When Josh Ridley arrived on the campus of Boys Ranch on July 2, 2001, he had no idea how much the youth home would influence the trajectory of his life. A recent recipient of an important national educational award, he looks back on his path from
a dysfunctional life in Dalton to his life now with full recognition of the impact the Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes have had.
He remembers the ride to Boys Ranch with a caseworker, one of his brothers, and a friend from his neighborhood. Although he’d been in foster care, he knew this place wasn’t like the temporary foster homes he’d been in.
As Ridley tells it, he knew Boys Ranch would be different from his foster homes when he saw the acres of fence along the road bordering the campus property.
“I knew I could never run away from this place,” he laughs.
He lived in Crawford Cottage at a time when the Ranch only served boys. He enjoyed the pool, ballgames and other outdoor activities, and their “adventures,” he says. He also adapted to the emphasis on education and study.
“After school was out each day, we reported to study hall,” he says. “I had a tutor—Martha Dasher—to help me catch up. She was strict with us, but she was kind and dedicated. She had an influence on me, for sure.”
He remembers even as a youngster wanting to “be great” and rise above his circumstances, and he believes the Boys Ranch saw this quality in him and helped him to reach his goals. He took to the Ranch right away, enjoying the studies, sports and family living. Like many Youth Homes residents who come from a life of disarray, he embraced the organization and structure, learning to study, practice good manners, be respectful to others, and he says, “do right.”
Thriving, he was selected as “Rancher of the Year” and received academic awards throughout his schooling. He enjoyed music and singing, and was a guest at Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes special events and Georgia Sheriffs’ Association conferences. He is still singing, enjoying his service as a leader on the worship team at his church.
At 18, he signed himself back into custody so he could remain a resident at Boys Ranch. He committed himself to his studies, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Middle Grades Education and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. He maintained good grades and, thanks to the Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes, was able to graduate without debt.
Shortly after completing his graduate studies, he married Amber, and the two settled in Forsyth. They are parents to Wilson and Aubrey. He found a professional home at Monroe County Schools, teaching American history to eigth graders at the Monroe County Middle School in Forsyth.
His students and their parents took note of his enthusiasm and instructional skills, and a parent with two children in his classroom nominated him for the Outstanding American History Teacher of the Year Award from the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Recommendation letters from his principal and colleagues followed, and after he submitted lesson plans and other documentation, he was selected as the Outstanding American History Teacher of the Year Award for the State of Georgia.
Shortly after receiving the state award, he was notified that he had been selected from among 53 state candidates to receive the National Outstanding American History Teacher of the Year Award. He will receive the National award at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. in April 2024, with Amber by his side.
These accolades only serve to highlight the wise choices he has made throughout the years and allow him the opportunity to once again reflect on the impact the Boys Ranch and the Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes have made to his success as a husband and father, a teacher, a worship leader and a citizen.
“If not for the Boys Ranch,” he says, “I wouldn’t have a chance at any of this. My parents and three brothers have been in and out of prison. Because of the Boys Ranch, I know that my children will never have to suffer what we did when we were young. I am very grateful. What a difference it has made for me!”