February 14, 2025
By: Dwayne Page
An 11th grader at DCHS prepared a winning essay in tribute to his foster dad for the honor of “Parent of the Month” for January.
Ray Patterson, Braxton Spears’ foster parent, received a certificate from the school and a gift card for a meal at Jude’s Traveling Food.
“I wrote this essay about him taking me into his home several months ago and how it has changed my life in and outside of school,” said Braxton.
Spears came to live with Patterson, his foster parent after a stay at New Frontiers boys’ home. He is originally from Kentucky but came here from Clay County.
Since enrolling at DCHS, Braxton said the experience has been a good one. “My high school experience has been entertaining. I have learned a lot of new things,” he said.
His favorite high school subject is math, and he hopes to one day become a marine biologist.
Patterson said he has been a foster parent since 2004. More recently Patterson has had five boys in his care including Braxton. He also has a daughter.
“He (Braxton) needed a home, and I had a placement for him. His case worker from New Frontiers knew of me because I had another kid who lived with me who also came from New Frontiers. She thought Braxton living with me would be a good fit for him. Its working out good. He has come a long way,” said Patterson.
As for Braxton’s essay about him, Patterson said he was surprised by it but that he is proud of Braxton for having written it.