Bench for Dottie Briggs

Youth at the Methodist Children’s Home Boys Ranch crafted a handmade bench for Dottie Briggs, Boys Ranch administrator. Briggs is retiring after nine years of service at MCH.

“I was surprised and honored that the youth built me something. I was touched that they put that much thought and time into the project. I have the bench in a special place in my back yard to enjoy for a long time,” said Briggs.

Steve Kruse, agricultural science teacher at the University of Texas Charter School, and the youth in his class decided to use old headboards and footboards from beds at the Boys Ranch to build the bench for Briggs as a farewell gift.  Lonnie, one of the youth at the Ranch, designed the centerpiece for the bench. Kruse’s class built and painted the project as a team.

“Our staff and youth envisioned making a bench out of old beds that were once used at the Boys Ranch,” said MCH President Tim Brown.  “They took something old and made it new for Dottie. This is a great example of how we encourage staff and youth to be creative in our programming. While some people may have seen old headboards, they saw the potential for a meaningful gift that would be an  ongoing reminder to Dottie about her wonderful work at the Ranch. This is a great reminder to me of the amazing work being done each day at MCH.”