As a counselor at Sacajawea Middle School and a Morning Star Boys’ Ranch
Board Officer I have often found wisdom, inspiration, and strength from
Father Joe to meet the daily challenges and rewards in working with young
people and adults. Dedication, leadership, caring, insightful, intelligence,
personality, and professionalism are but a few of the attributes and
characteristics one will never find missing when describing Father Joe.
When Morning Star had many boys attending Sacajawea, Father Joe would come to
school on a regular basis to visit with the boys and staff. The boys never
knew when he was coming, but rushed to see him once word was out that he was
there. He was greeted in the main halls with news of positive happening for
them and pleas from the boys to see certain teachers whose classes they were
doing well in or not to go to certain classes if things were not up to par at
the that time. Each boy received individual attention, words of advice, and
encouragement.
Going to school, working your best, being polite, getting involved in school
activities, staying out of trouble, and being good representatives of Morning
Star Boys’ Ranch were goals Father Joe taught and expected of all his boys.
As the big Blue MSBR bus or school bus arrived at Sacajawea each morning the
boys were leaving their first family at the Ranch and headed into the adventures
of their second family at Sacajawea. For many this transition from an unsettled
home life, to Morning Star Boys' Ranch, and then to a new school happened very
fast and required a lot of adjustments. Morning Star was often the first stable
home for a lot of the boys. Teachers at Sacajwea wanted the boys in their classes
because they knew how strong and dedicated Father Joe and his staff were.
They were but a phone call away for help and support and the boys knew that.
Communication between the school and home was never a concern when working with
Father Joe’s boy’. Staff also knew a study table was waiting for the boys at the
Ranch once they arrived back home.
The annual December food drive at Sacajwea was a big school wide activity
benefiting Morning Star. It helped students develop and demonstrate their
“spirit of giving”. Each Father Joe would then invite the top homeroom to
come to the Ranch in the spring for a tour and a picnic lunch. Lois always
prepared a lot of great food and Dan took all on a tour. He answered their
questions and made sure each received a MSBR calendar. Many eyes were opened
by how clean and organized each room and the building was. What they had
expected was not close to what they saw. Amazed by the facilities, the grounds,
and horses it was the talk at many dinner tables that night.
When the transition school at MSBR was put in place it was to help the boys
make their new life adjustments in an easier way and with the greatest amount
of support possible. The vision for this program was led by Father Joe and Ed
Gaffney from Spokane Public Schools. This joint effort by Spokane Public Schools
and MSBR took a year of planning and numerous meetings. All of us involved
learned a lot. The end product has continued to grow and as been a success
for Morning Star, Spokane Public Schools, and the boys of Morning Star.
Morning Star Boys’ Ranch is Father Joe and always will be. I feel blessed to
know and work with this outstanding man as a valued friend and inspiration
for over 30 years. Father Joe is truly “One of a Kind.”
Nick Frucci
Counselor, Sacajawea Middle School
