Trending
Editor, News-Register:
Thousands of West Virginia families who dream of enrolling their children in schools that best suit their children's distinct learning needs have had their hopes dashed by big-city lawyers from Los Angeles, New York City, Washington, D.C., New Jersey, and Alabama. These out-of-state strangers are using a few local residents to try to block all West Virginia children's access to Hope Scholarships. Hope Scholarships enable and empower parental choice when it comes to educating their children, and this lawsuit is in direct contrast to our West Virginia way -- "Montani Semper Liberi -- Mountaineers are always free." A motion for preliminary injunction halting the program from going forward will be heard in court on Tuesday, April 19.
If the Circuit Court of Kanawha County grants this injunction, hundreds of families like mine will not be able to use the program this year.
For families across our state, hope may now be deferred indefinitely.
Education plays a pivotal role in empowering a child to pursue their individual talents and unlock their true potential. Public schools work just fine for some, including a few of my own children, but not for all students.
Some children learn better in private school with more structure, some families opt for homeschooling where they can fully customize the learning experience, and some families, like mine, dream of arts-based and STEM-based schools where their children can flourish with their natural born talents.
As all parents know, schooling is not always a simple endeavor. There have been times my children have struggled in certain learning environments, subjects, and skills. Every day I wish my children had the opportunity to truly develop their talents while receiving the general education they require.
Right now, the only families that can choose to provide their child with different educational environments are the ones who can afford expensive private schools, or who can afford buy a home in the "right" school district. Even then, we lack the privilege of choice.
The Hope scholarship changes that.
In 2021, the West Virginia Legislature, through passage of the HOPE scholarship, provided families with a portion of state-allocated educational dollars (around $4,300 dollars per child) to use on a wide range of state-approved educational items, including tuition and tutoring. All children who are currently enrolled in the public school system for at least 45 calendar days or who are entering kindergarten are eligible for the program. It is my truest hope that more diverse education options will begin to open up in my community as more children are fiscally enabled to attend.
Applications for Hope Scholarships began March 1, 2022, for the upcoming fall 2022 semester. Interested parents should apply to the program as soon as possible to show their support for Hope Scholarships and give voice to the dreams of their children. Let the Court hear our voices.
When I held my child for the first time many years ago, I was captivated by many of the new parent emotions -- love, joy, fear, but also hope. Hope that my child would have opportunity to find his passion, flourish under guidance for his individual talents, and thrive in a safe environment. Hope Scholarships provide access to this opportunity.
Education is hope. The hopes and dreams of West Virginia children to thrive and become successful adults should not be denied. The Hope Scholarship is a pivotal moment for West Virginia families, giving us back the freedom to choose and the opportunity to be free.
Montani Semper Liberi.
Leah Peck
Harrison County