N.C. Homeschool News 6/15/08

NEWS

STATE - Bill provides tax credits for special needs students in nonpublic schools

Two bills in the N.C. General Assembly (H.388 = S.2059) would provide parents a tax credit of as much as $3000 per semester for qualified expenses to provide special educational services to their children in nonpublic schools. According to the House bill's primary sponsor, Rep. Skip Stam (R), the tax credits estimated at $18 million would cost the state about $2 million, but would save counties $6 million -- and allow parents to seek the best possible educational support for their child, if they need to look outside the public school system. Video of the press conference is available courtesy the John Locke Foundation. (The Locker Room, 6/10/08)

ACADEMICS

BURKE - Two Burke County homeschool grads appointed to service academies

The Morganton News-Herald reports that Gordon Fein has been appointed to the U.S. Military Academy (West Point), while David Gillette has been appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Both had already received nominations to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy when they received word of the second appointments this week. (Morganton News-Herald, 6/10/08)

GUILFORD - Homeschool mother contemplates "mission accomplished"

Linda Vestal of Gibsonville writes for the Greensboro News & Record. Her June 11 column, which was also posted on Red Orbit under the title "Mission Accomplished", reflects on her daughter Hannah's graduation from homeschooling. (Greensboro News & Record, 6-11-08)


HAYWOOD - Local association graduates four homeschoolers

The Haywood Christian Home Educators recognized and celebrated the graduation of four seniors at a ceremony held May 9 at Dellwood Baptist Church. (Asheville Citizen-Times, 6/14/08)

JOHNSTON - Another homeschool graduate heading to West Point

David Auge of Smithfield has been appointed to the U.S. Military Academy (West Point), following in the steps of his father who also graduated from the Academy. (NCHSN Exclusive)

ARTS

WARREN - Homeschooled brothers from Raleigh to perform at historic concert venue

Carter and Wyatt Coleman of Raleigh are featured violinists in the annual student concert at Cherry Hill plantation in Inez, N.C., on June 15. The two brothers have studied violin since the age of four and have won numerous awards and recognitions. (The Warren Record, 6/13/08)

AWARDS

CABARRAS - Pack 94 awards "Arrow of Light" to six scouts

Joshua Bakita, Joshua Cowles, Scott Darden, David Mason, Steven Patton and Patrick Taylor, all homeschoolers, received the Arrow of Light award at graduation ceremonies for Pack 94 last month. The award is the highest achievement in Cub Scouts. (Charlotte Observer, 6/12/08)