A publicly supported tax-exempt charitable and educational organizationVolume 41 Number 3

The Corral has been published bi-monthly

since 1977

June 2018

Hill Country Youth RanchP. O. Box 67Ingram, TX 78025-9990Address Service Requested

For more information: Phone: 830-367-2131

Email: info@youth-ranch.orgWebsite: www.youth-ranch.org

A child care facility family

By Albert HernandezSuperintendent Brune/Cailloux/Najim Schools

Hill Country Youth Ranch operates Charter Schools on all three of its campuses. We are proud of the broad array of opportunities provided at each school. Brune Charter at the Big Springs Ranch campus, and Cailloux/Najim Charter at the HCYR campus in Ingram pro-vide comprehensive individu-alized education for students K-12. Children who might have come to us behind their grade levels not only catch up, but ex-cel in these remarkable settings.

Recognition of educational excellence comes in many forms, most recently through

acceptance of the schools and their top students into the Na-tional Honor Society. On April 27th, at the Oma Bell Perry Community Center at Big Springs Ranch, the first ever induction ceremony for the Na-tional Honor Society was held for our Ranch Charter Schools, which gained entry into the renowned national organization during the 2017-18 school year.

Students from Najim and Brune Schools in grades 7-12 were nominated by teachers for this prestigious honor. Students nominated had to meet four cri-teria as set forth by the national organization to be inducted.

The first requirement of “Scholarship” is the most im-

Youth Ranch Charter Schools gain NHS chapter, induct 15

portant that students must meet. Once a student is nominated based on scholarship, the fac-ulty considers the other three standards – Character, Service and Leadership – and gives each student a rating. A stu-dent must rank high in all four categories for induction.

Of the 57 students nominated from the two schools, 15 made the final cut and became our first NHS members.

The night began with a ca-tered dinner as guests enjoyed BBQ brisket and sausage along with all the trimmings.

The induction ceremony began as the faculty council lit candles and described each of the honor society criteria. The

inductees were invited to stand and recite the NHS pledge and were given their membership pins and certificates. Graduat-ing seniors inducted were pre-sented with the Honor Society stole to wear as part of their June 1 graduation regalia.

“It was a special night for me,” senior Amber Bunk said proudly. “Now I can say that I have accomplished everything that I wanted in high school.”

The NHS Chapter is part of our vision to recognize our

students. It took two years to work out the specifics and gain a chapter.

The National Honor Society is the oldest and most presti-gious organization for scholars in public schools in America. Each chapter creates service projects annually and meets to bring students’ perspectives to the discussion of their school’s vision and goals. Membership helps students with their re-sumes and provides opportuni-ties for scholarships and travel.

Superintendent Albert Hernandez (photo, left) inducts char-ter members of the Brune/Cailloux/Najim National Honor Society. Nathaniel Vasquez and Amber Bunk receive their honor stoles (above) as the senior inductees.

Brune Cheerleaders are Varsity Grand Champions

Nine outstanding students graduated from the Brune/Cailloux/Najim Charter School System on June 1st. They are (left to right) Morgan Meza, Curtea Soppe, Amber Bunk, Adianna Torres, Nathaniel Vasquez, Hannah Keith, Justin Navarro, Daniel Caffey, and Gilberto Rodriguez. Valedictorian Amber Bunk (upper right) exhorts her classmates to go out into the world and make something of themselves. Nathaniel Vasquez, 2018 Salutatorian, in a now time-honored tradition, hands out roses to those he feels have made a lasting impact on his life. The Big Springs Ranch chapel was standing room only as each of these seniors celebrated together for the last time as classmates.

The 28th Annual Cheerlead-ing and Dance Championships were held at Fiesta Texas in San Antonio on April 15, 2018. It was a breezy Sunday afternoon when the Ed Brune Charter School Varsity Cheer Squad stepped out onto the Cheer Fest stage.

The squad and it’s coach, Debra Armentor, had been practicing all year long for this moment and everything was right in their world. As the music started, the squad broke out into their routine, and the crowd was hypnotized by their charismatic movement.

This moment was one that senior, Amber Bunk, had wait-ed for a year in advance. “Last year I attended the Cheer Fest as a spectator and was im-pressed by the energy. I vowed to become part of the team for this year and now here we are!”

The squad put on display its best routine to date, as they were crowned the Grand Champions of the varsity high school open division.

The Varsity Cheerlead-ing Squad consists of Amber Bunk, Sadie Chavez, Xandria Chavez, Grace Lucas, Shyann

Hampton, Denise Alderson, Princess Alderson, Willow Hull, Danella Torres, Hannah Hernandez, London Miller and Juliana Trevino.

We are so very proud of our Lady Hawks Varsity Cheer Squad and this amazing ac-complishment.

The Brune Charter School Cheerleaders competed in San Anto-nio at the Cheer Fest Cheerleading and Dance Championships at Fiesta Texas. They came home as Grand Champions!

Nine seniors graduate from Ranch schools in 2018!

Art is a wound turned into light ~ Georges BraqueEditor’s Note: Carol Priour, Direc-

tor of Fine Arts at Hill Country Youth Ranch, has spent 33 years working with children as a parent, a teacher, and a co-creator of beautiful art, poetry, and song. Under her leadership, the HCYR campus has become a canvas for cre-ativity. Murals, paintings, carvings, and photographs taken or created by children are everywhere to be seen.

As we continue work on the new Ste-vens Fine Arts Center, Carol has been keeping the program going in a converted woodshop classroom at Najim Charter School, working since Christmas with a group of young artists preparing paint-ings and carvings for an art show at Grape Juice Restaurant, and for the new Gallery in the Arts Center where their art will continue to hang for the public to see.

Meanwhile, work will continue in the spare classroom until the new space is ready. As we know well from our his-tory, transformation will happen pre-dictably as part of the creative process, both on canvas and within the children.

by Carol Priour, Fine Arts DirectorEllena walked into our art classroom

with a big smile on her face, displaying the joy and energy that giving a gift can bring.

“It’s for you, Mama Carol,” she said as she showed me a hand-painted can-vas, swirling with purples and blues, and a splash of glow-in-the-dark paint in the middle. “I had some anger,” she said as she handed me the masterpiece. She knew I would be proud of her for using art as a means of expressing those deep emotions for which there are no words. She knew that I knew how far she had come.

Art is a wound turned into light ~ Georges Braque

Ellena came to the Youth Ranch two years ago, a hurt and angry girl after years of being shifted from family member to family member in the midst of physical abuse, alcoholism, and drug addiction. And, given her history, her angry responses to life were totally understandable. But now, instead of being the girl who has to go to the school office for disciplinary reasons, she is an office aide. She has developed friend-ships and is doing well in school “I just want to be a good role model for my younger sister” Ellena now proclaims.

I won’t claim that art is her only means of appropriately processing her emotions, but it certainly has become a major avenue of healing for her. Art has also helped Ellena access and process the powerful emotions that are buried deep in the spirit, often causing hurt and disturbance that just can’t be explained.

Art making has the ability to move people along their journey of grief and

loss into a more balanced place of healing and hope

~ The Chandler Gallery at Maud Morgan Arts

In her drawing “Halfway There”, El-lena has clearly depicted a girl emerging from behind her wall of defenses. After completing it, Ellena took the next bold step and allowed it to be hung in the show being hosted for Ranch artists at Grape Juice Restaurant in Kerrville. The drawing sold in early May – purchased for an adolescent girl as a birthday gift.

A print of Ellena’s drawing will hang in the Art Gallery at the Fine Arts Center when it is completed. Perhaps the energy that Ellena put into this piece, and the transformation that she derived in her spirit from creating it, will carry some healing energy to its new owner, and to others as well. That’s what art does. Art reaches the collective unconscious, evok-ing archetypes we all share, even as it empowers us individually, and validates emotions and experiences in viewers.

Ellena has continued to produce work, creating paintings weekly and developing her skills and understand-ing of the artistic process. Ellena’s work is part of an exhibit of drawings, paintings, poetry, and assemblages by ten Youth Ranch art students who have created over a hundred pieces of art for the two-month show at Grape Juice. All proceeds from sales of their art go directly into the savings account of each young artist who created the work.

This has been an important show for the art students at the Youth Ranch. By sharing this art by our children, we are affirming the importance of the arts, not only in society but also in building an awareness in the children of the value of their expression. And the kids really grasp that – they have become more confident, appreciative of their own voice as they experience gratitude for the privilege of sharing their hearts with people in their lives and in our commu-nity, and receiving positive responses.

Art often reveals deep places in the artist’s spirit. In this pencil drawing by Ellena, Ranch resident for two years, Ellena has clearly depicted a girl emerging from behind her wall of defenses, still hesitant, but taking a chance.

Youth Ranch artists describe their paintings to patrons at Grape Juice Restaurant in Kerrville, where an art show of their work will be on display until July 7.

In Memory Of: LYDIA & WALTER ALBRECHTLouis Strohacker

BILL ALLENBertha & Monica Allen

ENNIE ARGENCEEric & Barbara Lowenthal

DR. MARTIN ATCHISONLloyd & Rae Marquis

JAMES AVERYDustin CreekPatrick HafestepeHCYR Foundation TrusteesLonnie MarquardtGary & Carol Priour

VIOLA BAETHGEMarion & Emily BaethgeBill & Fran Dendy

BEULAH “BOOTS” BEANRoy & Karen Coplen

FREDDY BERNHARDSonny & Sue Dale Baldwin

ROBERT CARRDarita Lucas

BESSIE CHESNUTTLouis Strohacker

AUSTIN EDWARD “BUTCH” CLARKSON IILew McCoyMiles MontegutSon William’s co-workers

RONNIE LEE COMPTONKerrville TxDOT Employees

REBECCA SMITH CRENSHAWRob Crenshaw

JEFFERY ALAN CUMMINSDavid & Carolyn Cummins

JAMES “JIMMY” CURLDoris Curl

JOHN DALERex & Sheila BrandHCYR AuxiliaryCynthia MoranBill & Blythe Thomas

HAROLD DEALPenny McElroy

JOHN DeLOACHLinda Brown Stephens

ROSS DEXTERGeorge & Jan Willis

MARGARET PETER ENDERLINEdward & Ikey Peter

JACKSON ENLOELouis Strohacker

JEROME ESQUELLRonnie & Rochelle Lumpkins

BETTY FISHERRoy & Karen Coplen

GARY FOGLEFrances Loving

LISA FRAZERJean & Ron Blilie

BRIAN FRYMANLeo & Maxine Fryman

MACHIKO GRAYCurtis & Missy Howard

JOANNE HALECarter Hale

DONNA HICKMANJoy Putnam

BRUCE T. HILTONPatricia A. Hilton

RUSS HOLMERJunell Holmer

G. E. HOWARDMargaret & Edgar Priess, Jr.

BURT & ELLEN ISENHOURAnonymous

PAUL ISHAMHCYR AuxiliaryBill & Blythe Thomas

BILLY BOYD JACKSONJim & Jan Ernst

DAWN JUNGRonnie & Rochelle Lumpkins

RUTH KIRKCurtis & Missy Howard

DARLENE LEINWEBERLucille Stremmel

KATHERINE VANN LEVINEPhyllis Schwethelm Shelton

MELVIN LEVINEPhyllis Schwethelm Shelton

GERALD R. LOEFFLERHelen Habecker

ANNA LOGGIEEric & Barbara Lowenthal

PATSY LONGThe Reece family

JAMES MASON LYNCHNancy Brown

DIANNE MANGUMNorma Reece

JERRY & KENNETH MANNING, SR.Louis & Mary Kay Smith Family Foundation

BRETT TRAYLOR MARTINWayne & Millie Rae Smith

DOYLE NEWMANRoy & Karen Coplen

GENEVA & JULIUS NEUNHOFFERLouis Strohacker

VERLIE FAY NIETENHOEFERBetty & Scott Kneupper

CONRAD PAWLAKCarl & Maxine Mayes

ARNO PFUHLMargaret & Edgar Priess, Jr.

AUDREY PLAYERBillie Stoepler

MR. & MRS. DALE PRIOURLouis Strohacker

MR. & MRS. J. W. PRIOURLouis Strohacker

LILLIAN REALTom & Jo Beth PickensSylvia Sieker

BARBARA ANN REEDTivy Class of 1952

SUNNY SAPPINGTONBillie Stoepler

CDR. WALT SCHRIEFER, USN (Ret.)Henry C. Laughlin

YUVONNE SCHWARZMargaret EnderlinWade & Linda Hawkins

LILLIE MARIE SHULERLaurel L. Arms

EMMA CLAIRE SIGGINSDavid & Carolyn Cummins

ISAAC EDWIN SKILLERNRobin Hale

VI SLIFKALaura Laing

ANNA & J. B. SOLBERGERLouis Strohacker

KATHLEEN SOLBERGERLouis Strohacker

FRITZ GEORGE SPILLMANNLouis Strohacker

GEORGE & BETTY SPILLMANNLouis Strohacker

ETHEL STARKEYBud & Mary Clare FawcettJoann Schwarz

SCOTT & JULIA STEHLINGGary & Carol Priour

Wilma TeagueBETTY & LOUIS G. STROHACKERLouis Strohacker

DORA & OSCAR STROHACKERLouis Strohacker

ESTHER HELEN WALTERSCarolyn & George Black, Jr.

MARY WANDA WALTERSCarolyn & George Black, Jr.

STEPHEN HENRY WALTERSCarolyn & George Black, Jr.

FRITZ WERNLITana Fowler

DR. ELLIOTT WHITLEYDr. Michael & Susan Evans

DON M. WILLEMINEdwin Eckhardt

JOHN WILLISLouis Strohacker

JOY ANN STROHACKER CHESNUTT WILLISLouis Strohacker

In Honor Of: KRISTEN & LARRY BRANTLEYWeddingKimberly BoydAmy CusackJohn CusackRobert CusackCathy FalkBridget HatfieldJohn Moroney

FRAN & BILL DENDY60th AnniversaryBeth DuderstadtBill & Pat Peril

HCYR Memorials & HonorsEach month HCYR receives memorial gifts honoring loved ones who have passed away and other gifts remembering special occasions such as birthdays, anniver-

saries, etc. Because they are so important to the daily operation of the Ranch, and in keeping with their two-fold purpose, we gratefully acknowledge all such gifts both in the newsletter and in cards sent to family members. The following list includes loved ones honored by gifts from March 31 through June 1, 2018.

Looking for a way to help?Call 830-367-2131 or email

info@youth-ranch.org for more informationOR

Make a donationUse the included pre-paid business reply envelope,

give online at www.youth-ranch.org, or send your gift to

Hill Country Youth RanchP. O. Box 67

Ingram, Texas 78025

LaDONIA FRANKECongratulations on the runAnonymous

DAVE HOFERHCYR’s builder for 37 yearsGary & Carol Priour

MARY VIRGINIA HOLEKAMPHappy SpringElizabeth Essary

HOPE’S SECRET PLACE, LLCJonah Priour

JAY D. KELLEYGary Moss

MARY JANE MORRISONBirthdayRobert & Sandra Theis

FRANCES V. PARKERBirthdayCurtis & Missy Howard

RICHARD & LING PATTY50th Wedding AnniversaryEvelyn Anderson

GARY PRIOURGary Omlor

JONAH & FAITH PRIOURFor their faithful service toyoung peopleGary Omlor

BABY JUDAH PRIOURJennifer Vasquez

URIAH & MATTHIAS RAMSAYChristmasAugie & Mary Estrada

BETTY RUEDE90th Birthday! (May 31st)Mr. & Mrs. Eddie Hatch

DR. ANN STRUTHERS88th BirthdayEvelyn Anderson

From the HCYR Auxiliary in Kerr CountyWe had a wonderful and successful May Auxiliary Meeting with a

record turnout. Tim Campbell showed a video of the Headwaters of the Frio Marathon/Half Marathon held on April 7th. This was fol-lowed by a short video of ten Youth Ranch students who have their art work on display at Grape Juice in Kerrville. Each piece of art is for sale, and the proceeds go directly into the students’ savings accounts. The members were then treated to a tour of the Youth Ranch campus.

The HCYR Auxiliary will take a two-month break, June and July, and resume the general lunch meetings on August 27th at the Cailloux Activity Center on the Schreiner University campus. The Board will continue meeting on the first Tuesday of each month working on the annual “Healing Hearts Fiesta”. This much-anticipated event will be September 25th at the Hill Country Youth Event Center in Kerrville, Texas. Contact Whitney Henderson at 832-493-2868 or whitshender-son@yahoo.com to purchase a table for ten or individual tickets.

We welcome anyone who would like to volunteer to help with our annual fund-raiser. Items are needed for the silent and live auctions and can be dropped off at the Thrift Store in Ingram, or contact Judy Wright at 830-864-5049 or judy4984@ctesc.net. We especially need items like hunting or fishing trips, jewelry, and fine art for the live auction.

Wishing everyone a fun and safe summer! Judy Wright

President, Hill Country Youth Ranch Auxiliary

From the BSRC Auxiliary in Real CountyMemorial Day and Graduation (10 seniors graduated from Brune

High School!) are in the past and tourists are arriving to Float the Frio – Let Summer Begin! Our Thrift Store is making plans to have a “Christmas in July” sidewalk sale, during the July Jubilee celebra-tion in Leakey on the July 4th weekend. We just don’t have room to store the abundance of donations, so there will be lots of bargains available. Plan to come and check it out!

Hoping you all have a happy and safe summer.Johnnie Hirst

President, Big Springs Ranch Auxiliary

Auxiliary Twine

Remember us when you’re get-ting rid of items that are still usable.

With a big family like ours, mate-rial goods are in constant demand. Like every active family, we wear things out. So when we receive material gifts, we first sort them to fill needs at our campuses. We offer remaining items for sale at one of our two Thrift Shops. Either way, our children reap the benefit.

We send a truck out into the Kerr County area each Thursday to pick up items from donors. So call us to schedule a pick-up at 367-2131.

Our current “most-needed” list:

Furniture – any quality items, including sofas, chairs, chests, dress-ers, tables, shelves, etc.

Housewares – glasses, dishes, pots, pans, silverware.

Linens – towels, sheets, pillows, blankets, quilts, etc.

Office & School Equipment – desks, chairs, tables, etc.

Vehicles – minivan for transports & maintenance utility truck.

Recreation – fishing gear, fris-bees, sports balls, saddles & tack, bicycles, helmets, games.

Tools – of all kinds.Anything re-sellable

Gifts-in-kind provide quality environment

by Judy Wilson, President of HCYR Board of Directors, Thrift Shop Co-ManagerOur thrift shops in Ingram and Leakey have become huge successes, contribut-

ing to their communities, but more importantly to children at the Ranches, raising signficant funds and also helping to furnish the childrens’ houses. This is only possible through the great donations and the volunteers who do all the work. Volunteers have run both stores since their beginnings, with 100% of revenues going to the Ranches.

This brings me to a plea for those of you who have a desire to help us. Some of our faithful friends have gone to heaven this past year while others have become unable to lift, or stand on their feet for several hours. We really need YOU for a few hours a week to replace them and add to our numbers.

Please come join one of our teams! We will train you, and we will see to it you get a guided tour of the Ranches so you will know why you are doing what you do! You can be man or woman, because we need both. We have all sorts of jobs. Please come help us to keep on helping children who need us.

Thrift Shops Need Volunteers

500 Club GrowsThe 500 Club is our way of honoring

donors who have given $500 or more to the Youth Ranch. We are pleased to an-nounce new members whose donations total over $500 by virtue of gifts made from March 31 through June 1, 2018.

Generous cash donations came from Barbara Cooley, Highlands Ranch, CO; Siri Anne Gomes, Kennesaw, GA; Erin Bullock, Lansing, MI; Scott Nicholson, Cypress, TX; Britin Bo-stick, Georgetown, TX; Doris Curl, Georgetown, TX; Ronnie & Rochelle Lumpkins, Harper, TX; Brent & Jan Larsen, Houston, TX; Bill Mallett, Houston, TX; Jim & Linda Brown, In-gram, TX; Laurel Arms, Kerrville, TX; William & Karen Fair, Kerrville, TX; Orphan’s Bridge, Kerrville, TX; Jef-frey & Catherine Peterson, Kerrville, TX; Phyllis Shelton, Kerrville, TX; and

Amanda Hurlburt, Port Orchard, WA.We were also blessed with generous

in-kind gifts: Equi=Tech, Cave Junc-tion, OR, gave an audio power panel for the Arts Center; Jenni Segura, Comfort, TX, gave prom dresses, shoes, and acces-sories; Gloria Bosarge, Hunt, TX, gave outdoor furniture; Vic & Judy Neuhaus, Hunt, TX, gave bedroom furniture; Bridget Dale, Ingram TX, gave a couch and chair; Julie Taylor, Ingram, TX, gave furniture and household items; Jerry Teschendorf, Ingram, TX, gave furniture and household items; Kim Richards, Kerrville, TX, gave dining room furniture; Barbara Wagner, Kerrville, TX, gave cabinets and Barbie dolls; Craig Smith, Waxahachie, TX, gave mountain bikes.

Thank you to these new members, and to all our 500 Club members, for your generous and enduring support.

Arts Center Halfway Homeby Gary Priour, Executive Director

After a year of construction, the new Stevens Fine Arts Center is about 50% complete. The walls are wired for data, sound, and power. Insulation and sheet-rock crews have begun their work. Ma-sons are raising the rock walls outside, and the new complex is taking shape.

In the distance I can hear the voices of children practicing a play, or recording a song. I can see them dancing on stage or hanging their work in the new gallery. To say I’m excited is an understatement. Some of the most profound moments of

transformation in the lives of the chil-dren and our family have taken place in the former complex, and this new building will be even more conducive to powerful performance and creativity.

We have at least nine months to go to completion. And we will need more help toward the end with the supplies and equipment needed to bring all of it to life. Our generous donors have brought us this far, and I know, with God’s and their help, we will make the finish line. And then let the angels burst into song and bring it all back home.

The photo above was posted last October by Ranch alumna Kim Mosel ‘02, who shared it with her network of friends on Facebook. Her post included the comment below, which is typical of how our 1850 alumni feel about this symbol of Ranch family membership, made by James Avery Crafstman for the last 36 years:

I’ve had this medallion since I was nine years old. James Avery made them for the children who come to live at Hill Country Youth Ranch. It is given to those who live there for more than two years. I lived there for eight years and I could not have grown up in a better, more loving place. I thank God every day for all the miracles in my life, and every time I wear my medallion it reminds me of where I come from. ~ Kim Mosel ‘02

James Avery Craftsman continues to make the medallion especially for the Ranch to give to children, staff and volunteers who reach designated milestones.

A Mighty Oak is gone from our forestby Gary Priour, Executive Director

I returned to my home in Kerr County in 1976, after being gone the better part of 10 years, to start Hill Country Youth Ranch. My family gave the land to get us started, but I had no money with which to fuel its development. Once we announced a plan to build the children’s home, volunteers began showing up – to build roads, clear land, and start building. It was like an Amish barn raising.

Many of those first friends are still with us, and I cherish the occasions that come, all too rarely, for us to visit. I truly trea-sure them all. They were willing to take a chance on a young dreamer who was an unlikely candidate to take on such an ambi-tious project. I was a school teacher with a mission. I think, because the mission was to create a place for outcast and abused children, many risked giving time and skill and funding to help. I still stand in awe.

One of our earliest and best friends throughout the life of the Youth Ranch was James Avery, Kerrville’s famous de-signer, crafstman and businessman. Jim died on Monday, April 30. He was 96.

Jim had been my personal friend for 41 years, and he ‘had my back’ on more than one occasion, not only donating generously to help build and sustain the Ranch, but giving counsel and advice and support in the hard times as well.

I first met Jim in August of 1977. I remember clearly the moment and the location at the Inn of the Hills, in one of the meeting rooms. It was a luncheon, per-haps for a civic club. After I spoke about the Ranch, a distinguished gentleman ap-proached and introduced himself as James Avery. He wrote out a check for $50, and I felt so grateful. He invited me to visit his office sometime, and I readily agreed. In September, I would make the first of many visits to see Jim, and I was always received with warmth and a readiness to help.

In January of 1978, Jim made one of the first calls to our 24-hour telethon hosted on local cable Channel 10, giving $100 and a word of encouragement. He followed in June with a gift of $2500 for the build-ing fund as we prepared to break ground. That’s a generous gift at any stage of de-velopment, but then it was HUGE. Later in the summer, he sent us two buildings from his property just big enough to use as workers’ housing during our development. They were the very first structures on our raw land near Ingram. And his generosity never ended. Larger gifts were just ahead and would continue annually.

In 1981, James called and asked me to come see him at his office. He said he had been glad to give resources to help the Ranch get started. Now he had an idea of giving from his own creativity. He said that he would like to design a medal-lion that could be given as a necklace or keychain to children who had lived at the Ranch for two years or more. It would be a medallion made only for the Youth Ranch and not available for sale or to anyone else. I responded that it would be an amazing and special gift for our children to be able to receive and wear a piece of jewelry from James Avery, created by him for them.

So Jim asked me to give him two or three core symbols from Youth Ranch life. I mentioned the live oak tree. We often referred to it with the children as a symbol of strength and individuality. I mentioned the octagon as a symbol of wholeness, and also told him that our motto was John 15:12, Jesus’ instruction to love one another as He had loved us.

What Jim did next changed our history and our culture forever. To this day, the medallion is the most coveted of Ranch symbols, treasured by our alumni, as well as tenured staff and volunteers. Jim’s design also became our corporate logo.

In 1986, Jim brought his business acu-men to bear by joining the HCYR Founda-tion Board of Trustees, and he served as Chairman from 1998 to 2006, guiding the Board to success in building an endowment with a protected principal, and a goal of securing the future for our children.

Jim’s impactful presence will continue to be felt in every aspect of Ranch life, even by those who never knew him personally.

James Avery (center) with sons Paul and Chris at the corporate office. Paul and Chris are continuing their father’s legacy and growing it to new heights.

James Avery at his office desk where he loved to draw and launch new ideas

Bryce Gaudian

by Tim CampbellIf you’ve ever been to the

Frio Canyon north of Leakey, Texas, you know how rugged that terrain gets as it surrounds the Frio River in majestic cliffs and mountainscapes. Imagine hiking or running a marathon or half marathon from bottom to top, and back again! That’s ex-actly what 56 avid participants did on April 7, on a chilly day starting at 7:00 a.m.!

Bryce Gaudian, HCYR Advi-sory Board member and tremen-dous friend of the Ranches, did a wonderful job serving as Race Director for this inaugural event. Bryce, whose five UltraHikes in National Parks had raised over $350,000 for the Ranches since 2014, decided in 2017 that we had our own wilderness treasure right on the Big Springs Ranch for Children! He realized that trails on the 7,050 acre ranch would make an ideal marathon course, challenging the best of extreme marathoners from across the country. Such an event would also bring new friends and help us spread the word about our unique programs for children.

Participants from as far away as Minnesota, Michigan, and Massachusetts had escaped tem-peratures in the 20s and a foot of snow to come participate in a sunny Texas event, but the cold followed them south and sur-prised all the runners and hikers from Texas and six U.S. states. Since running or hiking such a distance is strenuous work, most everyone warmed up and found the conditions quite manageable.

Volunteers also braved the cold and stood for hours at aid stations along the course to pass out drinks and snacks and cheer everyone on. We can’t say thank you enough to all the wonderful people who made the event a ter-rific experience for participants!

A total of 56 runners and hikers participated in this inau-gural event which raised a little over $80,000 to help us care for abused, abandoned, and ne-glected children at Hill Country

Youth Ranch and Big Springs Ranch for Children.

The course, winding through the Big Springs Ranch, is an absolute gem. It’s a combina-tion of ranch roads and trails traversing canyons, ridges, meadows, and river crossings. The forested landscape teems with wildlife, and has constantly changing scenery. There’s an 1800’s pioneer homestead, wa-terfalls at the source of the Frio River, and even dinosaur tracks along the route!

The children were involved in a number of ways including help-ing with registration, serving at aid stations and getting the race started with a stirring rendition of the national anthem.

Everyone finished the race and was a winner on many fronts: raising money to help the kids at the Ranches, completing a major physical challenge and, for some, achieving personal best times for marathon and half-marathon distances.

Individual fundraising efforts were led by Cindy Gaudian from Hayward, Minnesota who raised $10,291. Wow! Our leading team, Redemptive Water Buffa-los, raised $4,422. This team of three former 2001 AmeriCorps volunteers came all the way from Massachusetts and Michi-gan to return to the Ranch for a reunion where they once worked to build facilities and trails.

First place in the marathon went to Myrna Lackey of San Angelo (5:39:28). Second place was claimed by Nicole Strong Barrett of Magnolia (6:51:22).

First places in the half mara-thon went to Robert Lohm-eyer of Kerrville (1:46:05), and Amanda Dean of Utopia (2:11:53). Second places were claimed by Creighton Smith of Houston (2:10:26) and Katie Johnson of Austin (2:17:07).

Master barbecue chef Trey Toothman worked tirelessly to serve up two mouth-watering, authentic Texas barbecue din-ners on Friday and Saturday, before and after the event.

Special thanks also to the sponsors who helped under-write our event costs: James Avery Craftsman, Inc., Hal & Jennifer Perkins, HCYR Board & Trustees, HCYR Auxiliary, Kerr Screen Graphics and Uval-de Memorial Hospital.

To everyone who participat-ed, contributed, or volunteered to make the event a success: THANK YOU!

Make plans now to join us for our second annual event April 6-7, 2019. We plan to add a 5K in addition to the half and full marathon on Saturday and a riding event for horse owners on Sunday. Hope to see you there!

Inaugural Marathon/Half Marathon a Great Success!Participants from across Texas and the nation came to run and hike through the beautiful Frio Canyon . . .

Myrna Lackey

Cindy Gaudian

Erin BullockBryan Freeland

Amber Neumann

Rob Lohmeyer

Amanda Dean

Creighton SmithKatie Johnson

Nicole Barrett

AmeriCorps Team

notes from alumni Letters Home ~We love to share letters from our graduates. Now more than 1800 strong, our alumni

range in age from 18 to 54. The sample messages chosen here are just a few of the many that arrive regularly from our growing alumni family.

To all our grown children – keep the visits, photos, postings, and emails coming!

May 22, 2018Dear Papa Gary,

Thank you for taking my call the other day. It was so uplifting. To hear your voice again really touched my heart. I know I won’t wait so long next time to check in. I can’t put into words how much the Ranch and you mean to me. You showed me love from the moment I arrived as a 15-year-old in 1982.

I want to say something to the youth and children there now. Keep your chins up . There is hope. I pray you know that you are not alone. I, and the rest of the Ranch alumni, are praying for you. You have the staff that are there for you. So please don’t ever give up.

And I want to say something also to our extended family out there in the community. Thank you for making the Ranch possible. Without you I don’t know if the Ranch would even exist. Just know that you are appreciated by several generations of us now. There were only 20 of us kids when I first arrived at the Ranch in 1982. But I soon found out we were surrounded by a loving community.

God bless you all. And God bless the Ranch. I love you Gary. Jeff Linville ‘84 DeRidder, Louisiana

May 20, 2018Dear Mama Carol and Papa Gary,

Life has had some strains to it, but I’ve come a long way. You guys are such a blessing. I couldn’t have made it this far without all of you at the Ranch. Yes, I had my faults, but with your encouragement, I learned to pick up the broken pieces of my life and put them together again little by little. I was not always the perfect child, but that’s okay because if it weren’t for the journey God has put me through to fight and survive my battles, I would still be doing things I shouldn’t. I would be getting in trouble left and right and probably in and out of jail, or out on the streets, but none of that happened!

I have been standing my ground, putting on my armor to stand and fight for what is right for me. Things you said to me have stuck with me, including, “God will never put you through something He knows you can’t handle.” Honestly I feel that is true. Because no matter how much I felt like giving up, I didn’t. Because I had faith in Him that I could do it. I thank God that I had people in my life to show me what a family is, what love from a mother and father, blood or not, is. Thank you so much. I couldn’t have learned from my mistakes and started making better choices without you all!

Crystal Izquierdo Guevara ‘16 Mineral Wells, Texas

May 19, 2018Dear Gary,

While packing to move, I found my copy of “Broken Wings Can Fly” with the songs we recorded in 1998. As I listen to it now, I still cry. I am so thankful to have all of you in my life still. I don’t think we as children really understood the impact the Ranch had on us until we became parents ourselves, but so many of us treat our own children a way many of our parents never did. I am extremely grateful for the life I have with my family, and much of it has to do with the Ranch.

Thank you for all of your encouragement and kind words through the years. I would not be the person I am today without you and everyone at the Ranch who has had a part in my life and a place in my heart. I truly treasure every moment I lived at the Ranch and know how lucky I was to grow up in such a magical loving environment.

The Ranch was such a blessing. In fact, I don’t think that I would still be alive had it not been for the grace of God and the Ranch. I love you.

Kim Mosel ‘02 Pharr, Texas

May 17, 2018Dear Ranch Family,

I lived at Hill Country Youth Ranch during a troubling time in my life in 1988 and 1989. Many years later, I returned to work as a houseparent and counselor. HCYR is the best place I ever worked. All of the staff and volunteers are amazing people with beautiful hearts. I am married and have a family now, but the Youth Ranch continues to be our family. We go there often and spend time with the children every chance that we get. I continue to be blessed by being part of you in every way possible. I love you Mama Carol and Papa Gary. God bless you all.

Leticia Ojeda Chacon ‘88 Kerrville, Texas

May 16, 2018Dear Mama Carol,

Hello Miss Carol, how are you doing? It’s been awhile since I’ve been in contact with you. Oh boy have I made some changes since I lived at the Ranch as a girl! I’m now in the Army, and I’m stationed in New York at Fort Drum. I keep up with many of y’all, and it’s so inspirational to see all the great improvements y’all are making, and to know what a beautiful place the Ranch has been and is becoming since my time there.

Someday I would like to volunteer at the Ranch and come speak to the children and motivate them to be the greatest they can be. Of course, I’m too far away right now. I’m almost 22 and will be in the Army until 2020. Only God can see the future, but I’m trying to decide between staying longer in the Army or exploring this strong calling I feel to my Ranch home. I want to be a part of my family.

The Ranch made me the best I could be by offering so many opportunities to dis-cover myself and begin what I like to call my ‘adventure’. Maybe I can help from afar. Some ideas I’ve had is that some of us alumni could write letters to the children for Christmas and birthdays. Or maybe my team and I here at Fort Drum, myself and some of my fellow battle buddies, could send donations or perhaps work together on a video to show the children that there are people around the world who care. I have great passion for everything you and Gary have done at the Ranch. So if you have any ideas or thoughts about how I can make an impact, please let me know and get back to me. I’d absolutely love the opportunity until I’m able to come home again.

Melanie Solano ‘11 Fort Drum, New York

May 15, 2018Dear Papa Gary,

Hiking the Headwaters Marathon in April was the best thing I have done in years. My friend and I didn’t care about being first – we were caught up in the beauty that we saw on the trails at Big Springs Ranch. God created a beautiful piece of land out there. It was a serenity hike for my friend, and we had no phones, no iPads – just what He created. We’ve both committed to go next year – just with warm clothes this time!

I love the Hill Country Youth Ranch and all of my brothers and sisters who shared life in the 1990s. The Ranch will always be my forever home. Because of the Ranch, I am still here and sane, despite all the tragedies and hardships in my life.

Lori Duque ‘94 San Antonio, Texas

May 13, 2018Dear Ranch Family,

I have passed all my college classes, and the semester is finished! I made an A in math, which turned out to be my best subject. Thank you to the Auxiliary and my Ranch family for helping. I am also thankful to Gary Priour for the wonderful place he made so long ago for kids who started out with nothing but hardship, and nobody to turn to. I can say right now that I am where I am because of the Youth Ranch. My walk with Christ is strong because of you. And to the staff – y’all have been my role models, and I am thankful because I am now part of a true family. I just want you to know I am grateful for every one of y’all.

Javier Castillo ‘16 Kerrville, Texas