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Copyright 2004 MACHE |
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MACHE SPONSORED GRADUATION MACHE began holding annual graduation ceremonies in 1986 when John and Lynne Cooke felt a need to honor the graduates who were part of the growing home education movement in Minnesota. They started with thirteen graduates in the first graduation and grew to over 100 in the next eighteen years. The formal ceremony for MACHE members is held annually in May. This MACHE sponsored event which relies on parents' involvement includes a formal ceremony with caps and gowns, speeches, and music performed by the graduates. MACHE facilitates the graduation by securing a location, furnishing caps and gowns, making arrangements for reception activities, 'off-setting' part of the expenses, scheduling monthly planning meetings, and guiding graduates and their parents in planning the ceremony. Families share in the cost of the graduation and commit to attending the five monthly planning meetings. Participation in the graduation ceremony in no way implies that MACHE has endorsed or approved the course of study of the graduating student. MACHE graduation participants are required to acknowledge the accomplishment of twelve years of study, to have been homeschooled for at least the last two consecutive years, and to be MACHE members. Students of nonpublic schools in Minnesota (which include homeschools) are not required to take any of the state-mandated tests that are required for public school graduation. The John and Lynne Cooke Scholarship is awarded annually to two home-educated individuals participating in the graduation who demonstrate "the spirit of selfless service and ministry to the community and the body of Christ as exemplified by John and Lynne Cooke." The two $500 scholarships can be used for purposes such as post-secondary schooling, missionary work, apprenticeship opportunities, or getting started in a career. The recipients of these scholarships will be chosen by John and Lynne Cooke through an anonymous selection process. The scholarships are awarded at the annual MACHE graduation ceremony. Application for the scholarships is optional. There are various ways to honor your student’s graduation. The MACHE graduation gives you the benefit of having help in planning the activities, meeting other students with whom you can share talents, and providing variety in the ceremony. However, you may prefer a different option for your graduation. Because each student is unique, you might prefer to choose a private family event, a special service at your church, a formal group ceremony, or even a special missionary trip in lieu of a ceremony. The latter options can easily be individualized for your student. Graduation requirements and the issuing of a diploma are entirely up to the parents. MACHE can suggest sources for obtaining a printed diploma. The MACHE Graduation is distinctively Christian, traditionally conservative, and respectfully deferent. The 2009 MACHE graduation will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2009, at Benson Great Hall on the campus of Bethel University in Arden Hills. If you would like further information about the MACHE graduation ceremony, please contact us at info@mache.org, 763-717-9070 (toll free: 1-866-717-9070), or MACHE, P O Box 32308, Fridley, MN, 55432. Address your inquiry to the attention of the MACHE Graduation Coordinator. Please indicate your interest in participating by January 1 of each year, as we begin our monthly graduation planning meetings in early January. |
