Las Vegas Chaplain Honored for Decades of Ministry and Mentorship

Michael Thrower recognized at city's African American Trailblazer Service Awards for his work with youth and emergency workers.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Chaplain Michael Thrower, 60, was honored at the city of Las Vegas' 12th Annual African American Trailblazer Service Awards for his decades-long work mentoring youth and comforting emergency workers. Thrower, a Las Vegas native, has held dual roles in administrative work and chaplain duties at the Clark County School District since 1998, and has also led nonprofit organizations focused on mentorship and connecting civilians with police officers.

Why it matters

Thrower's work highlights the important role that community-based chaplains and mentors can play in supporting youth, first responders, and other vulnerable populations. His recognition reflects the city's efforts to honor trailblazers who have made significant contributions to the African American community.

The details

Thrower was described as a "gentle giant" by retired Clark County School District Police Captain Ken Young, who said Thrower's presence changes the atmosphere in a room. Thrower, who grew up in the church, said ministry just "kind of happened" for him, as he started mentoring congregants and then expanded his work to the broader community and institutions like prisons and police departments. He has volunteered nearly 20,000 hours with the Metropolitan Police Department.

  • Thrower has worked at the Clark County School District since 1998.
  • The city of Las Vegas held its 12th Annual African American Trailblazer Service Awards in 2026.

The players

Michael Thrower

A 60-year-old Las Vegas native who has served as a chaplain and mentor for decades, working with youth, emergency workers, and other community members.

Ken Young

A retired captain with the Clark County School District Police Department who presented the award to Thrower.

Nancy Thrower

Michael Thrower's wife, who said he was "in disbelief" and "very humbled and super excited" to receive the award.

Sharon McKinney

A fellow chaplain at Adopt-A-Cop Nevada and author who nominated Thrower for the city's award.

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What they’re saying

“I call this guy the gentle giant.”

— Ken Young, Retired Captain, Clark County School District Police Department (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

“This is a man who goes out of his way — above and beyond — and never asks or expects anything in return.”

— Sharon McKinney, Fellow Chaplain, Adopt-A-Cop Nevada (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

“He just is such a giving and caring person who has a genuine love for people. He wants everybody to know that they're important.”

— Nancy Thrower, Michael Thrower's Wife (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

The takeaway

Thrower's decades of service as a chaplain and mentor, supporting youth, first responders, and others in the Las Vegas community, demonstrate the powerful impact that compassionate and dedicated community leaders can have in uplifting and empowering those they serve.