From The Heart
March-April 2008
Investing in the Next Generation
By Cherise Ryan
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| The 2007 PHC scholarship recipients (L-R): Aaron K., Ashlynne M., Bart G., Deanna T., and Joshua K. |
Aaron and Joshua Kamakawiwoole are familiar faces around the Patrick Henry College campus now, though it’s not always easy to tell which one is running past you on his way to class. The twins, hailing from Ewa Beach, Hawaii, are two of five PHC students who were granted Home School Foundation scholarships in 2007.
With a graduate student, a college senior, the two freshmen, and several younger children still being homeschooled, the Kamakawiwoole family has a tightly stretched college budget. Through the Patrick Henry College Scholarship Fund for Home School Legal Defense Association Members, HSF was thrilled to be able to help provide for the twins’ education.
Begun in 2001, the PHC Scholarship Fund offers scholarships to incoming PHC freshmen based on financial need, academic merit, and participation in community service.
“The HSF scholarship has encouraged me to strive for excellence while in college,” says Joshua. “Since the Home School Foundation believes I am worth their investment, it is my desire to make the most of the money they have given and provide the most reward (grades, achievements, etc.) possible.”
Many students come to PHC for its combination of rigorous academics and commitment to Christian thinking. “PHC does not require that its students be National Merit Scholars, but rather requires that its students have a passion to change society in some way, love the Lord Jesus Christ with all of their heart, soul, mind, and strength, and are able to think critically,” says Joshua, who plans on majoring in Strategic Intelligence.
“PHC provides me with a strong spiritual network of friends and teachers who are concerned with the edification of others in everything that they do,” adds Aaron, who wants to major in American Politics and Policy. “The academic standards of Patrick Henry challenge me to grow in my ability to learn, analyze, write, and persuade.”
“But most of all,” he says, “PHC provides an opportunity for young men and women to grow in their love for their God.”
| "The HSF scholarship has encouraged me to strive for excellence." |
Bart Gingerich, a history major from Covington, Virginia, was another 2007 recipient of HSF’s scholarship.
“I wanted rigorous academics in a truly Christian atmosphere,” he says. “The ethos of PHC whenever I visited was one of professionalism, excellence, and godliness. I also appreciated the smaller student body with its strong relationships. PHC does not simply slap Christian before its name for aesthetic appeal; it truly is an academic community committed to Christ.”
With PHC’s unique appeal to homeschool graduates, many of its applicants come from single-income families, which can add to the challenge of saving for college. Furthermore, Patrick Henry has a commitment to not accept federal aid, ruling out a number of potential scholarships for its students, who must seek financial assistance from private sources.
“When I heard about the opportunity offered by HSF, I was jubilant,” says Bart. “Even with tools such as FastWeb, finding scholarships can still be difficult. I appreciate PHC's devotion to academic independence by not accepting federal aid.”
“This scholarship serves not only as assistance to students and their families, but also as a symbol of support and consideration by the Home School Foundation. It represents a unity within the homeschool community and a passion for investing in the next generation of Christians,” he adds.
To find out if your student is eligible for a Patrick Henry College scholarship or to donate to the fund, visit the PHC Scholarship Fund webpage, or call 540-338-8688.
Cherise Ryan is administrative assistant to the executive director of HSF.
