Local Home-School Student Recognized as Commended Scholar

James Knox of Botetourt has been recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program as a Commended Scholar and received a Letter of Commendation for his outstanding performance on the PSAT Qualifying Test. Knox is a homeschooled Senior in Botetourt County and attends the co-op Challenge Program with Classical Conversations of Botetourt.

Knox’s family moved to Botetourt in 2005. James is the oldest of six siblings (plus one foster). The Knox family has always homeschooled, and the father, Steve Knox said: “We thought it would be the best option for our children. I really like the flexibility that homeschooling has to offer. We can move at the pace of the children and cater it to their needs. It gives us flexibility in terms of field trips, and that kind of thing, it allows for an integration of the different subjects. It’s kind of a big-picture learning. My wife was homeschooled and so I got to see the results of homeschooling in her family, so for me, it was a pretty easy no-brainer.”

James is no stranger to achievements. Recently, he passed his EMT certifications through Virginia Western, as well as earning the prestigious Freedom Award through Trail Life USA. In his free time, Knox enjoys target shooting with 4H, acting in Attic Productions plays, playing soccer with RVHR, volunteering at church, playing violin, tap dancing, and reading. He also works as a lifeguard at the Botetourt YMCA and a sideline soccer referee.

Knox plans to attend Grove City College in Pennsylvania next Fall and study Mechanical Engineering.

Photo taken by Cassie Carter