra mile…he has the ability to breathe life into a young person and inspires hope to those who often feel there is none.”

The newly formed Craig and Susan Thomas Foundation focuses on Wyoming's at-risk youth population and those who champion young people. This award is the second of two key elements to the Foundation. The other is scholarships for at-risk students. Earlier this summer, the Foundation awarded thirteen college and trade school awards to students who do not meet Hathaway guidelines. Names of the scholarship winners can be found at www.thomas-foundation.com.

The foundation is named in part for the late United States Senator Craig Thomas who championed the cause of Wyoming's youth.