News

  • By Laura Robertson
  • Posted:
  • Alumni, News

Boys Home of Virginia Debuts a New Athletic Name and Mascot

Boys Home of Virginia has some big news to share, we have a new athletic name and mascot! For decades, the athletic team’s name was the Boys Home Hilltoppers. Although a good nickname, it lacked a mascot. In spring 2022, Donnie Costigan began his position as athletic and recreation director. As he was considering ways to promote student engagement and team spirit, he thought a new mascot would be the right change. He stated, “As an alumnus, I proudly wore the Boys Home Indians basketball jersey from 1990-1994. I took a lot of pride in wearing that jersey and being a Boys Home boy. I want the current students to experience that same level of excitement now and for many years to come.”

The Boys Home mascot challenge began in spring 2023. Initially, staff and students submitted ideas for consideration. Once it was narrowed down to three choices, the students went through two rounds of voting. In the final vote, Boys Home Bears won by an overwhelming majority. Boys Home worked with the agency Becker & Weaver to develop the new logos and branding elements. Executive Director Chris Doyle stated, “We could have purchased the rights to a generic bear logo, but we wanted something customized and unique to Boys Home. I am proud that the students had a voice in the process and look forward to the sense of pride they will have in being the Boys Home Bears.”    

The new mascot and branding materials were revealed at a soccer pep rally at the end of August. Several students were asked about their thoughts on the new name and mascot. A current sophomore at Boys Home, Chris, stated, “I really like the new name. I always wondered, what is a Hilltopper? It’s not a good mascot. I am excited to have an animal as a mascot and look forward to seeing the costume.” A younger student in 6th grade, Dasmond, stated, “I really like the new mascot. I think his teeth make him look intimidating. My favorite mascot is the full-body one.”

Please join us in cheering on the Boys Home Bears as the soccer season continues and basketball starts in November. The current soccer schedule can be found by searching “soccer schedule” at boyshomeofva.org. Go Boys Home Bears!

Boys Home bear head

  • By Laura Robertson
  • Posted:
  • News

2023 Fall Soccer Season Begins at Boys Home of Virginia

Team picture of players and coaches

Front row: Michael Miller and Chris Silvas (left/right)

Back row: Assistant Coach Marie Mason, Kenny Blackwell, Kenneth Bailey, Josh Eng, DeLeon Lee, Nevie Tingler, Kemon Lewis, Sage Custalow, Paul Voigts, Bryson Rhoades, Noe Tenke, Sedekee Koroma, John Mark Herring, Carveon Lee, Zavian Avant, Michael Donald and Head Coach Melisa Sommer (left/right)

 

On August 24, Boys Home kicked off the fall soccer season. The team is led by Head Coach Melisa Sommer and Assistant Coach Marie Mason. Kenny Blackwell and Jacob Freeman were selected as the team’s managers. Melisa stated, “A record number of 21 students came out for the team this season. It is a great opportunity to rebuild after three seniors graduated this past spring. The team is made up of quite a few returning players and a couple of new players. I am looking forward to a good season.” 

In addition to the coaches and team managers, two students lead the players on the field. The role of team captain is shared by Kemon Lewis and Sage Custalow. Kemon stated, “We play as a team. We win as a team. The team’s strengths this season are passing and working together. There are quite a few players who practice outside of scheduled practice time to further improve.”

Please join us to cheer on the team at the next home game on Saturday, September 16 at 4:00 p.m. against Alleghany.  

  • By Laura Robertson
  • Posted:
  • Events, News

Boys Home to host its 32nd annual P. Buckley Moss print raffle!

Boys Home of Virginia is extremely grateful for the generosity of artist, P. Buckley Moss. For 32 years, she has donated one of her beautiful printsfor Boys Home to raffle. This year’s print is titled Graceful Autumn Ride #275 and is valued around $200.00 framed. The print was framed by Mr. Pat Loving at Loving Frame & Art in Covington, Virginia.

Raffle tickets are $5 each or 10 for $45. Boys Home will draw a winner on October 31, 2023. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Boys Home Development Office at 540-965-7707, email Melinda at mnichols@boyshomeofva.org, or purchase online at www.givetoboyhomeofva.org.

Raffle entries must be received by October 30, 2023.  All proceeds directly benefit the programs at Boys Home. Best of luck to win this lovely print!

  • By Laura Robertson
  • Posted:
  • Events, News

Boys Home hosts 7th Annual Harvest Hustle – 5K, 10K and Half-marathon on October 28, 2023

Harvest Hustle flyer with race details Boys Home of Virginia will host their 7th annual fall fundraising event, the Boys Home Harvest Hustle 5K, 10K and half-marathon on Saturday, October 28, 2023. 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, as well as snacks and drinks 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, October 27 –       4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. –   Drive-thru packet pickup at Boys Home of Virginia,
                                                                                          414 Boys Home Road, Covington VA.

Saturday, October 28 – 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, with early-bird pricing available before September 8. Discounts are available to running clubs and teams! To register, or for more information, visit www.runforboyshome.org or call Melinda at (540) 965-7707.