Class of 2026: Graduates at Big Oak Ranch

Nic

First, I would like to thank God for everything He has done for me. He has blessed me beyond anything I could have imagined. I would also like to thank my houseparents, Mom and Pop Rachel. They have been so kind, patient, and understanding with me. They have sacrificed so much for me whenever I have needed help. I am beyond grateful for my resource, the Jacksons. I have learned so many great things from them while they managed to be patient enough to teach me. The Ranch has given me an abundance of opportunities that most people my age don’t get, one of my favorites being awarded Head Wrangler.

I would also like to thank Westbrook Christian for all of the learning opportunities. I love to learn, and Westbrook somehow managed to make learning even more fun for me. It is also where I met so many amazing friends. Lastly, I would like to thank my friends for always being there for me when I need it most and for all of the fun times we’ve spent together.

Jonathan

First off, I would like to thank my Lord and Savior for being with me every step of the way on my journey. Big Oak Ranch took me in when I was very young and that turned me into the person I am today. I am so grateful for this place for giving me a chance. I have lived here for 11 years and during that time I became a Christian, leader, and have great opportunities for the future. I would like to thank my resource parents, the Blevins, for being with me all 11 years that I have been here. I have learned a lot from them. I would also like to thank all my houseparents for teaching me how to be a great friend and family member.

Will

First, I want to thank God for bringing me to Big Oak. I want to thank all of the houseparents I had for loving me and caring for me. I want to thank Mr. Tim who pushed me to have an amazing work ethic. I want to thank Mr. John for pursuing his dream to start Big Oak Ranch. Most of all, I want to thank the Ranch for all of the experiences and all the people I got to meet. I know my time here has better prepared me for my future.

Meagan

I would like to thank God for continually placing people in my life to guide me, support me and help shape who I have become. I thank Big Oak Ranch for giving me the opportunity to be a part of a loving family. I am especially grateful to my former houseparents, Jacie and Lance Hughes, for the love, encouragement, and support they showed me during my time with them. I learned what it means to be part of a real family and they provided me with a model that I aspire to grow into. I would also like to thank my current houseparents, Mrs. Angelle and Mr. Nick Missios, for welcoming me into their family and for teaching me important life skills that I will carry with me into adulthood. I would like to thank the staff at Big Oak for their continued support throughout my time at Big Oak. And lastly, I would like to thank my resource family the Mahys for opening their home to me and for the fun memories we made along the way. It has been a long journey but I’m thankful for how God has blessed me through it all.

Victor

First, I want to thank God and give all the glory to Him for making this possible. I also want to thank Big Oak Ranch for giving me the opportunity to become the person I am today. I am grateful to Miss Melissa for being such an important influence in my life. I would also like to thank all of my past houseparents, who have played significant roles in my journey, as well as my current houseparents, who continue to support and encourage me every day. They push me to do my best, help me stay focused on my studies, and motivate me to reach my full potential. I truly appreciate their belief in me and their constant encouragement. Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way.

Andrew

I would like to give all glory to Jesus Christ as He has been the only reason I have made it this far with a smile on my face. He has consistently provided for me and loved me — even when I didn’t know I needed it. I would also like to extend this immense gratitude to my loving parents who have always been there with laughter and with love. I’d like to thank all of my many siblings who I have grown to know and love on such a deep level. I am grateful to my amazing grandparents for always loving me, even across an ocean. I would lastly like to thank every friend that I have ever had the pleasure of enjoying. Each and every single person on this long list has carried me so much farther than I could have gone on my own. For this is the life that Jesus came to give and give it abundantly (John 10:10).

Chad

I have been at the Big Oak Ranch for thirteen years. I arrived at five-years old and landed in the Spradling Home with Lester and Leslie Hales. The Hales helped me grow to control myself and build my character. Through all my years on Ranch, each house I have been with has helped to build on the foundation the Hales had laid. The Hales helped nurture my childlike faith and led me to be baptized. After this, everyone I met helped me grow my faith and encouraged me to keep growing. Eric and Reneé Morrison took this a step further and helped me turn my childlike faith into the faith of a man. They modeled this long before we started Men In Training. Michael and Amy Gilbert took on the challenge of taking care of a senior that had lived with his past houseparents for six years. Thank you, Big Oak Ranch. I have been able to escape a life of pain and was given a future. You gave me many pathways to accomplish my goals and pursue my dreams.

Slaydin

First, I want to give all the glory and thanks to God for giving me the strength and guidance to make it this far. I couldn’t have done this without Him. I also want to thank the people who were always there for me — my sister, my aunt, my uncle, my housepop, and my housemom — for believing in me and encouraging me when things got hard. I’m very thankful for Big Oak Ranch for giving me a safe and supportive place where I learned to grow, stay focused, and believe in myself. Because of God and everyone who supported me, I’m proud to say I made it to graduation, and I’ll always be grateful.

Heather

Every day, I thank God for how He has blessed me and all of the wonderful people He has brought into my life. First, I would like to thank my first houseparents, Jacie and Lance Hughes, for showing me how a child should be loved and the happiness that comes with being a part of a family. I would like to also thank my present houseparents, Mike and Suzanne Miller, for guiding and always encouraging me with future plans. They showed me great love and what it’s like to be a family after God’s own heart! I would like to thank my resource family, the Thors, for allowing me into their lives and all of the wonderful memories we made and will continue to make! I would like to thank the staff at the Big Oak Girls’ Ranch and Westbrook for always listening to my shenanigans and trivial concerns with a smile and encouraging advice. The Lord has blessed me in ways I do not deserve and continues to show me His unfailing love in every circumstance.

Nic

I am extremely thankful to God and the Ranch for all of the opportunities I have been blessed with through my teenage years. If it wasn’t for the constant grace and patience given to me, I would not be in the position that I am in today. I am also thankful to everyone else who stuck with me through my time here and called me a friend. Thank you to the Hudsons, the Williams, and the Smiths for teaching me all of the things I needed to know to be the person I have become. While I didn’t understand the disciplines I was receiving at the time, I can now look back and be grateful, because they have shaped me into a Godly young man. Thank you to all of the staff at Westbrook for being with me through my academics and helping me when I didn’t understand things. Finally, a HUGE thanks to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for dying on the cross for mine and everyone else’s sins, because without Him, I am nothing.

Logan

First, I would like to thank God for guiding me and showing me the way. I am incredibly grateful to my parents for their unconditional love and constant support. I would also like to thank Big Oak Ranch and the selfless donors who made this opportunity possible and gave me the chance to pursue a college education. Finally, I would like to thank all of the teachers and staff at Westbrook for their dedication and for everything they have taught me along the way.

Sophia

I would like to thank Big Oak Ranch for letting me grow up in a safe place and for being there for me through my ups and downs. They really taught me what living really is and what growth is meant to be like. I would also like to thank my former houseparents Mr. and Mrs. Thomas for teaching me to be more open and teaching me to love. I would also like to thank my current houseparents Mr. and Mrs. Miller for getting me to the finish line of graduation. I would also like to thank everyone else included in my two year journey at Big Oak Ranch. Thank you all for being here for me and for giving me the chance to restart. I love you all.