From L to R: Martha Dillon; Daughter of Christine W. Powell, Alice Chambers; Daughter of Christine W. Powell, Kenneth M. Meeks, Lonnie W. Dillard, Randy Powell; Son of Christine W. Powell.

2011 Boys’ Home, Inc. Hall of Fame Class Inducted   On November 5th, 2011, the Boys’ Home, Inc. Hall of Fame added its three newest members: Lonnie W. Dillard ‘78, Kenneth M. Meeks’74, and Christine W. Powell. Mr. Dillard and Mr. Meeks are alumni of Boys’ Home while Mrs. Powell was a former housemother. It was a night of celebrating those who succeeded in the Boys’ Home program, recognizing past accomplishments, and thanking those who were a support system during their time on the “Hill” and throughout their lives. Lonnie W. Dillard was the first person to be inducted on this night; he was presented by Jerry Mayberry. Mr. Dillard came to Boys’ Home from Emporia in September 1971 at the age of 13. He attended Callaghan Elementary School and graduated from Alleghany County High School in 1978. According to Dillard, during his Boys’ Home time, he often found himself on the wrong path. Dillard credited a talk with his baseball coach as helping to get him back on the right path. Dillard was able to take advantage of what Boys’ Home had to offer him such as gaining great work ethic, manners, and keeping God in his life. As a resident, Dillard received multiple honors in baseball, basketball, and football; being chosen as the All-Area Co-Captain for baseball; serving as Greene Cottage Proctor, and being recognized as the 1st runner up for Boys’ Home’s prestigious Mary Berkley Cosby Citizenship Award. He currently works at Hershey Chocolate, Inc. in Stuarts Draft and is the president of the Boys’ Home Alumni Outdoor Club. In that role, he organizes and often participates in paintball and hunting outings. He is married to his wife Donna with whom he has 5 children and 5 grandchildren. Kenneth M. Meeks was the second inductee and he was presented by Executive Director Donnie E. Wheatley ’66. Meeks came to Boys’ Home as an 11 year old from Shipman in May 1965. Meeks said of this time as a resident that, “Boys’ Home gave me options, and inspired me.” He played Junior Varsity and Varsity basketball for Boys’ Home and was captain of the Varsity team. Meeks was also a member of Troop 66 and proctor for Greene Cottage. One of the highlights of his residency was when he received the Outstanding Citizenship Award in 1974. Meeks is currently retired from the U.S. Army and is working as the HR Specialist, Director of HR at Fort Bragg. During his time in the service, he received the U.S. Army Meritorious Service Medal and the U.S. Army STAR Award. He is married to Hatsue and has a son Shawn Michael who is teaching in Japan. He wrapped up his speech by saying, “If I didn’t make it through Boys’ Home, I don’t know where I’d be today.” Christine W. Powell, the final inductee of the night was a posthumous induction. She was presented by her son Randy Powell and daughters Martha Dillon and Alice Chambers. Mrs. Powell came to Boys’ Home to serve as a relief housemother in 1961. She brought her son with her and Mr. Powell described that time by saying, “I lived under the same rules even though my mom was here.” Both Mrs. Powell and her son Randy described it as an adjustment and life changing experience. In her time at Boys’ Home, she became an integral part of the Boys’ Home community by earning the respect of the boys, being a listener, and offering words of encouragement. She remained actively employed by Boys’ Home until her retirement in 1974. During her entire tenure at Boys’ Home, Mrs. Powell felt like she was “doing the work of the Lord.” She passed away in 1992 at the age of 82. The Boys’ Home, Inc. Hall of Fame was established in 1997 for the recognition of outstanding achievements in athletics and personal accomplishments and/or significant contributions to Boys’ Home. Boys’ Home provides residential education for young men ages 6-18. With the focus of socially and economically disadvantaged young men, we center on those who have great promise, but few opportunities for success.

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