News

Boys Home Honors All Staff with Appreciation Luncheon

On May 18, Boys Home celebrated its staff with a special luncheon. The event took place in the Ben Parrott Dining Hall on campus where both students and employees enjoyed an excellent meal prepared by the dining hall staff. The Boys Home community is composed of a mission-driven staff with individuals serving in different roles, but united in the mission and vision so as to best serve the students. 

The dining hall itself is a hub of activity at Boys Home. The dedicated kitchen staff serves three meals a day, 365 days a year. It’s a place where students and staff can pause during their day and gather as a “family” to share a meal. In addition, it represents a space where students can develop socially and spiritually. Each meal begins with a prayer and scripture reading. Additionally, there is dining hall etiquette that must be followed by students and staff. For example, if a woman approaches the table and prepares to sit down, all males must stand. Staff and students sit together and engage in conversation, providing an opportunity for relationships to develop.

The staff appreciation luncheon was enjoyed by all who attended this annual spring event. 

Springtime Brings New Bike Racks to Boys Home

Boys Home is grateful for the donation of eleven bike racks from the Alleghany Chamber of Commerce. Matt Fischer, an employee of Alleghany Outdoors, made the connection for Boys Home to receive the racks. Recently, he became a volunteer at Boys Home with a specific focus on improving the bike program. Matt sympathizes with many of the current students and is excited to become involved. Whenever he needed an escape as a child, he would jump on his bike and ride. This activity left him with a sense of freedom, peace and an interest in exploring nature. For Matt, riding his bike led to his love for the outdoors. Now that it is springtime, it is a perfect time for the students to enjoy the outdoors and biking. Boys Home is thankful for Matt’s dedication to this mission and for helping the current students stay physically active.

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 9^th – 12^th 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!

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.

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.”