Boys Appeal - Winter 2023

Executive Director

BOARD OF TRUSTEES:

President: Mr John Williams

Vice President: Mr. Perry Williams

CHRIS DOYLE

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

414 Boys Home Road | Covington | VA | 24426

Website | boyshomeofva.org Email | info@boyshomeofva.org

Phone | 540.965.7700

Dear Friends,

Greetings! The students and staff are eager to begin a new year and a new semester of school The campus has a lot to be excited about as 2023 begins We are launching two important initiatives at Boys Home First, the Accelerated Reader program is off to a great start in the new year. The program began in the fall as an initiative to advance students’ reading levels I am reminded of the program daily as I see many students carrying books around campus. One thing I have learned is these students love competition, and this program taps into that competitive spirit. Students receive points by reading books and passing comprehension tests, then they can cash in their points for prizes of increasing value The comprehension tests allow faculty to track the grade level equivalencies of each student. The faculty are already seeing improvements in reading levels! Many of the students have their eyes set on winning a laptop computer, a grand prize in the competition!

Dr Demetria Bates

Mr Matthew Compher

The Hon. Philip DiStanislao, Jr.

The Rev. Emily Edmondson

Ms. Kathy Ingram

Mr. Robert Miller

Mr. Bob Mills

Ms Ann Patterson

Mr Dale Reed

The Rev Chris Roussell

Mr Bernard Syme

Mr Ramon Williams

The second initiative we kicked off with all students is the Social Emotional Ethical Learning Program (SEE Learning) SEE Learning is an innovative curriculum developed by Emory University focused on developing character, ethics, self-awareness and strategies to navigate tough situations. The program aligns with Boys Home’s vision of being a community that inspires young men to positively impact those around them SEE Learning classes are held weekly after school in small groups. I look forward to seeing the impact the program will have in helping us build a more compassionate campus

I want to sincerely thank each of you for being a vital part of the Boys Home community. Your support allows us to serve the young men here as they grow to reach their full spiritual, mental, physical and social potentials

Sincerely

Chris Doyle

Mr. Chris Doyle, M.Ed., MBA

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 Bishop Representative Diocese of Southern Virginia

Mr Bobby Trice Alumni Representative

Christmas on "The Hill"

As the Christmas season began on “the hill,” there was a true sense of magic and wonder felt in the community The official kickoff took place on November 28, when the second annual Twelve Days of Christmas contest began for staff and students. The contest launched with Christmas pajama day and continued for 11 fun-themed days The contest set the tone for an exciting and full holiday season ahead. For 2022, the staff winner of the Twelve Days of Christmas contest was Houseparent Jessica Rhine. The winning students tied between Nickolas Foday, Brian Blankson-Mills, David Blankson-Mills and Kelvin Blankson-Mills The holiday fun continued the evening of December 1 Students socialized and laughed to holiday music while decorating Christmas cookies and cards

Pastor Anne helped introduce the spiritual aspect of the season with a Eucharist chapel service to launch advent Following the service, all students participated in handcrafting advent wreaths for each cottage. As each Sunday passed in December, a new candle was lit in anticipation of honoring Jesus’s birth on Sunday, December 25 A special Christmas chapel service took place on December 12, reminding the students and all in attendance of the reason for the season.

The much-anticipated Christmas dinner and party occurred on December 12 Students, staff and guests gathered for a special dinner, a visit from Santa and exciting games. Once the games started, the Ingevity judges began their work for the annual cottage decorating contest The Boys Home tradition of decorating each cottage at Christmas dates back to 1966 We were delighted to welcome back judges from Ingevity, a local manufacturing plant and longtime supporter. Brown Cottage won best overall cottage with an impressive gingerbread bakery theme Additional winners were 1st place Christmas tree decorations – Green Cottage, 1st place inside decorations – Brown Cottage and 1st place outside decorations – Sam’s Cottage.

On December 14, Executive Director Doyle and his wife Katherine hosted a Christmas open house The evening included food, drinks and an announcement of the winners of the campus Christmas competitions To conclude the holiday celebrations, a Christmas staff luncheon took place on December 20 The event included socializing, appetizers, a delicious lunch, dessert and an expression of gratitude by Executive Director Chris Doyle The staff is crucial to making this mission possible 365 days a year To all the supporters who helped make 2022 a magical holiday season, we are thankful!

November Matching Grant Success in 2022!

A special thank you to all who contributed toward reaching the 2022 matching grant goal, and thanks to Jessie Ball duPont Fund for making it possible In total, $83,847 was raised! Match funding is a fun and unique way to energize generosity! Boys Home would welcome any business or individuals willing to give in that way For more information, please contact the Development department at 540 965 7717

Brown Cottage won best overall cottage

Best dressed student Santa competition

The Ingevity judges worked on judging the decorations.

Key Club and Student Council News

TheBoysHomeKeyClubinductedtwenty-onemembersatthebeginningofthe2022schoolyear!JoshEngservesaspresidentandTim Kengniasvicepresident SevenmembersbeganserviceinJune,assistingtheChristmasMothervolunteersintheirmovetoanewlocation InSeptember,tenmembersvolunteeredasserversatthecelebratorydinneratthePleinAirFestivalinBathCounty TheWarmSprings Galleryhoststhefestivaleachyeartocelebratelocalandnationalpainters.BoysHomeofVirginiawasselectedasarecipientofthis group’scharitabledonations

InOctober,severalKeyClubmemberscoordinatedthegamesatthelocalYMCAHalloweenSpooktacular Theeventservedoverthree hundredlocalchildren ThemonthofDecemberwasdesignatedasour“SeasonofService”MembersparticipatedintheSalvationArmyRed KettleCampaign,assistedtheChristmasMotherProgramduringclientdistributiondaysandvolunteeredwiththelocalKiwanisClubattheir annualChristmaspartyfordisadvantagedyouth

InadditiontoKeyClub,BoysHomehasastudentcouncilclubaswell SeniorMuluSlawtaisservingaspresidentforthe2022-2023school year Muludisplayedexcellentleadershipskillswhenplanningtwoparadefloatsduringthe2022Christmasseason Thefloatforthe CovingtonChristmasParadehadanativitythemeandfeaturedmanystudentsdressedasshepherds.Bothstudentsandstaffmembers wereexcitedtolearnthatthefloatwasawardedfirstplaceinthereligiouscategorybyOldTowneCovington!Muluwasaskedaboutwhatled tothesuccessoftheproject Hestated,“Thebiggestpartofbeinganeffectiveleaderisgreatcommunication Itmustbeclear Ihadaweek toplantheproject,soIknewthedetailsmattered.IinvolvedtheentireBoysHomecampustosecureatruckwithatrailer,decorations, candy,studentsandcostumesneededforthefloat”WhenMuluwashandedthewinningtrophy,hesmiledandquicklylifteditintheairwith pureexcitementandjoy

Jude helped at the Christmas Mother Program

Boys Home's winning religious float at the Covington Christmas parade

Junior Varsity Basketball

In November 2022, Boys Home kicked off another season of Hilltopper basketball. In addition to the varsity team, a junior varsity team was added this year It has been over twenty years since Boys Home has had a junior varsity team, making this a welcome change! The addition allows 11 students to play an organized team sport and one student to serve as team manager The team is being led by Houseparent and Head Coach Ash Falireas He stated, “I am excited about the 2022-2023 basketball season I want the students to learn how to play correct basketball As the season progresses, I have seen the players improve with every game, become more fundamentally sound and gain confidence on the court My main motto on and off the court is 'make the right play.' Make the right choice. I echo this throughout practice and during the game. At the end of the day, I want the players to have fun this season and gain basketball knowledge.”

Dennis Pinner | Alumni Corner

"“This was my home for six years and it was amazing ”

Originally from Portsmouth, Virginia, Dennis Pinner’s life completely changed in 1969 At the time, he was fourteen and living with foster parents. The department of social services relocated him to Boys Home The move came as a complete surprise He stated, “At first, I did not want to be here, but I tried to make the best out of the situation. Change is the most constant thing in life I knew I needed to keep rolling along ” After settling in at Boys Home, Dennis began to see the benefits of the program and the beauty of the place he now called home He has fond memories of fishing in Dunlap Creek and working on the Boys Home farm In the cottage, he excelled and became a proctor (student leadership position) in Greene Cottage where he resided Dennis attended Alleghany High School and graduated in 1975, achieving second honor roll (B average). After departing Boys Home, he stayed connected by serving on the board of trustees as the alumni representative for 12 years Currently, Dennis serves as the vice president, treasurer and manages the social media account for the Boys Home Alumni Association

After high school graduation, Dennis worked a few local jobs in Covington, Virginia One unique assignment was assisting with the Gathright Dam project In November of 1976, he joined the United States Navy and attended boot camp in Great Lakes, Illinois His Navy career lasted for the next four years During that time, he met his wife Victoria, and they married in June 1977 After the Navy, life led Dennis and Victoria to Hanover County From 1980-1998, Dennis was employed by Phillip Morris as a maintenance coordinator and later worked in research and development Dennis and Victoria are the proud parents to daughters Tori and Samantha and are now grandparents to Noah and Natalie

In 2012, the Pinners moved to a farm in Montpelier The farm is host to the United States Equine Rescue League and serves as a donkey rescue facility When he isn’t busy on the farm, Dennis serves on the vestry and leads a weekly compline service (evening prayer service) at his local church, St Martin’s Episcopal Church, in Richmond, Virginia Dennis attributes his strong Episcopal faith to his time at Boys Home and the encouragement of each student’s spiritual life

During his interview, Dennis was asked what advice he would give to an incoming student He stated, “Keep an open mind about the experience Listen to what the staff is telling you and understand the benefits of the program You should always move forward not backward, not just during your time at Boys Home but throughout life I called this place home for six years and it was amazing ”

The Navigators | Boys Home's Legacy Giving Club Donor Appreciation Drawing

Harvest Hustle | November 5, 2022

The 6th annual Harvest Hustle was held on Saturday, November 5 One hundred and twenty-six participants gathered at the Intervale Trailhead of the Jackson River Scenic Trail for the 5K, 10K and Half-Marathon races The exceptionally warm fall day was the perfect backdrop for runners from Virginia, West Virginia, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Ohio and Texas. Seven Boys Home students participated in the race as well. All runners received a long sleeve t-shirt with the race logo and a custom participation medal when they crossed the finish line Mountain Momma’s Kitchen LLC was on site to provide coffee and food to all in attendance

For the second year, Ingevity was the presenting sponsor for the event Ingevity has always been a committed supporter of Boys Home and their participation is greatly appreciated Boys Home is also thankful for the generosity of the many businesses that sponsor the Harvest Hustle each year A huge thank you to the following event sponsors: WestRock, Lexington Prescription Center, Highlands Community Bank, Campbell Insurance, Silvercrest Asset Management, Old Dominion Furniture Company, Alleghany Asphalt and Construction, Inc., Greenbrier Physicians, Persinger Memorial United Methodist Church, McDonough Toyota, Spencer Home Center, Jackson River Community Credit Union, The Rail Bar and Grille, The Cat & Owl, J & K Electric, West Winds Venue, The Recorder, Fincastle Baptist Church: Highlands Campus, Edward Jones Investments, The Law Firm of William T Wilson, Jack Mason’s Tavern & Brewery, Slaughter and Slaughter Family Dentistry, CraigBotetourt Electric Cooperative, K McConnell Legal, Diesel & Heavy Equipment Services, LLC, Grand Home Furnishings, Valley Supermarket IGA, Barnwood Living and Lex Running Shop Boys Home would like to thank Run Roanoke, the Falling Spring and Covington Rescue Squads, Mountain Momma’s Kitchen LLC, Alleghany Parks and Recreation, as well as all participants, volunteers and sponsors for making this event possible.

Boys Home students prepared for the race