Mother Nature almost put a halt to the 2007 high school graduation ceremony of the Ed Brune Charter School at Big Springs Ranch for Children. For several days preceeding the event, heavy rains fell throughout the Frio Canyon.

Scheduled to graduate Friday, May 25^th at 6:30 p.m., seniors Cassie, Tim, and Brian waited anxiously during the day to see if the Frio River, swolen by the rains, would subside and let them cross to the school for official ceremonies.

Pre-graduation activities had to be cancelled as rains continued through the morning, but Superintendent Mike Wood held out hopes for the ceremony to go on, and the river finally cooperated.

Just after 5:00 p.m., the first truck was able to cross the river, carrying the three seniors to practice for their graduation. Miraculously, the 2007 graduation ceremony "went off without a hitch," according to School Superintendent Mike Wood.

Class Valedictorian Cassie Sechovec gave an emotional speech, telling all in attendance, especially her fellow classmates, to "not let anyone ever say you are not going to make it, or are worthless, or wasting your time."

The commencement speaker for the 2007 graduating class was Judge Camille Glasscock DuBose, Associate Judge of the Child Protective Court of South Texas. Judge Dubose is a strong advocate for foster care youth and is a driving force in protecting youth from neglect and abuse.

Cassie, Brian, and Tim were honored by Judge Dubose, who encouraged the graduates to be passionate about the careers they chose and forewarned them about inevitable bumps in the road.

After diplomas were handed out, the three young adults threw their caps into the air, celebrating this milestone in life and "bridge" to their next endeavors.

Cassie will be attending Sul Ross University in Alpine this fall. Driven by her love of animals, she will pursue a degree in Veterinary Medicine.

Always one to "tinker", Brian has decided to pursue his interest in machinery. He has enrolled at TSTC (Texas State Technical College) in Waco, to earn a degree in diesel mechanics.

Tim is interested in the performing arts. In 2005, HCYR produced Jesus Christ Superstar in its theater, and our third graduating senior, Tim, was smitten by the acting bug. He will be majoring in Theater Arts at Sul Ross’ Uvalde campus.

All three of the graduates were awarded $500 scholarships from the BSRC Auxiliary’s "Oma Bell Perry Scholarship Fund", as well as individual scholarships from the Frio Homemaker Education Club and Horace Mann Company.

As our three graduates leave the nest to attend college this fall, we add three more names to our ever-expanding list of past residents and future visitors.

On Monday, May 28^th, eight 8^th grade students at Cailloux Charter School in Ingram were promoted officially to high school. The promotion ceremony marked the first graduation of middle schoolers at the Ingram campus since the Cailloux Foundation built the new school facilities last year.

Special guests included Ken Cailloux, long time Ranch benefactor, plus Wes Dorman, Board President, and Gary Priour, HCYR Founder and Executive Director. Priour and Dorman addressed the students, congratulating them on their accomplishments and encouraging them to work hard on both academics and special gifts in their high school years ahead.

In the familiar environment of the Community Center, HCYR’s oldest building, surrounded by Ranch family, plus their friends, fellow students and teachers, the eight passed across the stage through what Priour called "a rite of passage – a marking point that can never be taken away once it is achieved."

Dorman advised the students to value their experiences and take lessons learned forward, always building both character and mind as they go.

Everyone present cheered on the students, encouraging them to dream big dreams, and to settle for nothing less than what God has in mind for them. As the German poet Goethe once remarked, "it is big dreams that have the power to move the hearts of men."