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 ”