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Many of the kids that call the Ranch home have one thing in common - prior to coming to the Ranch, education was not one of their top priorities. Many of them have told us that they have not been to school more than two days in a row their entire lives. The Ranch works hard to change that dynamic. We have a comprehensive approach to education. Upon their arrival at the Ranch, each child is assessed using the PLATO educational system. After the assessment, the PLATO system sets up an individualized educational plan. This allows each child to learn at their own pace and helps to fill in any gaps in their education so that when they begin school they are on equal footing with their peers. In addition, the Ranch has tutors available after school each day. Our educational coordinator, Mr. Hamm, is in constant communication with the schools to ensure that our kids receive all of the help they need to reach their potential. Our staff also stands behind these boys offering encouragement and praise.

This year, we are planning a special event for our kids to show them how proud we are of their academic achievements. On June 21st we will hold an educational auction. Our kids will receive 'Ranch Dollars' for their academic achievements (honor roll, attendance, improvement in grades, classroom effort, etc.). At the auction, we will have a professional auctioneer auctioning off various prizes. We are hoping this auction will foster a love of learning in our boys that will serve them for a lifetime.

We are in the process of acquiring these prizes and are asking our faithful supporters for their help. If you would be interested in making a financial donation towards this event, or in donating a prize, please call Mark Grover at 301-874-4701 X107. Some ideas for prizes might include portable disc players, video game systems, cases of soda, gift certificates to local shops, mp3 players, sports equipment, snacks, etc. Won't you be a part of this event and make a difference in a young boy's life?

The Francis Scott Key Lions generously donated $250 to the Maryland Sheriffs' Youth Ranch. The donation was given at their annual Charity Night. This money will be used to help make the Ranch feel more like a home for our boys. I would like to thank all of the Lions for their gracious support of the youth of the Maryland Sheriffs' Youth Ranch.

On June 10th the Mid-Maryland Ford Club sponsored the third annual Round-up At the Ranch Car Show. It was a beautiful Sunday and over 100 classic cars and motorcycles converged on the Ranch. There was music, food and cars as far as the eye could see. Our kids look forward to this event all year long partially because they get to pick the Best In Show. Preliminary indications are that the event raised approximately $1,600. Our heartfelt thanks go out to all of the members of the Mid-Maryland Ford Club. In particular I would like to thank Ms. Sandy Robinson for her tireless work in coordinating this event and Frank Davis, owner of "Think Oak, LLC" in Sykesville, MD for generously donating all of the trophies for the "Round-up at the Ranch"

On May 23rd Structural Systems, Inc. held their 15 annual Golf Tournament to benefit the Maryland Sheriffs' Youth Ranch. In all my years at the Ranch I have never met a more dedicated group of people than those at Structural Systems. They have proven year in and year out that they have a deep and lasting concern for the children of the Ranch. In the 15 years that they have been running this golf tournament, they have raised almost $200,000 for the boys of the Maryland Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch. That money lets us be more than a group home, it helps us be a home for our boys. I am forever indebted to all of you at SSI for making this possible. Special thanks to the Gordon Family for their leadership in this endeavor. Thank you.

May 14th marked the 4th annual FaithPoint Golf Tournament to benefit the Youth Ranch. This years event was again held at Holly Hills Country Club. FaithPoint has been a great supporter of the Ranch over the years, contributing not only funds but also a great deal of dedicated mentors for our boys. Thank you for all that you do and here is to another year of working together.

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