The Florida Sheriffs Boys Ranch Alumni Association was organized through the efforts of a strong nucleus of interested Alumni who wanted to keep in touch with one another to remain current on each other's activities. The Association was organized and formed on October 4, 1970, with an initial membership totaling 120 former Ranchers. The first officers were: Wally Edwards, President; Robert Knight, 1st Vice President; Bill Riggins, 2nd Vice President; Irene Schmutz, Secretary; and Bob Malone, Treasurer.

The Alumni Association expanded its base during the third year of its existence and included former Boys Ranch staff members who had since left the organization. By the end of the third year of operation, the Association had formed and installed a Board of Directors and an Executive Committee which handles most of the Association's business. Every two years, a new slate of Officers is presented to the Association membership for approval and installation to conduct the next business year.

By May of 1975, former staff members and former Ranchers numbered over 220. Through the efforts of many highly motivated and active members of the Association, numerous former Ranchers who have been out of touch with the Ranch for several years had been contacted and invited to participate in Association affairs. By May of 1995, we have had contact with over 700 former Ranchers and staff members.

From the beginning, it was clearly the responsibility and the duty of those involved to organize and perpetuate the Alumni Association through yearly membership dues and fund raising activities for the Boys Ranch.

The Association sponsors an annual Reunion which is held the first full weekend in October at the Boys Ranch. All members are encouraged to come back and visit their former home and also an activity Day with the Ranchers is also held each year.

At the annual Alumni Banquet, the Association generally presents an "Our Friend". Award to an individual or group who the Association feels has made a major contribution to not only the Boys Ranch, but to the boys themselves.

The Boys Ranch acts in a supporting role by lending to the Association, facilities to conduct its meetings and administrative support for the Association. The Ranch has provided the Elvis Presley building for the exclusive use of the Alumni. The Alumni Association helps to sponsor the major trophies and awards presented to Ranchers each year. They remember the graduating seniors and encourage them to join the Association after they leave the Ranch.