A home-cooked education for 12 grads

DAYTON - Twelve area students will be given high school diplomas by their parents at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 26 at Washington Heights Baptist Church on Far Hills Avenue. The graduates have been home-schooled and will participate in a ceremony sponsored by their families and PEACH (Parents Educating at Christian Homes), a local home school support group.

The phenomenon of parents educating their children at home is becoming more common. The state-wide organization CHEO (Christian Home Educators of Ohio) sponsors a home school graduation, which is now in its 10th year. With more graduates each year, local groups like PEACH have begun sponsoring graduation ceremonies in their areas. The graduates are proof that many families have found a viable alternative to public or private education. The academic successes and years of experience gained as the home schooling movement grows prove that it works.

"We feel privileged to graduate our oldest son, Edward," says Ken Davy of Dayton.

Davy, like many other parents, is inspired by Edward's success to continue with the other children. "We eagerly look forward to continuing the process with his four brothers." Edward will become one of many home-schooled graduates well-prepared by his learning experiences to go on to college or other career choices.

The Herbys of Spring Valley have two graduates this year, Justin and Jessicah. Justin will graduate a year early and already has a start on college.

"The kids were ready for more challenging curriculum," Mark and Vicky Herby say, "and we felt that a junior college would be a good transition step between high school and a four-year university. They are also meeting high school graduation requirements while accruing college credits."

Teens who are home educated have a more flexible schedule. They usually find that they have more time to pursue studies, to volunteer or to seek apprentice-type work options. One of the graduates, Kristen Wright of Wilmington, has volunteered at a nursing home for the last two years and says that it has made a big impact on her life.

"It has helped me to look beyond appearance, Kristen says, "Some-how, in that situation, you're less concerned about looking perfect and impressing people, and you see the things that really matter in life Ð knowing God and experiencing His love and presence."

PEACH graduates:

Edward A. Davy, son of Ken and Sally Davy of Dayton, has been home-schooled four years and plans to attend Sinclair Community College, majoring in fine arts. He desires to continue his work as a youth counselor with the Campfire Boys and Girls Council of Dayton.

Paul Edward France, grandson of Edward and Gloria France, and son of Tammy Echols and Todd Patterson, all of Xenia, has been home-schooled one year. He plans on continuing his education by attending night classes for welding. He also wants to attend Sinclair Community College and study sports medicine.

Zachary Taylor Gifford, son of Wynn and Paula Gifford of Xenia, has been home-schooled eight years and plans to attend Cedarville University. He is considering the communications field for his studies, but is still seeking God's direction in this decision.

Maggie Lynne Hansell, daughter of Tim and Kathy Hansell of South Charleston, has been home-schooled 13 years. She has been studying piano for nine years and plans to continue her studies in music while attending Cedarville University. Maggie will play a solo at her graduation ceremony.

Jessicah Rae Herby, daughter of Mark and Vicky Herby of Spring Valley, has been home-schooled 12 years and has been taking several classes at Sinclair Community College to complete her senior year. She plans to continue at Sinclair for another year, then transfer to a four-year college to pursue a degree in history.

Justin Mark Herby, son of Mark and Vicky Herby of Spring Valley, has been home-schooled 12 years and has also been taking several classes at Sinclair to complete his senior year. He plans to continue for an additional year, then transfer to a four-year college to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering.

Arielle Daline Johnson, daughter of Sharon and Catherine Johnson of Xenia, has been home-schooled 12 years and has been taking classes at Cedarville University during her senior year. After a mission trip to Mexico this summer, she will continue full time at Cedarville, majoring in elementary education.

David Andrew Pidgeon, son of David and Libby Pidgeon of Xenia, has been home-schooled 13 years and has been taking classes at Sinclair Community College this year. He is considering a career in architecture.

Zachary David Mills, son of David and Gina Mills of Xenia, has been home-schooled 10 years and plans to enlist in the U.S. Air Force.

Nicholas Michael Stebner, son of Mike and Vicki Stebner of Beavercreek, has been home-schooled 13 years and has been attending Sinclair Community College part time for two years. He plans to continue there for another year, then transfer to Cedarville University to study business or finance.

Holly Marie Wills, daughter of Scott and Deborah Wills of Xenia, has been home-schooled 10 years and is enrolled in the fine arts program at Sinclair Community College. After completing her associate degree, she plans to transfer to a four-year college while continuing to pursue her studies in studio art.

Kristin Elizabeth Wright, daughter of Ronald and Patricia Wright of Wilmington, has been home-schooled 12 years. She is working part time as a designer with her father's Web consulting firm. Following graduation, she plans to go full time while continuing to pursue her interests in writing, art and mission work. More than anything, she desires to serve God with her life.