Bill Hughes only spent two years (1976 and 1977) at Church Farm School, but since he left the farm, a part of the experience he truly cherished, he has consistently supported the school financially.
Recently, he made plans for CFS in his will, saying, “I want to give back.”
Although it’s been nearly 50 years, Hughes remembers much of his time at CFS: working on the milk squad, preparing scrapple, great times with “brothers” on the cross-country team, participating in the Video Tape Club (recording athletics), the cold winters and hot summers, and the mentorship of adults, particularly Max Dobles and Wesley Bennett, who both taught and coached him.
“Mr. Dobles was a cool, tough guy,” said Hughes. “He pushed you to do your best. Every teacher there knew your name and was looking out for you and making you a better person — from the cooks on up. Even Dr. Shreiner, in charge of the whole school, knew who I was and how my grades were.”
Hughes came to the school through the route many often do. His single mother was looking for an affordable school where her son could learn and grow and was recommended to look at CFS by Christ Church Cathedral, the Episcopal seat in Hartford, Conn., near where the family lived. When his mother remarried, Hughes returned to school in Connecticut, although he wishes he had stayed the course at CFS.
In the meantime, CFS’s impact lingered.
Hughes went to school for animal science and worked a variety of careers in that industry before family finances began to take precedence, and he began driving tractor trailers — good, steady, and interesting work that he continues to do today from his home in Northfield, Mass.
“The school taught me discipline and how to work,” he said. “I had to get up at 4 AM to milk the cows no matter what the weather was. Kids thrive on that.”
Hughes said he likes to keep up with CFS through its digital and print mailings and is still in touch with many of his classmates through social media.
“How I wish I had stayed,” he said. “It meant a lot to me and still does. I’m so grateful for what the school gave to me.”
Learn more about how Church Farm School serves boys from a range of socio-economic circumstances who are seeking an extraordinary educational opportunity.
