News

  • By Laura Robertson
  • Posted:
  • News

Boys Home Celebrate Milestone Anniversaries for Staff

three staff members celebrating their anniversary

Melinda Nichols, Alisa Hayslett, and Executive Director Chris Doyle (left/right)

Boys Home of Virginia is excited to announce several work anniversaries amongst the staff. Melinda Nichols, who serves in the development department in donor relations and event management, is celebrating five years. Marie Mason serves as a residential life mentor and celebrates five years. Student Advisor, Donna Bush, is also celebrating five years as a staff member at Boys Home.

Lastly, the Business Manager, Alisa Hayslett, is celebrating thirty years at Boys Home. She stated, “During my thirty years at Boys Home, I have seen a lot of changes in both staff and students. However, the mission of Boys Home has remained the same, to help each student become a productive citizen in the community they return to after leaving the program. I have always enjoyed it when a student returns to share what Boys Home taught him, but he didn’t realize it until after he left.”

Since 1906, Boys Home’s doors have been open to underserved young men in Virginia and all over the country. Our dedicated staff members play a crucial part in making this operation happen 365 days a year. To learn more about our mission, please join us for the Boys Home Spring Open House and Community Day on Saturday, April 26th from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The free event is open to the public and will include lunch, live music, and fun for all ages. Please R.S.V.P. to Melinda Nichols by April 18 at mnichols@boyshomeofva.org or 540.965.7707.

marie mason with certificate

Residential Life Mentor | Marie Mason

  • By Laura Robertson
  • Posted:
  • News

Boys Home Senior, Ephy Morris, Joins 1,000 Point Club in Basketball

On Saturday, March 1, Ephy Morris scored 21 points during an away game against Quantico Middle/High
School. The points pushed him into a career achievement of 1,005 cumulative points. In the history of the Boys Home basketball program, Ephy is the fourth student to join this elite club. Boys Home is planning a
celebration to recognize his incredible accomplishment.

After the game, Ephy was asked for a quote. He stated, “I did not think I had the opportunity for this
achievement, since our last game was canceled. I was just playing to enjoy my last game. At a certain point during the game, Head Coach Smith told me I only needed five more points to reach 1,000. Luckily, my teammates put me in a good position to score with a three-point shot and then a layup. After those two shots, I knew I had made it. I realized in that moment, that all the hard work I put in helped me achieve this milestone. I am grateful.”

The lessons at Boys Home of Virginia extend far beyond the classroom. Our programs, such as athletics, teach our students the valuable principles of discipline, teamwork, and the importance of putting in the work to achieve a goal. The staff, students, and Boys Home community are excited to celebrate Ephy’s achievement. At Boys Home, what’s learned here is for life.

  • By Laura Robertson
  • Posted:
  • News

Boys Home Christmas Tree Farm Opens on November 29, 2024

On Friday, November 29 the Boys Home Christmas Tree Farm will open for its 31st season. The updated hours for the 2024 season are below. In her bequest, Joanne Tannehill, left her Augusta County tree farm to Boys Home as a teaching and learning experience for students. The Boys Home Christmas Tree Farm is maintained throughout the year by the Christmas tree farm manager and students. In the spring, students assist with planting young seedlings and relocating mature transplants to the tree field. In the summer and fall, they shear trees and groom the fields. During the winter, the students harvest trees for wholesale. 

If you are purchasing a live tree this season, please consider a visit to the Boys Home Christmas Tree Farm. Additionally, Christmas swags and wreaths will be for sale. The tree farm will have complimentary coffee, cocoa, and cookies available. All purchases will support Boys Home that serves as a home for the holidays and all year round for many young men. 

Tree Farm Dates and Hours for 2024

November 29, 30 and December 1 | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

December 7-8 and December 14-15 | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Santa will available for photos on December 7 and 8 from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.  

Address: 1118 Bear Wallow Flat, West Augusta, VA, 24485 Phone: 540-939-4106

  • By Laura Robertson
  • Posted:
  • News

Boys Home has Full Scholarships Available Immediately

three young men with their arms around each other

At Boys Home of Virginia, located in Covington, Virginia, our motto is “What’s learned here is for life.” We help transform the lives of at-risk young men by developing their potential – spiritually, mentally, physical, and socially. The campus is situated on 1,200 acres with two farms and animals, an on-site school, an athletics and recreation program, and more. The Boys Home School is accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools.

Boys Home accepts students from all over the country, ages 6-17, year-round through our rolling admissions process. Additionally, we have an alumni program to support them after graduation. Please note that Boys Home is not equipped to offer services to individuals with severe emotional, mental, or physical needs that require a residential treatment setting.

We will hold a Virtual Admissions Open House scheduled for December 5 at 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. If you have any questions, would like to learn more, or would like the information for the December 5 event, do not hesitate to contact the Director of Admissions and Evaluation Brittany Tate (btate@boyshomeofva.org or 540.965.7739).

If you want to learn more about the Boys Home mission, visit the main website at boyshomeofva.org. Boys Home of Virginia may be the first step in a bright and exciting future for a young man who simply needs a new path toward success.

  • By Laura Robertson
  • Posted:
  • Events, News

Boys Home hosts 8th Annual Harvest Hustle – 5K, 10K and Half-marathon on November 2, 2024

Boys Home of Virginia will host their 8th annual fall fundraising event, the Boys Home Harvest Hustle 5K, 10K and half-marathon on Saturday, November 2, 2024. This event has grown each year and continues to offer a fun, yet competitive event for runners and walkers alike. Boys Home is very thankful for all sponsors and participants that have continuously gone above and beyond each year to provide support for Boys Home, their students, and their mission.

All three races will begin and end at the Intervale Trailhead of the Jackson River Scenic Trail, in Covington, VA. The event will offer aid stations along the race routes with water and Gatorade available. Each participant will receive a unique T-shirt and participation medal. Snacks and drinks will be available before and after the race.

An awards ceremony for each race will begin approximately 30 minutes after the top three men and women racers cross the finish line. Top three finishers male and female overall and top three male and female in each age category will receive awards. The age categories are: Under 12, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70+.

Race weekend schedule:

Friday, November 1 –            

4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. –   Drive-thru packet pickup at Boys Home of Virginia, 414 Boys Home Road, Covington, VA.
                                                                                   

Saturday, November 2 –     

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. – Registration and packet pickup                                            

9:30 a.m. –  Half-Marathon begins                                             

9:45 a.m. –  10K begins                                            

10:00 a.m. –5K begins

Registration for the 5K is $30.00, 10K is $40.00, and the half-marathon is $50.00. Discounts are available for running clubs and teams! To register, or for more information, visit www.runforboyshome.org or call Melinda at (540) 965-7707.