The Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches has been improving the lives of at-risk children
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/1546265
Our youth work hard every year to meet their goals. They follow the four pillars of "Work, Study, Play, and Pray," and truly begin to thrive. Each year, we reward those efforts by hosting an Awards Banquet at our residential campuses. Family, supporters, Sheriffs, and staff attend to celebrate our children's achievements with them. These special guests show our youth just how many people pray and cheer them on from the sidelines. Award categories at the Youth Ranches exist in three groups: Cottage Awards, Ranch Awards, and Major Awards. Cottage Awards celebrate small victories, like Cottage Pride, Best Room, and Best Dressed. They are chosen by the Cottage Parents, whose daily interactions allow them to see their kids' true personalities. Ranch Awards span the four pillars, including titles like Hardest Worker, Music Award, Agricultural Award, Recreation Award, and Academic Award. So many youth give their jobs, academics, or extracurriculars everything they have; picking just one winner is often a challenge. The final category is Major Awards. These four awards are the Academic Award, Personal Growth Award, Leadership Award, and Program Director's Award. Ranchers who win in these categories carry the memory long into adulthood, as our alumni will attest. The entire auditorium is filled with applause and cheers for the recipients, adding weight to a well-earned victory. Our boys and girls are able to earn these awards because of your support. Everything we do is to help our kids get onto that stage and see that hard work pays off. We are so grateful to be able to celebrate their victories with you! AWARDS BANQUETS Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches Boys Ranch Assistant Farm Director Jacob Hartley (right) was a Rancher as a teenager. He remembers walking across the stage to receive an award, and he had the honor of receiving another as an employee this year: the Harry K. Weaver Heart of Excellence Award. Jacob also presented the Agriculture Award to Rancher Jed, who sees Jacob as a father-figure and mentor. It was an emotional, full-circle night of well-deserved awards. 1 4 T H E R A N C H E R FA L L 2 0 2 6