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2013 SESSION

13103667D
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 365
Offered January 18, 2013
Commending the Home Educators Association of Virginia.
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Patron-- Martin
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WHEREAS, in 2013, the Home Educators Association of Virginia, a nonprofit homeschooling support organization, celebrates its 30th anniversary; and

WHEREAS, the Home Educators Association of Virginia (HEAV) works to achieve its ongoing mission to promote homeschooling and provide resources and support to all home educators; and

WHEREAS, in 1983, a small group of homeschooling mothers started HEAV to lobby for state legislation related to home education; and

WHEREAS, with the tireless support of families, home educators, and volunteers, HEAV has grown into a statewide organization that responds to thousands of phone calls, emails, and correspondences each year; and

WHEREAS, in 1993, HEAV worked for an amendment of the homeschool law so that parents could teach learning-disabled children at home; and

WHEREAS, HEAV initiated its first Day at the Capitol event in 1995; the event now draws more than 500 student and parent attendees annually; and

WHEREAS, originally working out of members’ living rooms, dens, and basements, HEAV opened its first office in 1996; and

WHEREAS, expanding operations in 1999, HEAV hired its first full-time executive director, ensuring that the organization would continue to grow and provide exceptional service; and

WHEREAS, HEAV successfully promoted parent-taught classroom driver’s education in 1999 and successfully promoted parent-taught behind-the-wheel driver’s education in 2003; and

WHEREAS, in 2002, HEAV developed and designed the first homeschool license plate in the nation, stating “Education Begins at Home”; and

WHEREAS, HEAV reached another milestone in 2003, moving into a new office with space for the organization to host meetings and seminars; and

WHEREAS, HEAV established an outreach program to museums in the Commonwealth in 2008, which includes Homeschool Days and events for thousands of homeschool students; and

WHEREAS, in 2009, HEAV worked with the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia to achieve recognition of homeschool diplomas for college financial aid; and

WHEREAS, HEAV successfully promoted dual enrollment for homeschool students in community colleges and four-year colleges; and

WHEREAS, in 2012, HEAV clarified the meaning of “curriculum description,” in compliance with the homeschool statute; and

WHEREAS, HEAV hosted its annual conference in 2012 with more than 12,000 attendees from all areas of the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, for three decades, HEAV has continually served the public by providing timely information and helpful resources for home educators; and

WHEREAS, much of HEAV’s continued success is due to dedicated, enthusiastic volunteers and important contributions from many generous donors; and

WHEREAS, HEAV helps to build a strong future for the Commonwealth by providing the support needed to give homeschool students the highest quality education; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Home Educators Association of Virginia on the occasion of its 30th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Home Educators Association of Virginia as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for the organization’s service to home educators and families throughout the Commonwealth.