News

  • By Laura Robertson
  • Posted:
  • News

Boys Home Christmas Tree Farm Opens on November 24, 2023

picture of santa

On Friday, November 24, the Boys Home Christmas Tree Farm will open for its 30th season. The updated hours for the 2023 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. Once the Christmas tree farm opens, students assist visitors with choosing a Christmas tree and the packaging process.

If you are purchasing a live tree this season, please consider a visit to the Boys Home Christmas Tree Farm. Wreaths will be available to purchase as well. All purchases will support this organization that serves as a home for the holidays and all year round for many young men.

Tree Farm Dates and Hours for 2023

Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday

November 24, 25, 26 | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Open Saturday and Sunday

December 2-3, 9-10 and Saturday, December 16 | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Santa will available for photos on December 2 and 3 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

2023-2024 Basketball Schedule

It’s almost time for the 2023-2024 basketball season! Join us on Tuesday, November 28 for the first home game. J.V. will kick off at 5:30 p.m. and varsity will start at 7:00 p.m. Boys Home will take on Victory Baptist Academy. 
 
Please note that there will now be a $5 (cash) entry fee for all home games. GO BEARS!  
 
Click to here print.
 
basketball schedule
  • 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.