Author: Melinda Nichols

  • By Melinda Nichols
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Boys Home Celebrates “Educator of the Year” Recipient Linda Powell

                                                                                 

Photo Credit: Alleghany Journal, Jerry Clark

Boys Home of Virginia is proud to announce Linda Powell as the 2022 Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce recipient for “Educator of the Year.” She holds a bachelor of arts degree from Bluefield State College and a master’s degree from University of West Virginia. For the past two years Mrs. Powell has served as an English teacher for 9th – 12th grades at Boys Home. Her combined years of experience in education total 37. Student surveys are part of the process for award selection. Mrs. Powell consistently ranked highest in providing a positive learning environment and demonstrating instructional methods inspiring to students. She believes students deserve a safe and trusting learning environment. This type of environment produces students who are able to learn and reach their full potential. Mrs. Powell’s teaching philosophy aligns with the mission of Boys Home. As students depart, Boys Home has prepared them to become successful and contributing members of society. Congratulations, Mrs. Powell!

  • By Melinda Nichols
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Boys Home Welcomes New Staff Member Asianna Holloway

Boys Home of Virginia is excited to welcome Asianna Holloway as a grant writer for the Development
department. After graduating from Covington High School in 2011, she attended James Madison University
and received an English degree in 2014. Asia’s path in development began at Dabney S. Lancaster Community
College. She worked as an academic coach, then student advisor during her four years at Dabney. While
serving in these positions, Asia worked with Boys Home students. Their poise and good manners were an
attribute that stood out and was often discussed by Asia and the Dabney community.

After departing from Dabney, Asia knew she wanted to continue to make an impact locally. The Boys Home
position was a great opportunity. When asked what she enjoys most, she stated, “I enjoy the fun challenge of
telling the students’ unique stories when writing grants. Now more than ever, the art of storytelling has
become vital in writing.” Asia has been truly impressed with the welcoming atmosphere at Boys Home,
experienced equally by staff and students. When she is not working, she loves spending time with her two
young children. In addition, she enjoys cooking with her specialty being sweet and sour chicken with fried rice.
Boys Home is excited to welcome Asianna and utilize her varied skills to further the important mission.

  • By Melinda Nichols
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Boys Home to Host “The Living Last Supper” on April 12 and 28!

Boys Home of Virginia proudly presents “The Living Last Supper” on April 12 – 7:00 p.m. and April 28 – 10:30 a.m. in the Costan Gymnasium located on the Boys Home campus. Leonardo da Vinci’s painting comes to life as current students portray the powerful story of Jesus’s last supper with His twelve disciples. The performance on April 28 will be part of the Boys Home spring open house from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Masks are not required. Parking is available behind the gymnasium and at the administration building. An entry fee is not required, but free-will donations are welcome. For any questions, call Melinda at (540) 965-7707.

Boys Home is grateful to Crawford Photography, LLC for capturing the student portrayal of the Last Supper in a professional photograph! This exciting performance will live on for years to come. Boys Home would also like to thank Granbery Memorial United Methodist Church for the inspiration, backdrop, costumes and props. All attendees will experience the Lenten season in a new and meaningful way. We look forward to seeing you there!

  • By Melinda Nichols
  • Posted:
  • Events

Boys Home of Virginia to host Spring Open House on April 28, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.!

Boys Home of Virginia is excited to announce a spring open house on Thursday, April 28. Guests are invited to meet Boys Home’s new Executive Director Chris Doyle and participate in a fun-filled day with staff and students.

Registration, refreshments and special classroom presentations begin at 10:00 a.m. at the Costan gymnasium. Boys Home students will then present a theatrical production of “The Living Last Supper” at 10:30 a.m. A complimentary lunch will follow as well as a Q & A discussion panel with Mr. Doyle, select students and staff members. At 1:00 p.m., guests will enjoy an individual walking tour of the Boys Home campus including the executive director’s home and the Martha Terry Museum. At 2:00 p.m. visitors, students and staff are invited to gather at the Boys Home bridge to watch the conclusion of the Spring Cowabunga fundraising event where one lucky donor will win a $1,000.00 cash prize! For more information about the chance to win $1,000.00, go to www.boyshomeofva.org.

To attend the open house, please RSVP to Melinda at mnichols@boyshomeofva.org or 540-965-7707 by Friday, April 22. Mark your calendars because you don’t want to miss this amazing event!

  • By Melinda Nichols
  • Posted:
  • News

Boys Home Welcomes New Staff Member Laura Robertson

Boys Home of Virginia is excited to welcome Laura Robertson as the development assistant in communications. After graduating from Covington High School in 2005, she attended James Madison University and received an organizational communication degree in 2009. Laura pursued a hospitality career for eight years in Richmond, Virginia. Five years were spent at The Marriott in events and sales management. She is excited to return to her hometown community.

Laura’s interest in Boys Home began years ago with many family members being former employees. Karen Robertson, Laura’s mother, began her social work career at Boys Home and remained there for six years. The values of giving back to the community and making a positive difference were instilled in Laura from an early age. Therefore, the opportunity of employment at Boys Home was an excellent fit. The job highlights include working with the students and the chance to utilize her creativity. “I love hearing the students’ stories and getting to know them individually. I’ve often wondered what called me back to the area. I truly believe it was a call from God. I have been called back to make a difference and to tell an authentic, unique version of the Boys Home story.”