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Boys Home Celebrates Epiphany

Boys Home Celebrates Annual Christmas Cottage Contest

Boys Home of Virginia was excited to celebrate the annual Christmas cottage decorating contest on December 9^th. The tradition started in 1966 and is truly anticipated by all on the hill. A designated student from each cottage showcased their best work for inside decorations, Christmas tree and outside decorations. The three judges were from Ingevity, a proud supporter of Boys Home. The designated judges were Tad Robertson, Peggy Cash and Pam Morgan. The winners were announced at the end of a celebratory night that featured an excellent dinner, a visit from Santa and a Christmas gift for each student. The overall competition winners were:  1^st place – Darling Cottage (pictured), 2^nd place – Brown Cottage and 3^rd place – Whitehead Cottage. All students departed the evening with a smile, as the true magic of Christmas was felt by all. 

Boys Home Welcomes New Staff Member Trequan McDonald

Boys Home of Virginia is excited to welcome Trequan McDonald as a houseparent and assistant basketball coach. As a graduate of Boys Home in 2014, Trey is happy about returning to the campus. Prior to his arrival, he lived in South Hill, Virginia. While there, he pursued a music career and was signed with DNA Management in Chicago/Atlanta. Most recently, he began his own business, Gifted Homes Investments, in September 2020. Since his return to Boys Home, Trey enjoys planning activities and making things fun for the residents. As a houseparent, he describes himself as competitive, strict, and comical. His least favorite part of the job is waking up at 5:00 a.m. for early morning basketball conditioning. As a former Boys Home basketball player, he’s excited to put his coaching skills to the test this upcoming season. Trey desires to convey to the residents that anything is possible if you put God first. Trey states, “He’s seen me through all my dark times.”

Boys Home of Virginia, founded in 1906, provides a healthy and supportive environment for young men whose lives have been negatively impacted by poverty or family instability.  Students are provided food, clothing, shelter, and guidance in a manner that supports the successful transition to adulthood along with educational and career opportunities.  Boys Home, a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization, is almost entirely privately funded by individuals, organizations, churches, and foundations.

 For more information about Boys Home, or to donate, please visit the website at www.boyshomeofva.org.

A TRIBUTE TO CONNIE BACK

The Boys Home community sadly mourns the passing of Assistant Director of Boys Home School Connie Back who passed away on October 24, 2021. She was 59 years old. Connie was a dedicated educator to students and a friend to her fellow employees. We will miss her dearly. 

Connie was a 1980 graduate of Alleghany County High School and graduated from Radford University in 1984 with a B.S. degree in Education. Connie was a long-time educator who taught students with special needs in several school divisions across Virginia. Her teaching career began in Henrico County. When she moved back to the area, she worked at Covington High School and then at Alleghany High School. After her retirement from public education, she became a teacher at Boys Home School in Covington. She was deeply invested in her students and poured herself into helping them succeed. 

Teresa Johnson, director of education at Boys Home, worked closely with Connie. She says, “The Lord places people in our lives for a reason. Mrs. Back was a good friend and coworker. She did what was in the best interests of the students at Boys Home. I will not forget a comment from a parent bringing their child to campus for a tour. Mrs. Back and I introduced ourselves to the family and she told her son, “Look! They get along–and they even work together!” 

Executive Director Donnie Wheatley adds, “Connie was a student-centered teacher. She was always looking for a way to make a decision that would enable the student to benefit. Her background brought the commitment and experience to assist the students and Boys Home staff formulate a plan to help students continue on a path of success. She listened to them, but  in a helpful way to keep them on task. Her steady approach to helping and involving the students will be missed.”

The family suggests that donations be made to Boys Home of Virginia in memory of Connie. 

Boys Home of Virginia Basketball Game Schedule 2021-2022 Revised Nov. 2