Edgewood Children's Ranch celebrates two Class of 2021 graduates

Editor’s note: Students’ last names have been omitted to preserve anonymity.

Graduating high school marks a pivotal milestone in a child’s life. 

For the graduating seniors at Edgewood Children’s Ranch, the accomplishment represents much more than just a milestone — it opens the door to a brighter future. 

And this year, the ranch is celebrating two graduates: Leon H. and Stephane S.

For more than 50 years, the nonprofit has provided behaviorally challenged children and their families support through a Christian-centered approach to education, behavioral training and spiritual development. The goal is for ranchers to return to their homes, schools and society as emotionally healthy young people. Currently, the ranch is housing 35 children ages 7 to 17.

The ranch’s on-site school, the Edgewood Ranch Academy, meets ranchers of all ages where they are in their educational journeys and aims to elevate them to the next level — preparing them for life after school.

“You are tested when you come in to see where you are academically, what you might be behind in, and that way — by this diagnostic testing — we can see where we need to work with you on,” said Kimberly Vinson, development and events manager at the ranch. “Each child works at their own pace. You have to have daily and weekly goals. … Then we have staff and tutors that also help.”

Leon came to the ranch two years ago, when his single mom sought a safe place for him to work through anger issues and develop better communication skills. His main goals were to graduate high school and improve his relationship with his family.

“The ranch meant a lot for me and really helped change my life,” said Leon, who graduated with honors last month. “Graduating at the ranch also was important for me since I got to celebrate with people I’ve built bonds with over the past several years.”

His growth is evident also to ranch staff and Executive Director Bruce Jordan. 

“We see the hard work, the dedication and the focus that they put into the program and their schoolwork, but we also see the dedication, the love and the encouragement from our staff.” — Kimberly Vinson

“Leon has achieved both and has grown into a determined, kind, intelligent young man who continues to grow his relationship with God and his family,” Jordan said.

Fellow graduate Stephane has been part of the ranch family for five years and also graduated with honors after having joined the program in middle school. Back then, he was failing all subjects and often found himself in the principal’s office. Today, Stephane is hopeful about his future.

“If the ranch hadn’t helped me, I would not have graduated,” Stephane said. “I’m so grateful for them taking me in time after time. I praise God for this miracle.”

“Over the past few years, Stephane has grown into a young man who understands the power of internal motivation, the importance of responsibility and the value of developing a personal relationship with God,” Jordan said.

Additionally, former rancher John S. recently graduated from Apopka High School. John was a rancher during his fourth- and fifth-grade school years. His mother, Jennifer White, credits the ranch with helping John change his path and outlook on life. In September, John is joining the U.S. Marines.

“Needless to say, we’re so very proud of them,” Vinson said. “We see the hard work, the dedication and the focus that they put into the program and their schoolwork, but we also see the dedication, the love and the encouragement from our staff. It feels like — and you know — you’re definitely a part of their life, because we see young people become young adults.  

“We’ve seen Stephane grow up, and we’ve seen Leon mature,” she said. “We see them mature and just try. When someone believes in them and they try for the first time and succeed at something, especially school, it’s a big deal.”