Bryce’s life story is one of perseverance, transformation and the power of community support. Growing up in Amarillo, Texas, Bryce’s early years were marked by uncertainty and hardship. He and his mother, who was an alumna of Girlstown, USA, experienced homelessness, finding themselves living under a bridge at one point. It was during this time that a simple jar of peanut butter and a series of unexpected events would lead him to a life-changing opportunity.
As Bryce recalls, his mother had purchased a jar of a mixture of peanut butter and jelly for his birthday.
While showing others his coveted gift, a man tried to steal his peanut butter, prompting Bryce to chase him down.
The man got away with the peanut butter but left behind his backpack. Bryce discovered a newspaper with an advertisement for the Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch’s Rodeo and Adventure Fest.
On the back of the newspaper, Bryce found a $20 bill. At just 7-years-old, he used that money to buy a bus ticket for Bryce and his mother to get to the Campus Support Center of Boys Ranch in Downtown Amarillo.
The duo lived in the apartments at the Alumni Support Center before Bryce moved to Boys Ranch, where his life would be transformed.
At Boys Ranch, Bryce learned not only essential life skills, but also the value of community, confidence and leadership.
One of the most pivotal experiences for him was the opportunity to share his story.
“Mike Wilhelm coached us to give our testimonies, and it was one of the most confidence-building things I could do as a young person,” he said.
“It taught me that my story mattered.”
Bryce’s story at Boys Ranch wasn’t just about survival – it was about thriving. He learned leadership skills and participated in the culinary and vocational programs at Boys Ranch.
“The culinary classes at Boys Ranch helped me build a foundation for my future,” Bryce said.
“They allowed me to care for others in a unique way — helping me become a leader and learn humility.”
Bryce’s time at Boys Ranch set him on a path to success. He graduated in 2021 and went on to attend West Texas A&M University (WT), where he pursued a degree in political science, driven by a desire to impact others.
With the support of a Cal Farley’s Merit Scholarship, Bryce attended WT and thrived. He eventually became a Rogers LEAD WT Scholar, worked for the Office of the WT President and joined the fraternity Phi Delta Theta.
In April he was named the 2025 Greek Man of the Year.
Despite his success, Bryce has never forgotten the people who supported him.
“Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch gave me the chance to dream,” he said. “They gave me hope, and now I’m trying to pay that forward by making a difference in the community.”
Today, Bryce is not only focused on his future but also committed to helping others. He currently works at Education Credit Union, where he enjoys being able to make a difference in people’s lives through his customer-facing role. His long-term goal is to continue building on the foundation he started at Boys Ranch, making an impact in his community and beyond. As he looked toward his college graduation, Bryce reflected on his journey.
“Be competitive and never say never,” he advises the graduating seniors at Boys Ranch. “Get involved, fail aggressively and always keep striving to become better.”