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
Mr. Dale Reed
The Rev. Chris Roussell
Mr. Bernard “Bud” Syme
Mr. Ramon Williams
Mr. Robert Mills
Mr. Bobby Trice
Alumni Representative
CHRIS DOYLE | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dear Friends and Supporters,
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.
Onward, 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.
MAKE A GIFT ONLINE
Scan the QR code to the right and select “Facilities” in the drop-down menu.
$18,000$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
Kenneth Bailey and Kenneth Blackwell
Steven Rogers Memorial Award
DeLeon Lee
The Bill & Lang Wilson Scholarship Award
Kenneth Blackwell
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
Sage Custalow
Joseph D. & Hilda C. Dent Memorial Award
Kenneth Bailey
The Matthew Foster Honorary Scholarship
Josh Eng
The Sam Cunningham Award
Haden McGuire
Kiwanis - Paul Siple Memorial Scholarship
Kenneth Blackwell
Richard Brian Snead Award
Kenneth Bailey
Donald "Pete" Dimick Memorial Scholarship
Epherem “Ephy” Morris
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
Houseparent of the Year | Gina Jefferson
DeLeon | Student Awards Luncheon
Farm Crew Workers of the Year
Alumnus Danny Cale | New Alumni Dinner Kenny is pinned by Chris Doyle.
The seniors were presented with walking sticks. Shama Baggott Award Matthew Foster Honorary Scholarship
George Floyd Rogers Award Presented by Will Rogers Grandson of founder Rev. George Floyd Rogers
Bill & Lang Wilson Scholarship Award
Keynote Speaker | Vincent Wyatt
Senior Speaker | Michael Donald
The smile of a graduate.
DONNIE WHEATLEY | ALUMNI CORNER
“It’s not about doing a job. It’s about living a life.”
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.”
Donnie Wheatley
Michelle Cox, Donnie Wheatley, Glenn White and Chris Doyle cut the trades dedication ribbon. (l/r)
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) Trades Instructor Louis SarrattBoardWilliams
Donnie accepted his 2024 Boys Home Hall of Fame induction.
John Williams, Donnie Wheatley and Executive Director Chris Doyle (l/r)
Boys Home Alumnus Rick Turner
Donnie with his two sons, Todd Wheatley (left) and Darren Wheatley (right).
Donnie and his family.
Donnie and granddaughter Mary B. Wheatley
Alumni - Chad Whitmer, Antonio Gibbs, Sequoia Nightfeather, Reggie Gibbs and Donnie Costigan (l/r)
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.
“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.”
“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)
The fish eggs arrived. Eggs rested in the nets underwater Sedekee added fresh water.
The Boys Home brook trout.
Bryson picked a great spot to release his trout.
(Sedekee Koroma | Boys Home Student)
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
Phone | (540) 965-7739
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.
SCAN BELOW for more information
Please Note
Boys Home is not equipped to offer services to individuals with severe emotional, mental, or physical needs that require a residential treatment setting.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
JUNE 24-29
Galilee “Best Week of Summer”
AUGUST 1
First Day of School 2024/2025 School Year
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
NOVEMBER 2
-Keep us in mind for referrals -Contribute to the Annual Giving Program and help support this mission. (See the back cover for more information.)
