[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 107 (Wednesday, September 13, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1457]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           A DAY AT THE RANCH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SONNY CALLAHAN

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 12, 2000

  Mr. CALLAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding 
accomplishments of A Day at the Ranch Youth Foundation. Founded in 
Mobile, Alabama, by Peggy Thrash and Gabriel Peck, Jr., A Day at the 
Ranch is currently headquartered in St. Elmo, Alabama, on a ten-acre 
horse ranch.
  A Day at the Ranch provides a very unique opportunity for today's 
youth, especially disadvantaged young people. Away from the hustle and 
bustle of the city, A Day at the Ranch affords young men and women an 
opportunity to participate firsthand in the environment of a working 
horse ranch.
  In addition to the many chores associated with running a ranch, the 
program also contains an educational component designed to broaden the 
young persons' awareness and knowledge of contributions made by 
African-American men and women in conjunction with horses.
  Staffed by volunteers from across the state of Alabama, the ranch 
also gives students the opportunity to participate in events such as 
West Fest, as well as an annual trip to Houston, Texas.
  West Fest was held in 1998 for Mobile County schools, and more than 
5200 students attended the day's events. West Fest was highlighted by 
cultural activities such as the Bill Picket Rodeo, the largest African-
American rodeo in the country, and a cultural exchange spotlighting 
Alabama's Native American Tribes and Civil War reenactments.
  In 1999, A Day at the Ranch Youth Foundation selected 40 
disadvantaged young people from across the state, as well as 40 youth 
in foster care. They traveled to Houston for the weekend and attended 
the Houston Livestock and Rodeo Show. This trip is now an annual event 
funded by supporters of A Day at the Ranch Youth Foundation.
  Although the program is primarily designed for today's youth, A Day 
at the Ranch also hosts adult groups. Since 1996, more than 25,000 
young people and adults alike have spent A Day at the Ranch. With the 
overwhelming social problems our young people face today, it is clear 
this program is informative and beneficial for the young people of 
Alabama.
  Mr. Speaker, I salute Peggy Thrash and Gabriel Peck, Jr., for coming 
up with the innovative program, A Day at the Ranch. Not only are they 
helping educate our young people on the importance of good equestrian 
practices, but they are also providing a valuable lesson on the 
importance of hard work and responsibility.

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