Contact: Anne Miller, President, 757-253-2518; 757-561-8450 cell, president@heav.org; Yvonne Bunn, Director of Homeschool Outreach and Government Affairs, 804-278-9200, 252-673-2855 cell, ybunn@heav.org; both with Home Educators Association of Virginia

RICHMOND, Va., May 29 /Standard Newswire/ -- One of the largest homeschool conventions in the nation is expected to host nearly 10,000 at the Richmond Convention Center during the 24th Annual Home Educator's Association of Virginia (HEAV) State Convention & Educational Fair on June 7, 8, and 9. Attendees from Virginia as well as from surrounding states, while speakers and vendors will arrive from all parts of the nation.

The convention features:

-Four free introductory sessions on June 7th as well as a free shopping period on June 9th. Sessions are designed to provide solid, practical information to those considering home education or who are curious about this fast-growing educational alternative.

-A History Track featuring eight workshops on Virginia's history and a free CD in honor of the Jamestown Quadricentennial Celebration.

-A homeschool graduation that is expected to be the country's largest, with an estimated attendance of nearly 3,000. The 185 graduating students will come from all over the state: Northern Virginia, Tidewater, Central and Southwest Virginia, and Hampton Roads. Some of the graduates are from out of state, with a student from Maryland, two from North Carolina, one from Vermont--even one from the British Virgin Islands.

-One of the largest exhibitions of books, educational materials, and used curricula in the country. With more resources than ever, the 295-booth exhibit hall will feature more than 150 exhibitors from all over the nation, while the used curriculum sale is anticipated to offer more than 30,000 items.

-Prominent speakers from all around the country. Ken Ham (Answers in Genesis), Dr. Emerson Eggerichs (Love and Respect Ministries), Doug Phillips (Vision Forum Ministries), Mary Hood (The Relaxed Homeschooler), Joel Salatin (Polyface Farm), Michele Zavatsky (Kids Love Travel), and many others will be offering workshops on a wide variety of subjects. Many of these and other speakers are available for interviews before and during the convention.

Says Anne Miller, HEAV president: "With record-breaking preregistration numbers, the convention this year promises something for everyone. This is the place to be for educationally minded parents."

The Home Educators Association of Virginia (HEAV) is a statewide, member-supported, non-profit organization that has strengthened and empowered homeschoolers throughout the Commonwealth for the past 24 years.