Core Value Award for Responsibility - Pat Close

Each year Methodist Children’s Home recognizes staff members who exemplify the Core Values of the organization. Staff are nominated by their peers and are recognized at an all-staff meeting during which the Core Awards are given.

The Core Awards for MCH are:

Christian Principles
Relationships
Responsibility
Growth
Service
Hope

Pat Close, director of ranching at the Boys Ranch, received the spring 2015 Core Award for Responsibility. The recipient of the Core Award for Responsibility is defined as someone who is accountable for self and others.

Close has worked at the Boys Ranch for 28 years. “I felt honored to receive the award,” said Close. “It does not feel like work because I love what I do.”

According to Close’s nomination, “Pat is responsible, hard-working and humble. Pat oversees the equine program and ensures the Ranch acreage, stock ponds, lakes and animals are well taken care of. He often has to work in all types of weather. Pat is extremely knowledgeable of animals, he manages their medications, vaccinations and overall well-being. He even has helped mama hogs deliver their babies in the middle of the night. Pat also enjoys working with our youth. He creates opportunities for the staff and youth to work on life skills through ranch chores. He assists the MCH Ag program by selecting quality animals for our youth and works alongside them giving pointers about their animals and assisting them in the animal’s care before and after the shows.”

Laura Bonner, ranch administrator and Close’s supervisor had this to share: “I am grateful for Pat. He works hard every day to maintain the Ranch property and animals. I also appreciate his positive relationships with our youth. He is very deserving of the Core Award.”