CHEC is grateful for the many who have given sacrificially, fought battles, and worked tirelessly to contribute to the Colorado homeschool community. We recognize and express our gratitude for some of these leaders through these annual awards.

Award: Spark Plug

CHEC is dependent on our team of volunteers, and each year, over 300 families and individuals join CHEC to promote homeschooling, share their love for the Lord, and enjoy fellowship with others. Volunteers are tasked with anything from stuffing envelopes in an afternoon to working regular hours on large special events like the Rocky Mountain Homeschool Conference. (Learn more about volunteering.)

As a way to honor our volunteers, CHEC presents the Spark Plug award annually at the Rocky Mountain Homeschool Conference to a volunteer whose efforts set them apart by an unusual amount of energy, inspiration, dedication and self sacrifice.

Award: Homeschool Leadership Award

Homeschool Groups offer fellowship, inspiration, tools, and hands-on support to homeschool families under the guidance of group leaders.  The sacrificial service of these leaders goes largely unseen.  But CHEC offers members the opportunity to nominate their leader for the Homeschool Leadership award. Award recipients are recognized at the Rocky Mountain Homeschool Conference.

Award: Statesman of the Year

We praise God for legislators who stand for Christian homeschool freedom.  Each spring at the Day at the Capitol rally, CHEC recognizes one Representative or Senator in appreciation for their selfless leadership in the arena of public policy.

Award: Ruth Beechick

In 1986, after a distinguishing career in the education field, Dr. Ruth Beechick channeled her talented writing skills to promote home-based discipleship. A true pioneer in every sense, Dr. Beechick gave credibility to a spawning movement that welcomed her expertise. Standing against a wave of conventional worldly wisdom that condemned home education, Dr.Beechick soon became a beloved writer and counselor to many new homeschooling families. Her compassionate timely wisdom came to a pinnacle with the publishing of her book, A Biblical Home Education, where she boldly proclaimed that, “Since the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, anti-God teaching can only lead to foolishness.” Dr. Ruth Beechick lived in Golden, Colorado, until she passed away in 2013.

CHEC is pleased to honor this legacy by presenting the Ruth Beechick Award to past and present homeschool leaders who have distinguished themselves in Colorado. In the spirit of Dr. Beechick, we seek out those who have given of themselves sacrificially, who stand on the principles of God’s Word, and who understand the truth that wisdom can only be taught in the fear of God. We recognize the Ruth Beechick Award recipient at the annual Day at the Capitol rally.

May God in His mercy grant us many more leaders who typify this courageous woman of God!