That old ranch hand’s grand
Youth Ranches honor governor for his work on behalf of children
Gov. Mike Beebe has been to all 19 of the annual Arkansas Children’s Award Dinners. At the very first one he was the award recipient and the master of ceremonies. The next 17 he served as the emcee, and on Nov. 13 at the Embassy Suites, he was again the award recipient.
Given by Arkansas Sheriff ’s Youth Ranches, the award recognizes outstanding contributions to Arkansas’ youth. The dinner benefits the Ranches, which provide a healthy home environment for children who have been abused or neglected.
Greg Hatcher served as the event chairman. Arkansas State University President Chuck Welch and first lady Ginger Beebe spoke before the governor was given his award.
Welch noted the governor’s “humble beginnings” and said that Beebe, an ASU alumnus, was a “breathing, walking personification of the power of education.”
The first lady spoke of her husband’s work to make Arkansas’ children “safer, healthier and better educated.”
The program also included a story from current rancher Erin, a young woman who is a senior at Batesville High School. She told of her troubled childhood and admitted not being thrilled to be sent to the ranch, but said, “Now the ranch is my home. Each person at the ranch is part of my family.”
She said of her house mother, “She has truly shown me what it is like to have a mother who loves me.” — Story and photos by
Cary Jenkins