Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz was joined at the Capitol this week by one of his most loyal constituents - his 10-year-old daughter Ella.
The Schultzes were together Wednesday at the Utah state Capitol to participate in the public launch of Utah Home-education Organizations for Parental Empowerment -- a coalition of home-education groups dedicated to "protecting, promoting and preserving home-based education options for Utah families."
Fourth grader Ella can speak on homeschooling with some authority.
When she was in kindergarten, Ellen was homeschooled in the home of a family friend.
"I loved it -- it was so fun."
Now she attends a public school. And, once again, "I love it."
Ella's public school is "a great school in our community," said Speaker Schultz, R-Hooper.
"But it doesn't work for every kid -- and that's why I am so proud that Utah has paved the way for parents, educators and communities to work together to ensure that every child in Utah has access to a quality education that, most importantly, best meets their needs."
Although challenging to pin down exact numbers, homeschooling in Utah continues to grow. The Beehive State has long been ranked as one of the country's most supportive states for educating children in the home.
This week's UHOPE event drew scores of supporters -- including key lawmakers such as Schultz and Senate President Stuart Adams.
Education, said Schultz, is not "one-size fits all -- and that's a good thing." Every student has "different qualities" and learns in different ways.
"Regardless of whether you send your kid to a public school, to a private school, a charter school or teach them inside their own home. ... We know that parents play a central role in determining what's best for our children," he said.
The role of leaders, Schultz added, "is to support and create that environment where parents' choices are honored. ... We will also continue to pass policies that strengthen and prioritize families and communities across our states"
Adams, R-Layton, was unable to attend Wednesday's gathering, but provided a statement of support for Utah parents choosing to educate in the home:
"You are the heart of what makes our state so special -- parents who are dedicated, resourceful and committed to giving their children the best education possible.
"Utah has always been a leader in protecting parental rights, and I'm proud to stand with you in ensuring those freedoms remain strong."
UHOPE chair Brittany Sproul is a former public school teacher who has homeschooled her five children for the past eight years.
"I've seen firsthand how powerful and life-changing homeschooling can be," she said. "It's not just about academic freedom, it's about empowering parents to create the best environment for their children's growth."
UHOPE exists, added Sproul, "because the right to homeschool is under attack -- both nationally and in Utah.
"Proposals such as requiring state evaluations, waiting periods, or parental qualifications threaten the flexibility that makes homeschooling effective. We're not just protecting a choice. We're defending the fundamental rights of parents to decide their child's education."
House Majority Whip Karianne Lisonbee, R-Clearfield, is a self-described "veteran homeschool mom of 26 years."
Homeschooling, she said, has long been "a cornerstone of parental empowerment and student success."
The state has long recognized that parents have the primary responsibility of educating their children. "Utah families and students thrive because of our legal framework and robust, individualized education offerings."
Meanwhile, Rep.-elect Nicholeen Peck, R-Tooele, called homeschooling "the last frontier in education."
"We have to protect it ... and our legislature has done a great job so far to make sure that there are no restrictions on us. We have to make sure that continues to happen."
UHOPE's maiden youth committee was also introduced at Wednesday's gathering.
The young people are playing a key role in the development of the KeepHomeSchoolWeird.org campaign. These days, according to the campaign's website, "weird" looks a lot like "normal."
"We have been working hard to make our voices heard," said youth committee chair Joann Davidson. "We've written bylaws, run the PR campaign, filmed videos, we even designed the logo.
"We are not any different from the rest of you. We're just people willing to show up."