Pep Rally Motivates Students for Upcoming Games

The bleachers were filled with MCH youth excited to cheer on their fellow students Wednesday at the first pep rally of the season. Staff included, the crowd welcomed the volleyball and football teams with loud cheers while music echoed from the gym walls. The cheer squad debuted at the pep rally, supporting their peers with cheers and unveiling their skills as they stood in pyramid formation.

An MCH athlete from each team spoke briefly to the audience, boosting morale and sharing determination to win this week’s upcoming games. The volleyball team is playing in the state tournament in San Antonio today and the football team is playing against Fort Worth THESA on Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Here are some fun pictures from yesterday’s pep rally.

Go Bulldogs!







If you want to stay up to date on MCH athletic events, visit the MCH website at http://www.methodistchildrenshome.org. The athletics page is located at the bottom of the Homepage under the title "Student Achievements."

MCH Youth Proudly Participated in the H.O.T. Fair and Rodeo Livestock Show

The Heart of Texas Fair and Rodeo Livestock Show took place October 9-15 in Waco. Several MCH youth participated in the show, as they entered heifers, steers, goats, swine and lambs in the competition. Our students had fun and many experienced showing an animal for the first time!

Steve Kruse, an Ag teacher at the MCH charter school, said he is very proud of the students’ accomplishments. According to Kruse, the show was a success because MCH youth learned so much in the process of getting the animals and shop projects ready for the event and they represented MCH well throughout the week.

MCH students also designed and built equipment for the Farm Mechanics competition. Several of the Home’s projects won blue awards, which recognize the highest level of quality. Blue award winners included: an Ag machinery hay spear, a log splitter, a blue window box, a garage light, and a fire ring.

Congratulations to all who participated and helped prepare for the show! Below are a few photos of our youth during the show.

MCH Welcomed its Commissioners for a Two-Day Event

Commissioners for MCH have been faithful supporters of our mission for 70 years. Each year, the Commissioners are welcomed back for a two-day event hosted by the Home that is meant to encourage, empower and inspire them to continue their journey raising awareness and support for MCH and its residents.

This year, the Commissioners Meeting took place Tuesday and Wednesday, October 12-13. Highlights of the event included youth sharing their testimonies; a message from Tim Brown, MCH President; and tours of both the Waco campus and the Boys Ranch.

Commissioners were treated to a chuck wagon meal of barbeque brisket, chicken and all the fixin’s Tuesday night while being entertained by the musically-talented MCH student praise band. They enjoyed an evening of hearing testimonies from Boys Ranch youth and a message from Mr. Brown.

The next morning, the wafting smell of fresh, homemade cinnamon rolls welcomed Commissioners. They were asked to participate in morning focus groups to share their suggestions with the Home. A short service at the Chapel with a message from Chaplain Steve Heyduck followed the focus group sessions.

The two-day event ended with a luncheon at the Johnson Student Center where more youth had the opportunity to share their testimonies. The crowd was quiet and attentive, captivated by stories of teens who chose to change their lives regardless of their previous circumstances. These youth told their stories to convey the message of how important the Home has been to their lives. Commissioners left this year’s event with uplifted spirits and the charge to continue seeking support for the Home.

The Commissioners event was successful again this year. The Home appreciates its cook staff who provided a fabulous spread for breakfast and lunch. Thank you to all those who helped make the event happen this year and to all who participated. We had a great meeting and look forward to next year!

Here are some fun pictures from Commissioners Meeting 2010.

Charter School Students Get Ready for Livestock Show

Students at the MCH charter school have been working hard at our Boys Ranch as they prepare their animals for the Heart of Texas Fair and Rodeo Livestock Show, Oct. 9-15in Waco. MCH students go to the Boys Ranch each school day to care for their animals by feeding, brushing, and spending time with them. Students have also learned how to position their animal for showing and what the judges will look for in their animal.

This is the first year that girls from the Waco campus have had the opportunity to show steers. Eight girls showed goats last year, which was the first year Waco campus students were able to participate in the ag program through the charter school. Two girls from the Home and three Boys Ranch residents will be showing their steers on Saturday, October 9. Other MCH students involved in the ag program will be showing goats, lambs and swine throughout the week.

Many of the MCH boys built shop projects that will be judged in the Farm Mechanics competition as part of the livestock show.

Our students appreciate the time and effort of staff members who work with them in the ag program. These include Steve Kruse and Scott MacDonald, ag teachers at the charter school; Pat Close, Ranch manager; and homeparents and other staff at the Boys Ranch who work with youth on animals crews.

Here are some fun pictures of our guys and girls getting ready for the upcoming Livestock Show.