"This will be the first retired jersey in Boys Town history."
An exhilarating evening unfolded at the inaugural Boys Town All-Star Youth Awards, a sports banquet dedicated to honoring the remarkable achievements and hard work of the youth at Boys Town. This event created a platform for celebration, reflection, and inspiration.
A highlight of the evening was the presence of distinguished guests: two tables filled with Boys Town alumni, each a shining example of what it means to be a graduate of Boys Town. This impressive group consisted of individuals who have either graduated from college or are currently pursuing their degrees. Among their accomplishments are 11 degrees earned from four-year colleges and universities, two Master's degrees, five collegiate All-Americans, a firefighter, a police officer, a farmer and rancher, leaders in the construction industry, high school coaches, an accountant, and an NFL All-Pro. Above all, this gathering was characterized by a group of men committed to being devoted fathers who understand the significance of serving others.
A standout among the alumni was Shaquil Barrett, a former Boys Town youth and current NFL star. Among his many accolades, Shaquil has achieved:
- Super Bowl LV Champion (Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 2020)
- Pro Bowl Selection (2019)
- Second-team All-Pro (2019)
- NFL Sacks Leader (2019)
- Franchise leader in sacks for a single season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2019)
However, Shaquil humbly considers his greatest achievement to be his role as a father and husband.
During his address to the youth after they received their awards, Shaquil emphasized the importance of hard work and the value of supporting one’s teammates. He passionately spoke about the significance of pursuing ambitious dreams and the necessity of believing in oneself, even in moments when support seems limited.
As the evening drew to a close, Boys Town Athletic Director Paul Bloomencamp delivered an unexpected announcement. Calling Shaquil back to the stage, he announced, “We have one last special recognition before we conclude our program tonight. Although I won't reiterate your many achievements and accolades, I would like to add one more to your very long and impressive list. We would like to honor your athletic achievements at Boys Town by retiring your jersey. This will be the first retired jersey in Boys Town history, and no one will ever wear the number 57 again.”
The crowd erupted in applause as Shaquil was presented with a framed version of his number 57 Boys Town jersey, celebrating not only a remarkable athlete but a true role model for future generations of Boys Town youth. The evening left all attendees inspired and motivated to reach for their dreams, embodying the very spirit of Boys Town.
