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Report on a Successful 2006 THSC Awards Banquet and Celebration!

Governor Perry addresses home schooling

THSC is very happy to report the great success of the annual THSC Awards Banquet, held this past weekend in San Antonio.  A crowd of over 250 attendees made up of home schoolers and leaders, officials, and candidates were honored to hear Texas Governor Rick Perry speak encouragingly from his perspective on home education and the impact that it has on our fair state.  He has long been a staunch supporter of parents’ right to direct the education of their children and is proud that Texas has more home educators than any other state, due at least in part to the fact that it has laws that allow parents to make choices in the education of their children.  The governor lauded parents who invest in this way in their children’s lives, recognizing that Texas will be a better place because of these who are raising up a generation of men and women of character.

The event was made even more special, as attendees were treated to the music of Strings of Peace, home school ensemble from San Antonio.  In addition, THSC recognized, thanked and awarded the following who have had an impact for the home school community across the state.

State Home School Speech and Debate Championship winners

In Speech Events

Paul Hastings – Open Interpretation

Justin Louis – Expository

Adam Hardy and Garrett Inkster – Duo Interpretation

In Team Policy Debate

Tony Chandler and Alicia Chandler – Texas State Team Policy Champions

These students will now proceed to the regional tournament, where participants from five states will compete for the opportunity to go to the National Home School Speech and Debate Tournament.

Good Citizenship Awards

Several years ago, THSC instituted an ongoing Good Citizenship program to recognize home school students who participate.  Students who volunteer for 40 hours in these areas earn certificates.  Mr. Lambert presented the following awards to the winners who went above and beyond!

Alamo Award (Voter Registration)

Like the heroes of the Alamo who stood their ground to protect their freedom, the Alamo Good Citizenship Award goes to a person who stands up for our freedoms by registering the most voters. Kevin Werda, from Spring, Texas, who worked 117 hours and registered 228 voters to win the Alamo award. This is the most voters EVER registered since the inception of program!

Republic Award (Legislative Process)

Celebrating the history of Texas which was a republic before is was a state and is the only state that can fly its flag at the same level as the U.S. flag, THSC awarded the Republic Good Citizenship Award to Aaron Tift of New Braunfels, Texas, who worked 252 hours in the Legislative Process.  He participated in TeenPact classes and worked for Justice Samuel Alito’s nomination in Washington, D.C.

Lone Star Award (Political Party Process)

Texas stands as a shining star among states!  We are proud of our state, one with some of the best people and laws, especially when it comes to home education.  In celebration of our great state, for her participation in the Political Party Process, THSC awarded the Lone Star Award to Nicole Head of Garrison, Texas, who put in 55 hours volunteering at the Rusk County Republican Headquarters, at the Candidates Draw, Courthouse Electronic Voter training, and attending regular Rusk County and Gregg County Republican Meetings.

Leader of the Year

THSC began to choose a Leader of the Year in 2001.   These people have been nominated by their support groups, the people whom they serve and who know them best. They must have at least 3 letters of recommendation to be considered for this honor.  The Lamberts admitted that this decision is one of the hardest decisions that the THSC has to make, as so many leaders are so giving and self sacrificing.

This year two leaders were recognized for their service to their group and Texas home schoolers, which was applauded and appreciated! 

Nominated by six letters from support group members, for being “what a true homeschool leader should be,” Angel Rodriguez from San Antonio Christian Homeschoolers was chosen as THSC’s Outstanding Leader of 2006!

Dana Bailey from Frisco HIS, nominated by seven supporters who said, among many other praises, that her “dedication to the group and to the Lord is apparent in all she does,” was chosen THSC’s 2006 Leader of the Year:

Representative Brian McCall was recognized for filing bills and working for home schoolers to have the right to choose to participate in part-time enrollment in public schools and in UIL activities in the last three legislative sessions.  He was given an award of appreciation on behalf of Texas home schoolers and the Texas Home School Coalition.

Long-time home school supporters and friends, Jim and Cecilia Leininger and Jim and Faye Sammons, were recognized for the impact that they have had for the home education community in Texas as well as the nation.

Many left the event encouraged, some officials were enlightened about home education and the evening was enjoyed by all!