"They said, 'No', but she did the work and they said, 'Yes.'"
Anne came to Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch at the worst time of her complicated life. Her family was in chaos. A close family member had died by suicide. She, herself, was deeply depressed and suicidal. Her school had told her that at her age and with her lack of progress in school, they would not accept her back. She was in foster care, and only four months from her 18th birthday when she walked in our doors.
From Anne's first day at the Ranch, it was obvious she wanted to take control of her life and her future. She just didn't know how.
Anne actively engaged in treatment, met with her doctor and therapists. She participated fully in wellness activities and spiritual life. Because the Ranch can only work with children under the age of 18 in residential care, Anne knew she had a timeline. She was determined to be healthier and more self-reliant and enter adulthood with strength.
School was a particular problem. Because of the chaos in her family and her own mental health struggles, Anne was way behind in credits toward high school graduation. Anne's school, feeling her situation was beyond what they could support, closed their doors to her.
The teachers and administrators at Dakota Memorial School, the on-site school of the Ranch, saw Anne's drive and commitment. They decided to offer her a path, while untraditional, to a high school diploma. They explained that there was an "Option 2" to move her toward high school completion. Option 2 combines the taking of standardized tests, usually given as part of a GED program, with classroom learning to achieve maximum credit recovery. It is a way for students who know content to overcome the seemingly insurmountable barriers of years of backfill classroom attendance. It is NOT a shortcut. The students must show the same proficiency required in the classroom. It can, however, lift a burden and avert a lifelong education deficit.
Anne did it all, with Ranch staff and teachers beside her. The day before her discharge she took her last test... and passed that one, too! Along the way, Anne found strength in completing goals and took back control of her life and future. She danced and jumped for joy when she shared her news with everyone at DMS! Her classmates congratulated her, teachers praised her determination, and Mrs. Wagner, Principal at Dakota Memorial School—Minot, made a triumphant call to her home school.
"They said, "Yes," Tina DeGree, Superintendent of Dakota Memorial School, announced at a meeting. Anne's home school agreed, because of all her work, to let her come back to complete her elective requirements and to walk with her graduating class to receive her diploma.
Good on her.
Please keep our staff and children in your prayers.
In His love,
Joy Ryan, President/CEO
Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch
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