EWC CDL Graduate Bo Baumgartner Receives National NextGen Trucking Award

TORRINGTON, Wyo. – Recent high school graduate and Eastern Wyoming College Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program completer Bo Baumgartner was recognized during the June 9 Eastern Wyoming College Board of Trustees meeting on the Torrington campus after receiving the national NextGen Trucking Association Student of the Month Award.

EWC Dean of Workforce and Career Technical Education Darryl Spitzer presented Baumgartner with the award, recognizing his dedication, leadership and success while completing EWC’s CDL program as a high school student.

Baumgartner, who farms approximately 20 miles outside of Torrington, completed the CDL program through Eastern Wyoming College while still in high school and plans to use the certification to support his agricultural career.

“I farm about 20 miles outside Torrington,” Baumgartner told trustees. “I will use my CDL to haul ag commodities and make some side money.”

The award was presented through the Next Generation in Trucking Association, a national organization dedicated to promoting trucking education and workforce development for students entering the transportation industry.

In a letter accompanying the award, Next Generation in Trucking Association President and Co-Founder Lindsey Trent praised Baumgartner for his achievements.

“Congratulations! It is my great honor to recognize you as the Next Generation in Trucking Student of the Month,” Trent wrote. “This award celebrates your hard work, dedication and leadership qualities that set you apart as an outstanding student.”

According to the letter, Baumgartner was nominated by his instructor, who highlighted both his accomplishments and the positive impact he made in the classroom.

“You were nominated by your teacher, who spoke highly of your achievements and the positive impact you make in the classroom,” Trent wrote. “Their belief in you highlights the difference you are making not only in your own learning journey but also in your school community.”

As part of the recognition, Baumgartner received a Student of the Month plaque honoring his achievement, while EWC’s CDL program also received a plaque to display in the classroom as inspiration for future students.

“At the Next Generation in Trucking Association, we believe that students like you are the future of our industry and our communities,” Trent wrote. “We encourage you to keep pursuing your goals with the same passion and determination that earned you this award.”

Eastern Wyoming College’s CDL program provides students with hands-on training and workforce-ready skills, helping prepare graduates for careers in transportation, agriculture and commercial trucking industries across the region.