Homeschool Day draws about 1,500 visitors to Iowa House; lawmakers welcome students and a local art student

The Iowa House paused routine business to welcome visitors for the annual Homeschool Day at the Capitol, which an organizer said would draw approximately 1,500 students and parents from across the state.

Representative Gustave (Polk), who offered the day’s prayer, also told members the event is hosted by Homeschool Iowa, founded in 1990, and asked colleagues to welcome the visiting families and answer questions about homeschooling in their districts. "They're here to meet their legislators to thank us and pray for us for serving, and to serve as a face for homeschooling in your districts," Gustave said.

Earlier, Representative Johnson (Polk) introduced Kira Shad, a senior at Waukee High School who Johnson said had been accepted to the Kansas City Art Institute and worked at the Iowa Art Center. "Please help me welcome one of our very own children, Miss Kira Shad, to the Iowa House," Johnson said.

The announcement highlighted civic outreach: lawmakers were urged to greet the visitors and explain how homeschooling works in Iowa. The organizer told members the event typically draws a large, peaceful crowd and spans nearly every legislative district. The House then proceeded to routine business.