Meet Cortnie
Cortnie Johnson began her homeschool journey in fifth grade after being enrolled in a public school in her early elementary years. Daughter of CHEA members Mark and Annmarie Johnson, Cortnie has been a part of Celebration Academy, a CHEA Support Network PSP in Livermore, California.
Cortnie plans to attend Biola University in the fall as she pursues a degree in Christian Ministries.
Congratulations, Cortnie! We look forward to hearing you speak at CHEA’s 36th Annual Homeschool Convention in Pasadena.
I am sincerely honored and grateful to have been selected as the recipient of the 2019 Susan K. Beatty Scholarship. Thank you for your generosity which will support my education and growth at Biola University.
Beginning home education in fifth grade was one of the best things that ever happened to me. Many presume that I was missing out on big things by being homeschooled. But I believe that I would have missed out on more significant and valuable things if I had not switched to homeschooling.
Being home educated gave me flexibility to learn unique subjects that helped me discover what I love to do, to be involved in multiple musical arts, and to run an online product-based business. Close to my heart are the priceless opportunities I have had with my adaptable schedule to fill my high school years with service and missions. All of these experiences have been invaluable in shaping me into who I am today.
Learning in my home revealed to me how everything I learned and did was connected to God. Math was created by God. Reading is how we know the Word of God. Through writing we can communicate to others the characteristics of God and the stories He creates. History helps us learn about the people God created and our fallen world. Science is discovering the wonders of God’s creation. The arts express the creativity of God reflected in us. My siblings and I have been taught to seek God and do everything to His glory, and that includes our day to day learning.
I greatly value the extra time I was able to spend with my family as a homeschooler. I am blessed to have deep friendships with my siblings that I know are stronger because of interactions and shared experiences with them day in and day out. Being home educated also meant that I was able to clearly hear my parents’ wisdom and teaching throughout the hours of each day. My parents have always sought a relationship with me, are my friends, and my biggest supporters. They exemplified godly wisdom that I sincerely wanted to follow because of the relationship they built with me. Being around my family so much meant we worked hard to resolve conflict and to love each other well. It wasn’t always easy, but I’ve learned that good things are worth the work, and the bond I have with my family is, to me, a very good thing.
Home education has benefited my life immensely. It is hard to imagine who I would be without it. I see the freedom to home educate as something that betters students’ and families’ lives, and consequently, our world. I thank God for the ways it has built me, for organizations like CHEA, and for the people who fight to ensure that families will always be able to educate at home, giving other students the same opportunity I have been so blessed to have.
The Lord has stood by me and strengthened me this far, and given me so much grace. I know that in my next chapter, He will continue to defend me, and I will share what a good and faithful God He is.
Thank you to CHEA. I feel very honored and touched to receive your support in my college endeavors. As I major in Christian Ministries and follow God’s leading in the coming years, I hope to make an impact and touch people’s lives with Christ’s truth and love. I genuinely appreciate your confidence in me and your willingness to contribute to my future education.
Each year, CHEA’s Support Network provides the Susan K. Beatty Scholarship, named in honor of CHEA’s founder, in the amount of $1000, to a CHEA Member who is also a member of a CHEA Support Network Group and a graduating senior. Deadline for application is February 28 of each year. Cortnie will be speaking briefly and receiving her award at the 36th Annual CHEA Convention July 11-13, 2019 at the Pasadena Convention Center.