High Academic Achievement at the Ranch

Working against what some might consider long odds, several members of the Miracle Ranch family are attaining academic success far beyond what they might have imagined possible just a few years ago. With hard work, commitment and the steady guidance of Cesar and Cheryl, Miracle Ranch now has two students pursuing higher education with three more college bound. Each of their stories reveals glimpses of God's goodness and His power at work in the lives of these young people.

Jesus M. Salas is in his second year at Universidad Montemorelos in Monterey, Mexico studying secondary education. Always a gifted student, Jesus has grown up at Miracle Ranch and always dreamed of becoming a teacher. With financial and emotional support from his Miracle Ranch family that dream is now within reach.

Alfredo Rodriguez is the second year of a 3-year culinary arts program at the Universidad del Abroeste in Tijuana, Mexico. Alfredo gets up at the break of day to begin the hour plus journey from Miracle Ranch to Tijuana to attend classes. By the time he returns many hours later, he is exhausted, but finds time to help in the kitchen at home. On several special occasions, Alfredo and his colleagues from school have created delicious meals with beautiful presentations. Anyone who has tasted Alfredo's cooking can attest to his brilliance in the kitchen.

Mario Salas graduated from high school a little more than a year ago and in that time, discovered the importance of education. Now, Mario is working on his application to attend college with his brother, Jesus, at Universidad Montemorelos. Mario wants to study education and become a physical education teacher.

Jason Uribe, Cesar and Cheryl's son, has completed 2 years at community college and is now looking at taking his education to the next level. This is a big step for Jason due to his physical challenges, but one he is excited to take. Jason would like to study graphic arts and has recently talked about taking a future leadership role at the Ranch.

Nicole Uribe, Cesar and Cheryl's daughter, is an exceptional student with a number of college options. She has applied to several schools in California including California State University—Sonoma, California State University—San Francisco, California State University—San Diego, and Chapman University. She is anxiously awaiting her acceptance letters and will then wrestle with that important decision.

Just as any family feels the pride of accomplishment when their student earns his or her way into college and then excels in his studies, the entire Miracle Ranch family is proud of the accomplishments of their students. The family also looks ahead to the new opportunities that will be afforded these young people—opportunities for productive careers, community leadership and perhaps most importantly, the opportunity to continue the legacy of service they have seen modeled at Miracle Ranch.

It is also important for the older students to model the way for their younger brothers and sisters by demonstrating that with hard work and commitment, they too can go to college and do great things for God's glory. Cesar has reported recently that the younger children's performance in school has improved as they have watched Jesus and Alfredo succeed. They are starting to recognize the college and career opportunities that await them if they are willing to study and work hard.

Even in Mexico, college is expensive. The costs vary according to the school, but even with financial aid and scholarships, it still costs roughly $4,000 per year per student for our two students presently in school. For the Uribe children, the costs will likely be even more in the United States.

We don't know exactly how we'll do it, but with trust in God's provision, the Board of Directors is committed to providing the means for any Miracle Ranch student to attend college and has started a scholarship fund for this purpose. If you would like to donate funds to support the scholarships for these high achieving students and make a long-term investment in the future, please send a special gift, designated for "scholarships."