Author: Laura Robertson

Boys Home Seeks Product Codes from Coca-Cola

Boys Home is seeking donations of product codes to submit to Coca-Cola’s online giving program, Coke Give. The program allows consumers to raise money for their favorite school or charity by submitting product codes from previously purchased products. Codes are submitted online or via an app and Coca-Cola sends a donation directly to the chosen organization. Coke Give will phase out on June 30. Last year, it contributed to almost $800 in donations to Boys Home.

Donations from Coke Give support the daily needs of students enrolled at Boys Home. This includes, but is not limited to housing, dietary, educational, and personal care needs. If you or anyone you know enjoys Coke products, please send or drop off your bottle lids to Boys Home at 414 Boys Home Road, Covington, VA, 24426. Codes can also be found on the inside of product boxes such as fridge packs. Donations are being accepted now through June 1 to allow for adequate processing time of product codes. If you would like to submit the codes yourself, please visit https://us.coca-cola.com/give and select Boys Home School.

Rick Hutson Celebrates 5 Year Work Anniversary at Boys Home

Director of Facilities Jason Bush and Tree Farm Manager Rick Hutson (left/right)

Boys Home staff and students are excited to announce Rick Hutson’s five-year work anniversary. He serves as the tree farm manager at the Boys Home Christmas Tree Farm. Originally from Chesapeake, Virginia, Rick’s initial connection to Boys Home was through a good friend and alumnus Rick Turner. Prior to his current role, Rick owned a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) business. Boys Home is fortunate to have his assistance on the tree farm and on campus with maintenance needs. The Boys Home Christmas Tree Farm was acquired through a bequest from Joanne Tannehill. She wanted her seventy-acre Augusta County tree farm to be used as a teaching and learning experience for the students. The sales at the tree farm directly benefit Boys Home, which is 98% privately funded.

Rick states, “I love the tranquility of being on the tree farm. It is very peaceful, and the scenery is beautiful. The students enjoy visiting as well. They can hike and fish in the two ponds on the property. They also enjoy the farm animals which include four goats, three pigs and Wilbur the donkey. I have enjoyed the relationships developed with the students who return throughout the year. For many of the students, being on a farm is an incredible new experience. The task of maintaining the tree farm is year-round. In the spring of 2023, we will plant 600 new seedlings. It has taken me a while to figure out a system that works with the soil to yield the best results. I finally feel like I have it figured out after many years of trial and error.” The Boys Home Christmas Tree Farm helps support the mission by serving as a place where students can grow mentally, physically and socially. Congratulations, Rick!

Cindy Robertson Celebrates 5 Years at Boys Home of Virginia

Principal Teresa Johnson and Cindy Robertson (left/right)

Boys Home staff and students are excited to announce Cindy Robertson’s five-year work anniversary. She currently serves as a reading specialist. When she first began at Boys Home, she served as a houseparent. Cindy has an undergraduate degree from Longwood University in elementary education and a master’s degree from the University of Virginia in reading education. Prior to her arrival on campus, she served as a teacher for Roanoke City Public Schools for thirty years. Cindy’s connection to Boys Home began in her childhood. Her father, Jerry Eggleston, was a former development director at Boys Home.

Cindy was asked why she chose education as a career path. “I see myself in the students I serve. When I was young, I struggled with reading and comprehension. I had to discover a way to learn that worked for me. I meet the students on their current reading level and help them progress. My classroom size is two to three students, making individualized attention possible daily. I believe God called me to serve here. I have witnessed lives transformed by the program. Boys Home is truly a blessing from God!” Cindy’s focus on a Godly life exemplifies the values of Boys Home. Congratulations, Cindy!   

Katherine Farmer Celebrates 5 Year Work Anniversary at Boys Home and Receives “Educator of the Year” Award

Katherine Farmer and Principal Teresa Johnson (left/right)

Boys Home staff and students are excited to announce Katherine Farmer’s five-year work anniversary. In addition to her anniversary achievement, she was the 2023 Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce recipient for “Educator of the Year.” She serves as a full-time math teacher, currently teaching algebra, geometry and algebra, functions and data analysis (AFDA). Katherine holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Appalachian State University in secondary mathematics. Additionally, she holds a master’s degree from Hollins University. Her connection to Boys Home was through the late Connie Back, the former assistant director of Boys Home School. Prior to her current position at Boys Home, Katherine taught at Alleghany High School for eleven years. Her love for teaching and math began at a young age. When she was eight, her father installed a chalkboard in the garage and that summer was filled with playing school with friends. She also had an eighth-grade math teacher who stood out for being kind and making math fun.

Now as a teacher, she often hears, “I hate math. It is hard!” Katherine states, “I want to make learning fun for my students. I often turn the lessons into games and have the students be the teacher for part of a class.” Katherine was asked what she enjoys most in her current position. She states, “I thoroughly enjoy seeing a student succeed. That is my ‘why.’ I witness their progress as they transition into harder math courses and succeed. Some students come forward when they need extra help and ask for tutoring after school. Perhaps what is most rewarding is watching my students graduate. I am confident that they are all around a better student than when they first arrived at Boys Home.” As an educator, Katherine helps to build a community that inspires young men to succeed in math by making it fun, encouraging peers to support each other and offering extra assistance to students when it is needed. Congratulations, Katherine, on both of your achievements!