Student of the Month - November 2009

Acceptance

My name is Gary. I am from Fond du Lac County and have been at Rawhide for 12 months. I really enjoy anything I can do in the outdoors. My favorite things to do are fishing, hunting, camping, and hiking. Upon graduation from Starr Academy I plan on going to college and major in either veterinary science or dairy herd management. My main goal in life is to be successful. I don’t mean to be rich. I just want to be a good husband and an even better father. I want to base my success on what God says is successful.

While I have been at Rawhide, I have had many different experiences. One that has had an impact on me is working at the small animal barn on the ranch for my work experience. My supervisors are wonderful, treat me with respect, and help me get through hard times. I have also had the wonderful privilege of working with my social worker, Teresa Harn. She has been with me through thick and thin. She has helped me overcome all of my negative behavior and become a well-behaved young man. I also really appreciate my houseparents and my Building Spiritual Muscle mentor, Dan Birr. They have always been there to show me love and kindness.

I appreciate the way that Rawhide staff has stuck with me no matter what. They have never given up on me and are always willing to help me when there is an issue or obstacle to get through. Rawhide is a place of encouragement. You will never hear staff tell you that you can’t do something. They always treat you with respect and dignity. I really love the feeling of acceptance that Rawhide has given me.

~Gary

How the Student of the Month is Selected

Each month Rawhide's Starr Academy staff nominates students who are doing well both in school and in their treatment plan. From those nominations a student is selected. The final selection is then reviewed by the student's Rawhide Social Worker, Houseparents, Work Experience Trainer and their peers. If everyone agrees with the school's assessment, the student then has the priviledge of sharing their story in a 200-250 word essay.
Learn More About Starr Academy

October 2008 - Xao

September 2009 - Jordan

August 2009 - Alex

July 2009 - Justin

June 2009 - Adam

May 2009 - Luke

April 2009 - Jesse

March 2009 - Shawn

February 2009 - Raul

January 2009 - Spencer

December 2008 - Miguel

November 2008 - Bee