Pushing her shy side aside for a laugh is what led Marlie, 12, to participate as a funnyman, also known as a rodeo clown, at the annual Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch Rodeo. Now her second year participating, this girl lends her beaming smile and sense of humor to the team of funnymen.
Marlie said she got involved because she wanted to be a part of the annual rodeo but did not want to be in a riding event.
“I like that you get to be with the people in it. There’s a lot of laughter that is shared, and I get to just be myself, too. I was really nervous last year because we had to dance and stuff in front of people. It was nerve-wracking because there were a lot of people, but it ended up being fun,” she said. “The makeup helps because when people see it, they laugh. It’s also a disguise kind of, so you feel more comfortable being goofy.”
Marlie said her nerves still get to her when in front of a crowd, but once she is in the latter part of the show, she has more fun and feels accomplished. Another calming force for Marlie at the rodeo is her brother, Elijah, who participates in the rodeo competition.
“It’s cool because we get to also encourage each other because we are both behind the chutes,” she said. “Instead of being in the stands, I get to cheer him on right there. It can be scary watching him because I worry about him getting hurt, but he likes doing it. He does a good job.”
When asked about her favorite aspect of the rodeo, Marlie’s love of making others smile is engrained in her answer.
“I like to see the little kids when they do an event because they are just so happy,” she said. “It’s so fun to see them get their buckles and things. They always have a big smile on their faces.”
Marlie said that Boys Ranch is home for her. She feels honored to live there because she feels like part of the family.
“Some kids don’t have a home to go to, so it’s special that I can live at the ranch and have a safe place,” Marlie said. “I have that because of all the donors who gave their money that they worked hard to earn. It’s like really a joyful feeling and calming to know that I have somewhere to be at night and I always have food.”
Being at the ranch with her brothers, Elijah and Malakye, also allows Marlie to maintain a connection and relationship with them. She also enjoys frequent visits from their grandmother.
“It can be hard being away from home, but that’s why having my brothers here makes it a bit easier. When there are hard times, it’s nice they are here,” she said. “A lot of people have families that live far away, so it’s nice to have my grandma close because she’s very involved and attends as many of our events as she can.”
Marlie said that not only does she enjoy performing at the rodeo with her fellow residents, but also seeing her family in the stands.
“It means a lot when you see your family right there and that people show up for you. I think it brings a lot of joy knowing that they care enough about me to drive out here,” she said.
One thing Marlie wants others to know about Boys Ranch is that the residents are not “bad kids,” although that is sometimes the label that they receive from those who do not understand the mission of the ranch.
“We might have bad days or not get a lot, but I think everybody should just know that this is a good place,” she said. “Afterall, we have somewhere to be that feels like a big family. There is so much good here, and I’m grateful for what I have.”