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Zach Guyse's speech to
the Senate Education Committee
March 30, 2006
Madame Chairwoman,
ladies and gentlemen: Thank you
for the opportunity to speak today. I would just
like to share with you why this bill is very important to me and my family.
My name is Zachary Guyse. I’m 17 years old and in 11th grade this year. I’ve
been homeschooled since 2nd grade and have always been thankful to live in a
country that allows parents to decide what is best for their children. I’m even
more thankful for my parents who have sacrificed so many things in order to
provide me with the best. I’m not saying that homeschooling is better than
public schools or that homeschooling is for everyone, but what I am saying is
that homeschooling has been the best for me and my family.
Every person learns in a different way and my parents have been able to teach me
in a way that is more
beneficial for me. Once again let me say that I am
thankful for the freedom to homeschool, but in choosing to homeschool I also
gave up some freedoms that others enjoy. While other teenagers my age are able
to participate in high school athletic events, I am not. I played recreational
league soccer and baseball for several years until I entered high school. Now
the only option available to athletes my age is public school sports. I know
half of the guys on my local high school’s soccer and football team since I
played with them in Rec. league or met them in Boy Scouts, but since I entered
high school I am no longer allowed to play with them. My time as a high school
student will end next year, and I would greatly appreciate the privilege of
playing soccer or football one last time. I know that my brother Jeremy, who is
interested in pursuing baseball as a career, would also greatly appreciate the
freedom to play high school baseball. I hope that as our state senators and
legislators that you will support this bill and that you will try to make sure
it passes before the end of this year, since I have only a limited amount of
time that I can enjoy its provisions. Thank you all very much for your time.
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