Day at the Capitol Review

A record number of parents and students attended HEAV's Day at the Capitol! More than 500 were at the morning session to hear from state officials, listen to a Civil War living-history presentation, and learn how a bill becomes a law through HEAV's Mock General Assembly. Participants later took tour buses to the beautifully renovated Capitol and new Visitors Center, the General Assembly, Executive Mansion, Supreme Court, and Museum of the Confederacy. It was an exciting day!

The Day Begins
For many, the day began quite early. Registration started at 8:30 a.m. and many attendees drove several hours in order to attend. Yvonne Bunn, HEAV's director of homeschool support and legislative affairs and the Day at the Capitol host, officially began the day by reading a warm greeting from Department of Education Policy Director Michelle Vucci who was invited to address the group but was unable to attend. After the greeting, HEAV lobbyist Ben Lansing presented an up-to-the minute status report on the bills HEAV is tracking. Ben also shared the different "feel" in the legislature now that the balance of power has shifted.

Living History Prepares Students for the Capitol Visit
Anna Jackson and her husband "Stonewall" Jackson (a.k.a. Shelley and Jim Hendry) shared the importance of a godly education and building good character for the challenges students will face in the future. Afterwards, they talked with students and answered questions.

Re-enactor Jim Lipscomb from the Museum of the Confederacy described the Confederate uniform he was wearing-from his gun and bayonet to his shoes (which had no right or left foot!). Families later visited the museum to view artifacts, original documents, and letters from soldiers. Through hands-on activities, they learned about the hardship of a soldier's life.

Public Officials Acknowledge Homeschoolers
Attorney General Bob McDonnell addressed the audience and informed parents about several issues he and his staff are working on to protect families. He strongly cautioned parents and students to be aware of the dangers of the Internet. Although the Internet is a wonderful educational tool, he warned that it can undermine the values parents are instilling in their children. He believes it has the potential to be both very helpful and very harmful.

After discussing the process of state government, Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling took numerous questions from the audience. The students showed interest and asked very thought provoking questions—even one that the lieutenant governor couldn't answer! Students—young and old alike—were not intimidated at all! Many had the opportunity during the afternoon to view the Senate proceedings from the gallery and see the lieutenant governor at work as he presided over the fast-moving voting activity in the Senate.

Homeschoolers were acknowledged from the floor of the House and the Senate at the opening of each session. Delegate Scott Lingamfelter introduced homeschoolers on the House side, and Senator (and homeschool dad) Ken Cuccinelli recognized homeschoolers on the Senate side.

The Restored Capitol Was a Highlight
Visiting the newly renovated Capitol was the highlight of the day. It was magnificent! The restoration emphasized the beautiful bright colors and architectural details on the walls and ceilings. The new 27,000 square foot underground extension houses the Visitors Center, meeting rooms, a gift shop, and a café. From the extension, visitors enter the historic Capitol designed by Thomas Jefferson when Patrick Henry was governor. Some families were also able to visit the Executive Mansion, home to Virginia's governor and first family since 1813. It is the oldest governor's residence still used for its original purpose.

Homeschoolers Visit Legislators and Bring Gifts
During the afternoon, parents and students visited their legislators' offices in the General Assembly building and were welcomed by legislators and their staff. Many carried gifts of home-baked cookies and bread as a thank you for supporting homeschooling. Vicki Bentley prepared beautiful gift baskets from HEAV for our guest speakers and Governor Timothy Kaine.

See the Pictures!
You can enjoy a pictorial review of Day at the Capitol even if you weren't able to be with us. If you were with us, you might see yourself in some of the photos. Our sincere thanks to homeschooler Seth Fisher of Through My Lens Photography for photographing the event!