Classof - Cal Farley's

7Nicole PetersNicole came to Boys Ranchat age 10. She had two brothersthere, but recalls that, “Itwas scary.”“But it got better. Peoplewere nice to me, which wasn’tsomething I had had a lot ofin my life, so that was new.I started to realize there arepeople out there that actuallydo care.”Nicole is a very active girl.She is involved in the BoysRanch Youth LeadershipOrganization, the National Honor Society (she held a 100 averagein math!), Student Council, and One Act Play. Her quick learningabilities earned her a spot playing a lead role in the school play. “Iwas the backstage manager, but one of the girls with a main rolecould no longer participate, and I ended up taking over her partand learning all the lines in one day. It was the scariest thing, but itwas so much fun. It was a great experience, and I am glad I did it.”Nicole plans to major in elementary education and will receive aCal Farley’s college scholarship to do so. She has her future dreamslaid out, “I hope to eventually get married and have a family of myown and get to teach them the values and morals I’ve learned atBoys Ranch.”Note to Donors“Thank you, because you gave me opportunitiesthat I didn’t have before.” – Nicole PetersDaniel PottingerDaniel was born in Jamaica.He arrived at Boys Ranch atage 14.“I was put up for foster careby a family that couldn’t takecare of me, moved into afamily that didn’t want to takecare of me, and then I was sentto Boys Ranch,” he explained.Daniel has a passion for musicand writes “rhythmic poetry.”He records his works withcounselor, Chris Chandler,whom he teasingly calls, “myuncle and my producer.”Daniel plans to attend college and major in business accounting.He also said he plans to remain in Texas.Kirsti SullivanKirsti loves photography,art, and any animal she hasever come across. She usuallycan be found outside. Sheoften was at one of the lakes atBoys Ranch with a net and aknack for finding tadpoles andother critters.She came to live at BoysRanch eight years ago. “I usedto be wild, and not very happy,”she explained, but notes thather time at Cal Farley’s hasmade a real difference in herdemeanor. “It helps a lot of kids, believe it or not. They may notknow it at the time, but it really does help. If you don’t know whatto do with your life, Cal Farley’s will help you find your path.”Kirsti plans to attend college to study equine industry andbusiness. She’d like to someday come back to Boys Ranch to workwith horses and children, perhaps helping with the RhythmicRiding program.“Kirsti has always demonstrated a kind, sincere, caring, and blissfulheart. Her imagination and creativity shine each day and inspire a zestfor life.” – Liza Valencia, caseworkerClayt WorthamThe principal at Clayt’sschool told Clayt’s parents thathe would benefit from livingat Boys Ranch, so his parentsadmitted him in July 2009. Thetransition was “mostly roughat first,” according to Clayt,“but I eventually got used toit,” he added.He speaks highly of his houseparents at the Jefferies Home,and said they have helpedhim work through a lot of theproblems that he has had. Healso credits the teachers at Boys Ranch High School, noting thatthey are what have made the difference for him. “They have beenreally nice, and they don’t give up. I think the small classes helped,too.” He now does well in his academics and holds a steady B inmost classes.Clayt worked as a plumber in the maintenance department andhas been helping with home remodels around the campus. In hisspare time, he enjoys being active in the robotics program, wherethe group recently built two robots to take to the Science Olympiad.He plans to attend an aircraft mechanic program because he’d liketo work on jets.“I’m graduating from a really good school,” Clayt notes. “I’mgoing to college. I’ve been raised by great people. I’ve receivedeverything I ever needed in life, and it’s been a really good life here.In two years, my whole life has changed!”