CCHSA HISTORY

1993-1994 - Peggy Parker and Bridget Clark invited interested home school families to attend informational meetings and field trips. Peggy scheduled the activities, Bridget assisted, and Joyce Preuett published the information in a newsletter that was available to the families who requested it on a sign-up sheet. There were less than ten families involved. We were just called the home school group. A year-end certificate was given to students and students displayed work/awards from the year

1994-1995 - Peggy was very involved in church activities, etc. and decided not to be involved in the group for this year. Bridget took over the leadership and the newsletter was published by Joyce Preuett. Dues were collected on a donation basis only - they were not required for membership. We decided to name our group Central Louisiana Home School Association. A year-end certificate was given to students and they were given the opportunity to share talents or display work/awards from the year

1995-1996 - Bridget decided to ask the group to elect a leader for this year as she was no longer able to be involved and Joyce Preuett was elected President, Donna Wood was elected Vice-President, and Suzanne Sandifer was elected Secretary-Treasurer. The group voted to apply for CHEF of LA membership. Dues were on a donation basis only - they were not required for membership. The colors of royal blue and gold were adopted by group vote and T-shirts (design by Joyce Preuett and interpreted by the Parkers) with our group name and emblem were available for members. We had our first Science Fair for home school students. There was a year-end certificate for students and each student was given an opportunity to share a talent or display work/awards of the year

 

1996-1997- CHEF of LA approved our application for membership. Statements of Faith and a Constitution and By-laws were written and adopted. Norman & Joyce Preuett were elected as President, Jon & Beverly Tellifero as Vice-President, Philip & Suzanne Sandifer as Secretary-Treasurer, Daryl & Patty Wilson as Activity Coordinator, and Clark & Lisa Boydstun were selected as CHEF of LA Representatives for our group. All members must sign one of two statements of faith and pay dues ($15/family). The group name was changed to CenLa Christian Home School Association in order to better describe our membership. The group emblem was revised to show this name change. New T-shirts are available. We had a Science Fair, a Social Studies Fair (on different countries), and Spelling Bee. Awards Night allows students to share talents and/or display work/awards from the year. All students receive a year-end certificate.

 

1997-1998 - 64 member families. Clark & Lisa Boydstun President; Norman & Joyce Preuett, Vice-President; Philip & Suzanne Sandifer, Treasurer; Kevin & Ronda Williams, Secretary; Daryl & Patty Wilson, Activity Coordinator. Membership requirements are the same as last year, but include a liability release form to be signed by members. T-shirts are available. A member directory was published. We had a Social Studies Fair (on the 13 colonies), a Science Fair, and a Spelling Bee (Kevin Williams won and represented our group in the Regional Spelling Bee). CCHSA youth begin to meet regularly for activities (about 10 youth) and Julia Ganaway began and directed the youth in drama. The youth ministered in different churches and performed for our annual Awards Night. Achievement testing was offered for group members.

 

1998-1999 - 81 member families. Clark & Lisa Boydstun, President; Norman & Joyce Preuett, Vice-President; John & Cindy Welch, Treasurer; Kevin & Ronda Williams, Secretary; Daryl & Patty Wilson, Activity Coordinator and Philip & Suzanne Sandifer coordinate youth activities. Membership requirements are the same as last year. T-shirts are available. A member directory was published. Instead of separate Science and Social Studies Fairs we held a Study Project Fair. We also had a Spelling Bee (Jeffrey Boydstun won and represented our group in the Regional Spelling Bee). The youth group numbers about 30 and studied the Civil War with Debra Buecker and drama under the direction of Chandra Seals. They performed a play on Awards Night. Meagan Frederick (youth) begins a newsletter called The Junk Room for the CCHSA youth with articles contributed by the youth themselves. A policy and procedures manual was adopted by the board to deal with specific areas in a fair and uniform manner. Achievement testing was offered for group members.

 

1999-2000 - 99 member families. Jeff & Yana Forsse, President; John & Cindy Welch, Vice President; Shan & Penny Lachney, Secretary; Daryl & Patty Wilson, Treasurer; Kevin & Ronda Williams, Activity Coordinator; Philip & Suzanne Sandifer, Youth Activity Coordinator. The Lachney's were unable to serve and Brad & Sue Capps were appointed by the board to serve as Secretary for the 1999-2000 school year. The Welch's moved at the end of February and the office of Vice-President was left vacant for the remainder of the year. Joyce Preuett took over publishing the newsletter during this time. T-shirts are available. Membership requirements remain the same. A directory and phone tree was published. Mondays include many new opportunities: boy's basketball, and band, art, and drama classes for all interested group members. The band, under the direction of Mr. Gardner Vaughn, won awards in competition and all of the different classes presented their accomplishments during both a Christmas-time and end-of-year production. The basketball team played only a couple of games this year, but did well. The state home school convention presented by CHEF of LA was held at Louisiana College and our group volunteered in a variety of positions. CCHSA held a Social Studies Fair, a Spelling Bee, a Science Fair, and a used book sale. New clubs formed were “Keepers at Home” (Libby Shepherd) and “Joy of Womanhood” (Melinda Smith) for girls and “Contenders of the Faith” (Gary Smith) for boys. Achievement testing was offered for group members. The CCHSA Constitution, Article VI-Membership, Section 1: Specifications and Article VI-Membership, Section 3: Applying for Membership was amended by full agreement of those present for the annual meeting and in accordance with the guidelines set forth in the CCHSA Constitution. The amendments add “compliance” to the qualifications for membership in both sections, and expands section 3 by specifying that dues are a part of membership. Section 3 was further clarified by defining the membership classes, designations, voting powers, rights, privileges, restrictions, and limitations that were already accepted and followed unofficially as guidelines for membership.

 

2000-2001 - 121 member families. Jeff & Yana Forsse President; Ira & Rachelle Preuett, Vice-President; Gary & Linda Arthur, Secretary; Clark & Lisa Boydstun, Treasurer; Kevin & Ronda Williams, Thursday Activities Coordinator; Philip & Suzanne Sandifer, Youth Activities Coordinator; Bart & Ginger New, Other Activities Coordinator. The newsletter was published by Joyce Preuett. T-shirts were available. Membership requirements remain the same, but the membership fees have increased slightly ($20/family) to cover increased expenses for facility rental and publishing/mailing costs for the group newsletter. A directory and phone tree was published. Activities Coordinator has been expanded to deal with the great variety of responsibilities and the growth of our group. A large number of families/students met each week for classes and activities at Trinity Baptist. Sign language, children's and youth's drama and art, English literature, choir, music, and band were offered to those interested. The choir participated in a Christmas caroling contest and held a concert in a local nursing home. Several band members participated in a band festival and received high ratings. The band, drama, and choir students performed both a Christmas and end-of-year program. Girl's basketball began it's first year with Patty Wilson and Cristie Morgan coaching and the boy's basketball was expanded to include not only the high school boys, but one group of 5th and 6th graders and another of 7th and 8th graders. Coaches were Ira Preuett, Todd Burgess, Bart New, and Rick Henson. The group held a Science Fair, a Spelling Bee, an Art Show, and a used book sale. Terri Piercy and Suzanne Sandifer organized a group of students and compiled CCHSA's very first yearbook, The Voyage. The senior class had active parents planning special events for them. They had - a 'formal' (dinner at the Bistro), a senior class trip (to San Antonio) and a senior celebration night (chaperoned party and activities that culminated in an early morning breakfast). CCHSA's first formal cap & gown graduation was held at Pineville 7th Day Adventist Church with Kevin Williams, Cory Buecker, Patrick Arthur, Stacey Sandifer, Megan Frederick, Rachel Smith, Elizabeth Smith, and Tiffany Capps participating. Achievement testing was offered for group members and (at a slightly higher cost) for non-group members.

 

2001-2002 - 99 families were registered as members this year. Tom & Resa Murphy, President; Kerry & Pam Livengood, Secretary; Clark & Lisa Boydstun, Treasurer (acting). T-shirts are available. Membership requirements are the same, but membership fees have increased to $25/family annually. Expenses budgeted included a CCHSA web page, as well as costs involved in providing information for growing membership. The web page information was developed, but was not put on-line this year. A directory was published by Donna Frederick, Lisa Boydstun, and Joyce Preuett. Joyce served as CCHSA Information Coordinator, producing a monthly newsletter that was emailed to most members. Other members received their newsletter by U. S. mail. Since members are spread over such a wide territory, individual CCHSA members were chosen to represent CCHSA in specific geographic areas. They served as contacts and support leaders to help both new and veteran homeschooling families living in their area to meet one another and work together. The eight areas, and their representatives, were: Glenn & Debbie Preuett (Dry Prong/Bentley/Ball/Pollock), Nathan & Lori Martin (Pineville), Janet & Craig Austin (Deville, Philadelphia, Esler Field Road), Jay & Deidre Buzbee (Marksville, Mansura, Effie, Centerpoint, Moncla), Kelton & Lou Ann Merrell (Flatwoods, Chopin, Colfax, Boyce, Cloutierville, Montgomery), Louis & Karin Zaragoza (Alexandria), Rickey & Valerie Johnson (Simpson, Hicks, LaCamp, Sieper, Gardner, Hot Wells), and Terry & Karen Gillespie (Glenmora, Elizabeth, Oakdale, Turkey Creek, Forest Hill, Woodworth, LeCompte). They organized art classes, field trips, and home meetings for their areas and provided some opportunities for the entire CCHSA membership. SPORTS: Specific guidelines for coaches, parents, and student/participants in CCHSA sports were added to the CCHSA Policy and Procedure manual. Lou Ann Merrell coached volleyball. BASKETBALL: Girl's basketball added 4th-6th graders with Gina Daigrepont coaching. Patty Wilson continued to work with the older girls. Clark Boydstun coached 4th-6th grade boys, Ira Preuett worked with the junior high boys assisted by Bill Lemmons, and Bart New coached the high school group. Music classes include recorder taught by Ronda Williams, violin taught by Melody Garrett, and both beginning and advanced band taught by David Jordan. Violin students received awards in a music competition. The music students performed at the Thanksgiving Talent & Variety Show, the Spring Concert, and at Awards Night. The California Achievement Test was administered to students.

 

2002-2003 – 91 families were registered as members this year. No candidates were offered at the 2001-2002 annual meeting to be elected for this year so officers for this year were appointed by the 2001-2002 board.  Kerry & Pam Livengood, President; Jeff & Yana Forsse, Vice-President;  Mike & Linda Creel, Secretary; Clark & Lisa Boydstun, Treasurer; David & Gina Daigrepont, Activity Coordinator. T-shirts are available. Membership requirements are the same. A CCHSA web site, www.cchsa.net, was put on-line for members this year by Clark & Lisa Boydstun. A directory that included a list of member-owned and/or recommended businesses was published by Lisa Boydstun and Joyce Preuett. Joyce served as CCHSA Information Coordinator, producing a monthly newsletter that was emailed to most members. Lisa Boydstun mailed hard copies to other members by U. S. mail. Book-It coupons from Pizza Hut were available through Pam Jones. A phone tree for members without email was set up by Lisa Boydstun.  CCHSA offered members a Thanksgiving banquet and talent night, a Christmas craft party, a bike safety rodeo, bowling, skating, movie and ‘social’ days, trips to the zoo, Frogmore Plantation, Sci-Port, Avery Island, Kees Park, and the pumpkin patch, a spring picnic and activity day, and many more opportunities to attend local performances or to participate in local groups such as gymnastics, swimming, karate, speech, etc.   Mr. Lucas Moncada began a weekly Spanish class for students that included entire families which was very well received.  SPORTS: Specific guidelines for coaches, parents, and student/participants in CCHSA sports were revised slightly and included a qualification in first aid for coaches and assistants. Lou Ann Merrell coached girl’s volleyball. BASKETBALL: The girl's basketball team had Patty Wilson and Gina Daigrepont continuing to volunteer. The boys did not have a coach this year and we were unable to offer this opportunity. The California Achievement Test was administered to students at the beginning of April and was coordinated by Joyce Preuett.  The annual awards night was combined with graduation for CCHSA students this year.  Graduates had a special speaker and a reception.  Participating students received certificates of achievement and were offered an opportunity to display projects, art work, etc. during the fellowship time that followed the graduation ceremonies.  2003 Graduates were Jessica Forsse, Kayla Leggett, Jonathan Murphy, and Lansing Zaragoza.

 

The CCHSA Constitution and by-laws was amended.  Amendment #1 deleted a section under Article VI-Membership.  The section deleted was the original #2.  It stated, “CCHSA Full Membership:  Parent/teachers sign the CCHSA/CHEF statement on family and education form, indicating that they agree and comply with the statements, but do not wish to join CHEF of LA, ...”  Because CCHSA is a CHEF of LA group, all members automatically become members of CHEF – it is not an option.  Since #2 was deleted, #3 became #2. 

 

Amendment #2 added two sections under Article VII-Government.  The first one defines the non-liability of directors and the second defines indemnification by corporation of directors and officers.  These were added to protect individuals serving on the board from being personally bankrupted in any type of litigation that might possibly occur.

 

2003-2004 –81 member families -  Luck & Libby Shepherd, President; Bud & Sandy McBride, Vice-President;  Gary & Melinda Smith, Secretary (Brad & Sue Capps were elected to this position but resigned because of other obligations); Clark & Lisa Boydstun, Treasurer (Jeff & Yana Forsse were elected to this position but resigned because they are no longer homeschooling); David & Gina Daigrepont, Activity Coordinator. Membership requirements are the same.  A membership directory was published by Joyce Preuett.  The Kick-Off Meeting was held at Lake Buhlow Recreation Area.  The group made field trips to Frogmore Plantation, Alligator Farm, Kent House, Atwood’s Bakery, Heart of Spain exhibit, Wildlife Refuge, Old Fashioned Syrup Making, Alexandria Post Office, and Sonshine Orchard.  Other opportunities included Moms’ Support Nights, Speech & Debate Club, 4-H, photography class, Chess Club, American Girl Club, skating, bowling, girls volleyball, pottery class, debate class, music class, Keepers at Home clubs, playdays, and Spanish class.  Awards Night and Talent Show was held at Live Oak Community Church.  2004 graduates were Katie Murphy, Prissy Williams, and Jeremiah Smith.

 

2004-2005 – 90 member families - Bud & Sandy McBride, President; David & Gina Daigrepont, Vice-president; Luck & Libby Shepherd, Secretary; Clark & Lisa Boydstun, Treasurer.  Membership requirements and dues remained the same.  A membership directory was published by Sandy McBride.  The Kick-off Meeting was held at England Airpark YMCA.  Opportunities this year included Spanish classes, Living Daylights Speech & Debate Club, Keepers at Home groups, girls volleyball, Chess Club, 4-H, 10th & 11th Grade Club, Beginning Public Speaking class, Athletic/Fitness Program at LA Athletic Club, and Pizza Hut Book-It reading program.  Members made field trips to Sonshine Orchard, Alexandria Police Station, the courthouse, Milton’s Christmas Tree Farm, the firestation, Atwood’s Bakery, and Sci-Port.  Other activities included skating, bowling, playdays at the park, Mom’s support meeting, Strings & Stories music/theater performance, Beauty & the Beast at Pineville High School, and the Family Playhouse production of Sound of Music.  Living Daylights Speech & Debate Club hosted a practice tournament at Calvary Baptist Church.  Andrew & John Axsom, AnnMarie & Margie McBride, Jason Smith, and  Stephanie Wilson represented CCHSA at the Regional Speech/Debate Finals tournament in Birmingham.  Andrew, AnnMarie, Margie and Jason also competed at the National Tournament in San Diego.  A Graduation/Recital/Reception was held at Grace Presbyterian Church.  2005 graduates were Jeffrey Boydstun, Esquire Hennigan, Lauren Hill, and Richard Schneider.

 

2005-2006 – 83 member families - Bud & Sandy McBride, President; Daryl & Patty Wilson, Vice-president; Brad & Sarah Touchet, Secretary; Clark & Lisa Boydstun, Treasurer. Membership requirements and dues remained the same. A membership directory was posted on the website. The Kick-off Meeting was held at Skateville. Opportunities this year included Spanish classes, Living Daylights Speech & Debate Club, Band class, girls volleyball, 4-H, 11th & 12th Grade Club, Beginning Public Speaking class, Athletic/Fitness Program at LA Athletic Club, and Pizza Hut Book-It reading program. Members made field trips to Pumpkin Patch, Alexandria Police Station, the courthouse, Louisiana Maneuvers and Military Museum, Alexandria Daily Town Talk. Other activities included skating, bowling, play days at the park, Mom’s support meeting.  The group also attended two plays the Nutcracker and Crazy for You.  A Graduation Reception was held May 13th at Alpine Baptist Church.  2006 graduates were Amanda "Mandy" Williams, Adam Lavespere, Preston Capps, Jamie Funderburk, Casey Murphy, and Jason Smith.  Our Year-End/Performance Ceremony/Reception was held May16th  at Grace Church where all other students were awarded end of the year certificates.

2006-2007 - Cenla Christian Home School Association had 95 member families for the 2006-2007 school year.  The officers for the year were: Brad and Sarah Touchet, President; Ed and Pam Jones, Vice-president; Jon and Shantel Haag, Secretary; Clark & Lisa Boydstun, Treasurer.  Membership requirements and dues remained the same. A membership directory was published by Pam Jones and Lisa Boydstun.  The Kickoff Meeting was held at Horseshoe Baptist Church on August 19th, 2006.  Opportunities this year included Spanish classes, Living Daylights Speech & Debate Club, Greek Club, Keepers at Home groups, Drama Club, Girls Volleyball, 4-H, Beginning Public Speaking class, Intermediate Band, Zoo School, Nature classes, and Pizza Hut Book-It Reading Program.  Members made field trips to Noble Flight, the Fire Station, Pumpkin Patch, Adai Indian Nation Cultural Center, Grant's Christmas Tree Farm & Syrup Making Mill, Proctor and Gamble, Booker Fowler Fish Hatchery, and Sci-Port.  Communicators for Christ conference was a 4-day speech and debate workshop hosted by CCHSA at Kingsville Baptist Church.  Participants came from all over Louisiana and several other states to learn to effectively communicate a biblical world view and truth.  Other activities included skating, story time at the library, play days at the park, and Moms Meetings.  A Graduation Reception was held at Alpine First Baptist Church on May 11th, 2007.  2007 graduates were Laura Capps, Amber Merrill, Lucas Moncada, Philip Goudeaux, Abigail Tellifero, and Stephanie Wilson.  Our Annual Awards Night was on May 18th, 2007, at Grace Church in Alexandria.

2007-2008            CCHSA had 100 member families for the 2007-2008 school year.  The officers for the year were:  Brad and Sarah Touchet, President; Ed and Pam Jones, Vice-President; Jon and Shantel Haag, Treasurer; Chris and Jennifer Parish, Secretary.  Membership requirements and dues remained the same.  A membership directory which also included CCHSA Constitution, and Policies and Procedures was published.  The Kickoff meeting held on August 11, 2007, at Philadelphia Baptist Church in Libuse,  was attended by a record breaking 500 people.

Member families participated in group activities such as:  Art classes, Yearbook, 4-H, Band, Operation Christmas Child,  St. Jude’s Math-a-Thon, Reformation Ball, CCHSA Theatre,  Starbase, Basketball, Volleyball,  Drama, Greek Club, and College Prep Seminar. Field Trips offered to member families were:  CLECO, Ft. St. Jean Baptiste and Grand Ecore, Native American Day in Marksville, KALB News Channel 5, WWII Museum in New Orleans, Adams Pest Control, La State Arboretum, Avery Island and Tabasco Factory.  The Awards Night Program was held on May 9 at Sanctuary of Praise in Pineville. 

Other extracurricular opportunities included: First Class Co-Op, Zoo School, Book-It Program,  storytime at Martin Library, Play days at Kees Park, skating at Skateville, Moms Meetings, Team Debate, Speech & Writing Class, CCHSA First Annual Field Day, Teenpact, and Student Project.

  Activities specifically for high school students included:  Jr./Sr.  Fun Day/ Night, Jr./Sr. Banquet,  the Corn Maize, bonfires and cookouts, Ice Skating, and bowling.  CCHSA Graduation was held at Alpine Baptist Church in Tioga on May 2, 2008.  The graduates were:  Jared Boydstun, Amanda Dupre,  Devin Moncada, Robert Spears,  and Ala Williams.