News

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.”

Boys Home Welcomes New Executive Director

Chris Doyle joined Boys Home as executive director in December 2021. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, and earned a master’s degree in education and an MBA from the University of Georgia. He has been a teacher, coach and school administrator and was most recently a marketing director. Mr. Doyle has historically had a passion for education, non-profit leadership, strategic planning, marketing and community service. He has served on several boards of organizations that provide opportunities for youth. He and his wife, Katherine, have four adult children.

Mr. Doyle was asked about his initial impression of Boys Home. “In my first few months at Boys Home I have been impressed with the people who make up the community. We are blessed with faculty and staff members who are dedicated to the mission to help each student reach their full spiritual, mental, social and physical potential. Boys Home is also blessed with young men who work hard to live up to high standards and who encourage one another along the way. I am grateful for the strong foundation that has been laid at Boys Home over its proud history. I look forward to the opportunity to lead us into a bright future as we continue to develop well-rounded men who will be positive forces for their families and communities.”

Boys Home Celebrates 1st Semester Honor Roll for 2021-2022 School Year

A Honor Roll Students | Lynn Bell, Christopher Harris and Rylee Callis (left to right)

Boys Home of Virginia is excited to announce the students who achieved A and A/B honor roll for the first semester of the school year. Christopher Harris graduated in December 2021. Lynn and Rylee were asked what contributed to their 4.0 for the first semester. Rylee replied, “I studied hard, maintained a good mindset and focused on what was important.” Lynn responded by stating, “I studied, paid attention in class and completed my work on time.” The same students were asked what advice they would give to others who desire to achieve the A honor roll. Rylee suggested, “Surround yourself with like-minded people who will work as hard as you. Study hard and do your best.” Lynn added, “Rather than focusing on outside distractions, focus on your work. Pay attention in class and study.” 

A/B honor roll students – Kenny Blackwell, Dudi Awol, Zamirr Bryant, Akon Deng, Joshua Eng, Daniel Gambel, Tim Kengni, Bereket Morris, Ephy Morris, Cody Payne, Jareem Reid, Sage Custalow and Nick Rodgers

Boys Home is very proud of all the honor roll students. Congratulations!