Gainesville State School Youth Enjoy Special Homecoming

Gainesville State School celebrated this year’s Homecoming with a pep rally in the campus gym and halftime activities at their final football game. Gainesville High School demonstrated their kindness and generosity as they allowed the State School youth to use their beautiful stadium. To top off the festivities, the Gainesville Tornadoes won the game, defeating Chico 32-27.

This year’s homecoming was a special one with retired staff and successful alumni joining the festivities. They had returned to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the facility.

The homecoming court consisted of five seniors. They were given the traditional armbands made from garters decorated with bells, miniature helmets, footballs, players, and ribbons. The Student Council and staff provided music, skits, and entertainment at the pep rally. Coach Henry Thomas delivered his annual address and reminded the team to believe in themselves.

Youth Zachary sang a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem to begin the game. During halftime, the homecoming court was once again announced. As each senior walked out to the center of the field, a brief bio was given and the crowd showed their appreciation.

This year’s king, Elliott, was chosen by a campus wide vote. All 260 youth at the facility were allowed to vote for one senior who demonstrated positive behavior, academic success, and was a good role model.

The Gainesville community surrounds the State School youth with tremendous financial, spiritual, and volunteer support. Lives are being changed as youth understand, many for the first time, that there are people who truly care for them.

McFadden Sends Youth Home with Backpack of 'Hope'

By Y. Denise Caldwell Community Resource Coordinator, Northern District Parole Office FLOWER MOUND, Texas - Larry Bossaler, McFadden volunteer McFadden Ranch Volunteer Larry Bossaler enjoys his assignment: Making sure that every youth who leaves the McFadden halfway house knows that people are praying for him and wishing him the best in his future. He is the man who brings them their “Good-Bye” backpack. When he delivers the backpacks, he makes sure to do three things – visit with the youth, show the contents of the backpack (because staff put them in the lockers until the youth leaves), and lastly close the visit with a heartfelt prayer. The youth enjoy and appreciate the backpack, the visit and the prayer. Many are a little anxious and scared to leave but knowing that the McFadden volunteers care enough to send them off in this special way, helps them feel a bit less worried. “I always bring an extra backpack,” Larry said. ...

McFadden Ranch High School Graduates Honored

DENTON, Texas -- The Kiwanis Club of Denton recognized nine youth from McFadden Ranch who earned their high school diploma or equivalency by inviting them to their April 17 noon meeting and luncheon where they were awarded $50 each for their trust fund. Spearheaded by JCO IV Gregory Winn, a longstanding member of the Kiwanis Club of Denton, the event was truly memorable for the youth who attended. They heard a motivational and moving presentation by Texas Rep. Pat Fallon, who completed the Greatest Endurance Challenge – the World Marathon Challenge – tackling seven marathons in seven days on seven continents. He took the challenge after being inspired by Jonny Wade, a 7-year-old boy who battled pediatric cancer and had only one wish – ‘that no other kid ever gets cancer.’ Wade’s death led to the creation of Pediatric Cancer Foundation for which Fallon raised over $250,000 so far. Fallon, who represents a portion of Denton County, said the takeaway from his experience is that we ...

IN MEMORY AND APPRECIATION: Trayce Haynes Alexander

Trayce Haynes Alexander, of Cat Spring, Texas passed away in April. She was a JCO IV at the Giddings State School and began her employment with the Texas Youth Commission on January 5, 2009, as a JCO III. She was promoted to a JCO IV on April 1, 2010. Trayce was a hardworking, loyal and dedicated staff member and friend. Her number one priority was the youth in her dorm and she would drive one hour and forty minutes everyday (even in ill health) to try to make a difference in the lives of the youth she worked with. She was well respected by both staff and youth due to her extraordinary work ethic. The boys could always depend on her to hold them accountable. She is survived by her husband Geoff Alexander and two daughters, Kristyn and Robyn Alexander. Trayce was born on September 3, 1952. She earned a BS from Southwest Texas State University in Law Enforcement.

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