Aya Sarah Matsui of Campobello has been homeschooled since first grade and graduated with The Upstate Association of Homeschools on May 6.

Matsui is the daughter of Mark and Drenda-michell Mathis Brennan and Yoshihito Matsui. She is the granddaughter of James and Janice Peeler of Campobello and Mike and Sandi Mathis of Cowpens and the great-granddaughter of Eloise Mathis of Cowpens.

Matsui has decided to attend North Greenville University in the fall, where she has been awarded a full-scholarship to continue her music studies under Steinway artist Fabio Parrini, in piano performance.

In addition to her music studies and maintaining a 4.32 GPA in her high school academics, Matsui has been dually-enrolled at North Greenville University for two years where she has earned 23 college credit hours, she is the 2010-2011 editor-in-chief for the Upstate Christian Homeschoolers Yearbook, has served as a team member and captain of Creative Worship & Drama Teams and as praise and worship leader.

One of Matsui’s greatest passions is working with the mentally and physically disabled. Since 2007 Matsui has served at Joni & Friends summer camps and with The Carolina Miracle League. She is currently head coach for the CML’s Minor Team, the Spartans, as well as a buddy for the league’s major league teams.

In the fall of 2010 Matsui was awarded The Carolina Miracle League Turner Sartor Award for Volunteer of the Year.

– article submitted by Upstate Christian Homeschoolers