Spring 2024 Boys Appeal

the boys appeal NEWS FROM BOYS HOME OF VIRGINIA| SPRING 2024 04649C

Congratulations Class of 2024

WHAT'S LEARNED HERE IS FOR LIFE

CHRIS DOYLE | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 414 Boys Home Road | Covington | VA | 24426 Website | boyshomeofva.org Email | info@boyshomeofva.org Phone | 540.965.7700 Dear Friends and Supporters,

Mr. Chris Doyle, M.Ed., MBA Executive Director

BOARD OF TRUSTEES: President: Mr. John Williams Vice President: Mr. Perry Williams Treasurer: Mr. Kenneth Robison The Rt. Rev. Mark Bourlakas Bishop Diocese of Southwestern Virginia The Rev. Canon Mark Furlow Bishop Representative Diocese of Southwestern Virginia The Rt. Rev. Susan Haynes Bishop Diocese of Southern Virginia The Rev. Canon Roy Hoffman Representative Diocese of Southern Virginia Dr. Demetria Bates Mr. Matthew Compher Mr. David Copenhaver Mr. Dennis Cross The Hon. Philip DiStanislao, Jr. Mr. Eric Greenwood Mr. Robert Miller Ms. Ann Patterson

I hope this message finds you well as we are preparing to welcome summer! It’s my pleasure to share with you our Spring Boys Appeal, filled with updates and inspiring stories from the Boys Home community.

Firstly, I am thrilled to announce that on May 18, six seniors graduated from the Boys Home School. Each of these young men has shown remarkable resilience and determination in overcoming numerous challenges. They have not only completed their high school education but have also set themselves on paths toward successful futures. On pages four and five of this publication, you can read their individual stories and learn about the exciting paths they have chosen after Boys Home.

During the summer months, we are busy planning for the upcoming school year.

We are excited to introduce a new student success program that will focus on essential life skills, character development, study skills, and leadership. This initiative is designed to further empower students to build bright and successful futures. Additionally, we are in the midst of a matching facilities campaign that promises to significantly enhance our campus. The funds raised will be used to replace the HVAC system in the Parrott Dining Hall, repair roofs on the student cottages and more. This is a critical step in ensuring that our facilities continue to provide a safe and comfortable environment for the young men we serve. The next page highlights this incredible opportunity worth $100,000!

Your support has always been pivotal in our efforts to transform lives. As we move forward with these exciting projects and programs, I invite you to extend your generosity to help us meet our goals. Together, we can continue to provide a nurturing environment and a promising future for these young men.

Thank you for being a part of our community and for your unwavering support. I look forward to keeping you updated on our progress and sharing more success stories in the future.

Mr. Dale Reed The Rev. Chris Roussell

Onward,

Mr. Bernard “Bud” Syme Mr. Ramon Williams Mr. Robert Mills Mr. Bobby Trice Alumni Representative

Chris Doyle Executive Director Boys Home of Virginia

BOYS HOME | FACILITIES CAMPAIGN You have a great opportunity to make a BIG impact!

Boys Home of Virginia has launched a capital campaign to raise funds for essential facility improvements. As our property ages, improvements are no longer a choice but are required for the safety of the young men in our care. Currently, the renovations needed are a heating/cooling unit in the dining hall, roof repairs in student and staff housing, a diesel generator for campus emergencies and road paving. The current estimates for the needs listed exceed $400,000.

Every dollar of your contribution will be matched by the Mary Morton Parsons Foundation.

The ways to donate are listed below. Together, we can create a brighter future for the Boys Home community.

CAMPAIGN GOAL | $100,000

All donations must be received by November 15. See below for our current progress.

$18,000 MAKE A GIFT ONLINE Scan the QR code to the right and select “Facilities” in the drop-down menu.

$100,000

SEND A CHECK Please be sure to include “Facilities Campaign” in the memo.

Campaign Supporters Testimonies “I so admire the mission of Boys Home. I know these young men need support and I am happy to help in that effort.” Carol Lee | Donor “Seeing the community come together to support this campaign reaffirms our belief in the power of collective effort and the impact we can achieve. Working at Boys Home is more than a job; it's a promise to our students that we will always strive to offer them the best possible environment to learn, grow, and thrive.”

Chris and Katherine Doyle | Boys Home Staff

“I see God living at Boys Home. I see His hand at work there and for that reason, it deserves our support.” Kenneth Robison | Board of Trustee Member

Boys Home | Class of 2024

Kenneth Bailey

Originally from Charlottesville, Virginia, Kenneth arrived at Boys Home when he was 16. He spent one year in the program. While at Boys Home he was involved in the Key Club, basketball and soccer.

When asked about the legacy he wants to leave, he stated, "Be yourself, the best advice to give people is the advice you can’t give yourself." He will continue his education at Mountain Gateway Community College in the fall. Afterwards, he wants to transfer to James Madison University to study music. Kenneth will be participating in the Boys Home Alumni Program.

John Mark Herring

Originally from Wigham, Georgia, John Mark arrived at Boys Home when he was 12. He spent almost seven years in the program. While at Boys Home he enjoyed fishing and playing video games. He was a member of the Key Club and played on the basketball and soccer team.

When asked about the legacy he wants to leave, he stated, "I want to be remember for having fun while driving around campus on a golf cart." After graduation, he will continue his education with Job Corp. He wants to focus on their culinary arts program with hopes of becoming a chef at The Greenbrier.

Justus Dostal

Originally from Alliance, Ohio, Justus arrived at Boys Home when he was 14. He has been in the program for seven years. While at Boys Home, he enjoyed camping, paintball, basketball and trips to the Boys Home Christmas Tree Farm. He played one season of both soccer and basketball for Boys Home.

When asked about the legacy he wants to leave, he stated, "I want to be remembered for helping people." He will continue his education with Job Corp, enrolling in the landscaping program.

Afterwards, he would like to start his own business.

Michael Donald

Originally from Roanoke, Virginia, Michael arrived at Boys Home when he was 16. He spent one year in the program. While at Boys Home he enjoyed weightlifting and auto mechanics. He played one season on the soccer team.

When asked about the legacy he wants to leave, he stated, "I want people to remember my leadership on campus." After graduation, Michael plans to join the Air Force. He has been assigned to be a jet mechanic.

Kenny Blackwell

Originally from West Virginia, Kenny arrived at Boys Home when he was 12. He has been in the program for five years. While at Boys Home he enjoyed basketball, soccer and reading. He played on the soccer team for two years and the basketball team for three years.

When asked about the legacy he wants to leave, he stated, "I want to be remembered as genuine." After graduation, Kenny plans to attend Mountain Gateway Community College for two years and then transfer to Washington and Lee University. He wants to study business and pursue a career in accounting. Kenny will be participating in the Boys Home Alumni Program.

Josh Eng

Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Josh arrived at Boys Home when he was 15. Prior to Chicago, Josh lived in China. He spent six years in the Boys Home program. While here he enjoyed playing pool with staff and students, basketball, soccer, running and ping pong.

He played on the soccer team for three years. He was also a member of the Key Club and served as president for two years.

When asked about the legacy he wants to leave, he stated, “I want to be remembered as someone who was nice, kind and funny.“ He will continue his education with Job Corp and study culinary arts.

Afterwards, he wants to go into the military and become a translator. His first language was Mandarin and he later learned English.

Commencement and Awards The sixth annual Boys Home commencement exercise took place on Saturday, May 18, 2024.

Boys Home was proud to celebrate the graduation of six seniors. In addition, awards were presented to staff, instructors and other Boys Home students.

The following awards and recognitions were made: Teacher of the Year Virginia Scott Houseparent of the Year Gina Jefferson Key Club Outstanding Service Awards Josh Eng and Michael Donald The Tice Family Think About Contest Bryson Rhoades and Ephreme “Ephy” Morris Farm Crew Worker of the Year Michael Miller and Haden McGuire The Jhakee Avant Honorary Scholarship Justus Dostal, Josh Eng, John-Mark Herring James Edward Wild Josh Eng Red Cross Scholarship Kenneth Blackwell St. Anne’s Guild and St. John’s Episcopal Church All Seniors Lawrence Mason Scholarship Justus Dostal

Boys Home Scholarship Mountain Gateway Education Foundation

Joseph D. & Hilda C. Dent Memorial Award Kenneth Bailey

Kenneth Bailey and Kenneth Blackwell Steven Rogers Memorial Award

DeLeon Lee The Bill & Lang Wilson Scholarship Award

Kenneth Blackwell

The Matthew Foster Honorary Scholarship Josh Eng The Sam Cunningham Award Haden McGuire

The Shama Baggott Award

Michael Miller Barry D. Mays Memorial Award

Michael Donald Berlin & Frances Lineberry Scholarship

John-Mark Herring "Go Big or Go Home" Derrick Cash Award

Kiwanis - Paul Siple Memorial Scholarship Kenneth Blackwell Richard Brian Snead Award Kenneth Bailey Donald "Pete" Dimick Memorial Scholarship Epherem “Ephy” Morris

Sage Custalow Madeline S. Mumford Memorial Scholarship

Kenneth Blackwell

The George Floyd Rogers Citizenship Award Michael Donald The Michael Folland Award Kenneth Blackwell Leadership in Action Kenneth Blackwell

Teacher of the Year | Virginia Scott

Alumnus Danny Cale | New Alumni Dinner

Shama Baggott Award

Houseparent of the Year | Gina Jefferson

Farm Crew Workers of the Year

Kenny is pinned by Chris Doyle.

The seniors were presented with walking sticks.

Bill & Lang Wilson Scholarship Award

Senior Speaker | Michael Donald

DeLeon | Student Awards Luncheon

George Floyd Rogers Award

Presented by Will Rogers Grandson of founder Rev. George Floyd Rogers

Matthew Foster Honorary Scholarship

Keynote Speaker | Vincent Wyatt

The smile of a graduate.

DONNIE WHEATLEY | ALUMNI CORNER “It’s not about doing a job. It’s about living a life.” Donnie Wheatley

For a moment imagine the unique story of a young man from Clintwood, Virginia, that began in the 1940’s.

That story was so inspiring it is still being discussed in 2024. Perhaps it’s easier to understand the relevance, when you learn the story is about the legacy of former Executive Director Donnie Wheatley. Donnie said it best when he was inducted into the Boys Home Hall of Fame on March 22, 2024. Donnie stated, “The mission of Boys Home has always driven the efforts. I trusted in God and the wheels kept turning. I learned that we are on His time, not mine. Nothing happened until God was ready.”

If anyone understood what it took to keep the wheels turning, it was Donnie. His story at Boys Home began in 1959, when he became a resident. He would stay through 1966, when he graduated from Alleghany High School. After graduating from Virginia Military Institute (VMI), Donnie’s initial career led him into the engineering field. When initially approached about a leadership role at Boys Home, he was unsure it was the right time. However, his late wife, Mary, was the catalyst who made it happen. He arrived at Boys Home in 1985 and would stay through 2021 as the executive director.

During his thirty-six years as executive director, Donnie was dedicated to making the organization stronger and spreading the word about this important mission. One of his visions came to fruition when the new Wheatley Center for Intake and Evaluation was dedicated in October 2001. The dedicated space was truly needed for students first arriving at Boys Home and beginning the evaluation phase. In 2005, many will remember his 1,000 mile hike across Virginia in recognition of Boys Home celebrating its 100th year (2006).

Additionally, he was passionate about bringing a trades program to the educational opportunities at Boys Home. In March 2024, Donnie helped dedicate the E. Bruce Heilman Leadership Center, where learning is currently underway in trades.

There is an extensive list of accomplishments and milestones during Donnie’s time with the organization. He left a legacy of dynamic leadership that will be remembered for many years to come. The Boys Home alumni motto states, “Few have lived as we.” Donnie is a wonderful testament to that very motto. He gave back in a significant way. During his induction into the Boys Home Hall of Fame, the alumni in attendance said it best.

Collectively, they said, “Donnie is the man. He made me the man I am today. You will never find a guy more passionate about the mission he represents. The mission that transformed his life.”

Michelle Cox, Donnie Wheatley, Glenn White and Chris Doyle cut the trades dedication ribbon. (l/r)

Board President John Williams

Donnie accepted his 2024 Boys Home Hall of Fame induction.

Donnie with his two sons, Todd Wheatley (left) and Darren Wheatley (right).

Former Executive Director Donnie Wheatley

Board Vice President, Perry Williams, spoke about his late father.

The indoor space is named The C. Chandler Williams Workshop.

Donnie Wheatley, Louis Sarratt, Chris Doyle and Perry Williams (l/r)

John Williams, Donnie Wheatley and Executive Director Chris Doyle (l/r)

Donnie and granddaughter Mary B. Wheatley

Alumni - Chad Whitmer, Antonio Gibbs, Sequoia Nightfeather, Reggie Gibbs and Donnie Costigan (l/r)

Trades Instructor Louis Sarratt

Boys Home Alumnus Rick Turner

Donnie and his family.

Donnie and alumnus Kyle Kugler

Trout in the Classroom Here is a question to ponder, can you grow trout in a school classroom? The Boys Home students in Mr. Monroe Farmer’s science class learned firsthand that the answer to that question is yes! Trout Unlimited and Trout in the Classroom, Virginia Council, made this learning experience possible. In early September 2023, an aquarium and supporting equipment were installed in the science room. After the water was conditioned and the fish eggs were introduced, the learning was underway (pictured below).

Mr. Farmer used the curriculum from Trout in the Classroom to educate the students throughout the process. The students not only fed the fish but assisted in the cleaning, chemical testing, water changing and chemical treatment of the aquarium. As you can imagine, there were some interesting questions while learning. “Do they bite?” “What will they eat when they are let go?” “How big will they get?”

On April 2, 2024, the fish were released by the students under the supervision of Trout Unlimited and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources at Douthat State Park.

The fish eggs arrived.

The Boys Home brook trout.

Eggs rested in the nets underwater

Sedekee added fresh water.

Bryson picked a great spot to release his trout.

“Trout in the Classroom was really interesting and fun. I learn better when it is hands on. It was a great way to see the concept of the life cycle in the classroom. I had the responsibility of changing the water and taking care of the fish. When I would change the filter, I would try and touch the fish, but they ran away.

Although it was time to release them, I was sad to see them go.” (Sedekee Koroma | Boys Home Student) “I would like to see this program continue. The excitement of the students to become engaged in this activity was very promising.” (Teresa Johnson | Boys Home School Principal)

“The students learned firsthand that living organisms that are completely in your care, must be fed and the environment you provide must be conducive to sustaining life. Secondly, they learned that you must know what environment the brook trout require to thrive. Thirdly, they learned that providing for the environment involves more than water and food.” (Monroe Farmer | Boys Home Science Teacher)

Admissions | Where Transforming Lives Begins NOW ENROLLING! Since 1906, Boys Home has been transforming the lives of young men, and it all begins in admissions. In the early days, Boys Home served the area around Covington, Virginia. However, now we serve young men ages 6 to 17, throughout the country. Today, many young men face adverse situations, and their parents/guardians are unsure of where to turn for help. The Boys Home program offers hope to a family when they need it the most. The young man will have a new opportunity toward a successful future!

Boys Home is located on 1,200 acres, surrounded by mountains. The property features a creek, pond, brand new playground, a paintball course, large soccer field for play and more. The Boys Home School is located on campus with an average class size of eight. Currently, for sports, soccer and basketball are offered. Additional sports opportunities can be found in the county recreation leagues.

The tuition rates are based on a sliding scale, and no one is ever turned away for financial reasons. Perhaps you know a young man who would benefit from the program. It just takes a call to begin the first step toward exploring an opportunity of transformation for every young man who enters the program.

Contact Information

SCAN BELOW

Phone | (540) 965-7739

Boys Home is not equipped to offer services to individuals with severe emotional, mental, or physical needs that require a residential treatment setting.

Email | admissions@boyshomeofva.org Website | boyshomeofva.org Address | 414 Boys Home Road Covington, Virginia 24426

Wish List The “Wish List” can now be found online. Please scan the QR code below

to access the list.

Please Note

for more information

MARK YOUR CALENDAR JUNE 24-29 Galilee “Best Week of Summer”

AUGUST 1 First Day of School 2024/2025 School Year

SEPTEMBER 28

Stay Connected There are so many ways to get plugged in! See below for some suggestions. If you have any questions, please contact the Development office at (540) 965-7703 or lrobertson@boyshomeofva.org.

-Schedule a tour to learn more

1st Annual Boys Home Homecoming -Keep us in mind for referrals

NOVEMBER 2 9th Annual Harvest Hustle

-Contribute to the Annual Giving Program and help support this mission. (See the back cover for more information.)