The Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches has been improving the lives of at-risk children
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/1546265
ALUMNI DAY O nce a Rancher successfully completes their goals and leaves the program, they are officially alumni! The Boys Ranch Alumni Association was created to help former Ranchers stay involved and give back to the place they call home. One very important tradition is the annual "Alumni Day." Since the 1980s, the Alumni Association has organized a day where former Ranchers return home to meet the kids they used to be. They team up to play games, cook a meal, and show our youth what life looks like after the Ranch. Under deep gray clouds and imminent rain, this year's Alumni Day was moved indoors to the Tweed Gymnasium. Alumni Association President Nick Phillips arrived early to set up different game stations, including a battle ball lineup, flag football, gaga ball, and basketball. Nick was a Rancher from 2006 to 2012. He took on the role of Association President at the urging of past members hoping to bring in younger alumni leaders. After serving in the National Guard, he now works as a recruiter. His young daughter, Kennadi, joined him for Alumni Day and enjoyed seeing her dad hold his own during the games. As Ranchers and former Ranchers trickled into the gym, the activities were ready to kick off. Nick made introductions and explained the plan for the day. He also addressed the graduating seniors in the room. "You're about to officially be alumni!" he explained. As the young adults prepare to venture off to college, trade school, or a career, they will also join the ranks of the Association. With everyone at their respective stations and introductions completed, it was time for the first game of the day: battle ball. This game, a large-scale form of dodgeball, quickly became a chaotic mesh of ducking, running, jumping, and throwing. Alumni and Ranchers alike got into the spirit of the game, and it was a joy to see former Ranchers jump right back into being a kid again. Wyatt Glass, a Rancher from the early 1990s, ducked out of the way while showing his son how to throw back the foam balls. After leaving the program, AT THE BOYS RANCH 2 2 T H E R A N C H E R FA L L 2 0 2 6