Sunshine

COVER STORY
Land of
opportunity
Youth develop new interests,
sense of purpose at the
Methodist Children’s Home Boys Ranch
Final preparation for the Heart of Texas Livestock
Show in October is unlike any other time of year
at the Methodist Children’s Home Boys Ranch.
As the busy show season draws near, youth
and staff try to balance a heightened level of anxiety
and enthusiasm as they anticipate their first
big competition of the year. In the days leading up
to “the show,” youth meticulously wash, trim and exercise their
prize steers, hogs, goats and lambs, and put the finishing touches
on some of the finest woodworking and welding projects that will
be entered into the competition. FFA teachers and child care staff
offer words of encouragement and last-minute instruction to
their youth, many of whom will be competing in a livestock show
for the first time.
Although most of the adults have participated in count-
less shows during their teaching and child care
careers, they understand the importance of each
event in the lives of their boys. They have witnessed
the emotional highs and lows of livestock
shows, where many of their youth have experienced
the thrill of winning awards, while others
have fought back tears wondering why their animal
was not “good enough.”
“The boys enjoy caring for their animals and watching them
grow, and they take great pride in showing them,” said John
Kuretsch, FFA teacher at the Boys Ranch. “There’s a strong bond
that develops between these boys and their animals. While we’re
excited for the boys when they win awards, we want them to
learn that their success is not determined by a ribbon.”
Continued, pg. 4
PICTURED ABOVE: Garner prepares his lamb to be judged at the Heart of Texas Livestock Show in October. The Boys Ranch has provided a
variety of new experiences for Garner during his three years at MCH.
Sunshine I Spring 2009 3