Bob Boozer shows his 1960 Olympics gold medal to some of the youth in Aric and Candi Johnson’s home. Boozer shared stories about his life and work ethic while enjoying dinner with the family.

Bob Boozer, a retired professional basketball player and current Nebraska Parole Board member, inspired Boys Town youth to work hard and dedicate themselves to achieving their dreams while in the home of Nebraska Family-Teachers Aric and Candi Johnson last week.

“We were all so excited to have him over for dinner and to see his Olympic medal,” said Candi Johnson, who has worked at Boys Town for more than seven years. “He shared his life with our boys and how his hard work and sacrifice helped him overcome and achieve many things both on and off the court.”

One of Boozer’s accomplishments is the gold medal the U.S. Basketball Team earned in the 1960 Olympics. He proudly displayed his medal to the seven boys in the home as he talked about sacrificing a year in the NBA so he could train for the team.

Today, Boozer serves on the Nebraska Parole Board and deals with people who have made mistakes in their lives. He is using this experience to inspire youth to be individuals and not join in the crowd. “Many of the people Mr. Boozer sees on a daily basis are there because they hung out with the wrong crowd,” said Herb Hames, Development Officer for the Nebraska/Iowa region. “He wants youth to know if they dedicate themselves and work hard, they can achieve anything they want.”

Boozer took time before, during and after dinner to answer questions the boys had and he stressed to the youth how they control their own future, beginning with their education. “When all of the other athletes would sit in the back of the room, I would purposely sit in the front,” explained Boozer. “I didn’t follow the crowd because I wanted to be engaged in my education and make something of myself.”

“It was a great evening for all of our kids,” said Johnson. “It’s not everyday our youth are told by an Olympian how their hard work now will pay off in the end.