Two Resilient Elementary Students Honored

11 year-old Phillip Hansen Jr. of Rock Springs and 10-year-old Jozi Simpson are the recipients of the second annual Honorary Cowboy award given by the Associated Students of the University of Wyoming (ASUW). The award is given to a Wyoming K-12 student “facing formidable life circumstances,” says ASUW President Brett Kahler, a communications major from Casper. The Honorary Cowboy award commemorates a student, who represents the “Cowboy-up” spirit to face personal challenges. Nominations are distributed statewide, and nominators submit letters of recommendation.

This year’s recipients have endured extraordinary circumstances at such a young age with a positive outlook. Phillip Hansen, son of Phillip Hansen Sr., has suffered two major losses to his family in a short period of time. While his younger brother, Hunter, was being treated for leukemia, his mother suddenly died of a heart attack. Three months later, Hansen’s brother passed away.

“I see Philip as a resilient student, moving on with his life with his father,” according to his nominator, teacher Erika Frisby. “Even through these hardships, father and son persevere and exemplify the ‘cowboy-up’ spirit in their day-to-day lives.”

Jozi Simpson, daughter of Julie and Sean Simpson, has been a pillar of positivity while her father recovers from a construction site fall that has rendered him paralyzed from the chest down. “Jozi has learned to deal with adversity with a broad Wyoming smile on her face,” says a teacher who nominated her for the award. “She absolutely attacks any difficult task that is put before her with gusto and good cheer.”

Phillip Hansen and Jozi Simpson will be taken to dinner at the university this  Friday evening. Saturday, they will be honored at the "Border War" football game, where they will be escorted onto the field by members of the UW football staff. They will also tour athletics facilities and meet with UW coaches.

“We are excited to honor these two students with this award. I believe that this award shows that the UW community reaches beyond the limits of Laramie and into the communities that comprise this wonderful state,” Kahler says. “We are happy to recognize Jozi and Phillip with an award that recognizes them as part of the UW family, and to celebrate their strong spirit in the face of adversity.”