High School . . . √

She DID it!! (Love ya, Bubba)

And yes, homeschoolers have graduation ceremonies, too. 

As many of you know, we are a homeschool family; have been since May 2003.  Wow! It’s only been ten years.  I know many families that have been doing it much longer and have had one success story after another.  I am proud to be part of such a wonderful community, a community of parents that choose to not only be stay home parents, but also to dedicate as much time to their children’s education that will guide those youthful minds and souls to be successful people, patrons, leaders, givers, and active participants in the world.

This success story is about our oldest. The guinea pig, if you will. The one who by trial and error and patience also chose to be homeschooled.  Once the kids pass the sixth grade, they have the option to return to school during their middle/junior high and/or high school years. 

Cassaundra Taylor Jackson, aka Kassi, or better known as Bubba to her family, is the first graduate of The Jackson Home Academy.  She is a remarkable graduate, ranking #1 in her class.  Hehehe  

We are part of a co-op that has its parents organize a graduation ceremony for seniors who would like to participate. Initially Kassi didn't want to participate in the ceremony.  Her reason - 'I still graduate even if I don't walk.'  Several of her friends were surprised she didn't want to participate, but also knew Kassi was/is not one to fit into a box that someone else is telling her to.  There was some concern about ridiculous rules imposed or sanctioned by a 'governing body' even though these kids do not graduate from said co-op; they are graduating from their individual homeschool.  One of Kassi's classmates expressed her disappointment that Kassi wouldn't be on stage with her and their friends.  So Kassi considered it, and decided to at least attend the first meeting and see what the ceremony would entail.

At the initial meeting, we were handed a two page letter outlining the expectations and restrictions, I'm sorry guidelines for the graduation ceremony.  Again, this is a non co-op sponsored event. It is organized by the graduating seniors' parents, yet the co-op's committee finds it necessary to dictate expectations and restrictions.  I understand sometimes there needs to be gentle reminders; however, we are all members of the same co-op and I would hope we all share the same desires for our children.  Instead of asking the class to remember to be respectful of others and dress modestly, they went as far as saying what one could and could not wear.  The kicker - no summertime dresses, the girls had to have dresses with sleeves.  Really???  Well, I figured, no - I knew this would not sit well with Kassi, as it didn't sit well with Jay nor I.  We have a hard time understanding why certain individuals feel the need to impose their own restrictive lifestyle on all and want to judge those that don't look or do exactly like them.  

With that said, Kassi decided this ceremony didn't allow her to express who she was and had become over the last 18 years; therefore, she didn't want to participate. She shared her decision with friends, and I prepared family (who would be traveling from afar) that she might not do the ceremony.  Kassi and I talked about a few things and I asked her if we could find the perfect dress and if the committee would allow the seniors a way to express themselves if she would reconsider.  She said she would if they would allow them to at least decorate the tops of their caps to reflect their individuality. 

I began conversations with a committee member who went to bat for us.  It wasn’t an easy task.  I encouraged the committee to consider it and if it made it easier, put some restrictions, I’m sorry guidelines with it.  It took several weeks of discussion and prayer by the committee, and to our surprise they did decide to allow the parents to vote on cap decorating.  YAY!!  The group voted to allow the seniors who chose to to decorate their caps.  She was one of three that took this opportunity to express themselves.  A few didn't understand the significance and couldn't relate as they were so wrapped up in the formality of the ceremony, while her true friends and family members got it and supported her.

The ceremony was wonderful.  The kids processed in and sat as a group, while the parents also sat together.  Like a traditional graduation ceremony, this celebration included class speakers and a commencement speaker.  But it also gave each student, if they so chose, an opportunity to share their talent and perform. 

Kassi took private voice lessons years ago and started again a couple of years ago.  Well, she enjoys singing, but just not necessarily in front of an audience.  We had to find a way to encourage her to share her gift with others.  So, we decided as long as we were paying for the lessons she had to perform – talent show, church, nursing home, or other venue – every couple of months.  To our surprise she enlisted herself to sing a solo during the talent portion of the graduation ceremony.  She did a wonderful job. (Sorry about the side view)

The unique thing about this ceremony was the fact that as each student crossed the stage, the parents presented them with a diploma as their bios were read.  Kassi's bio as she crossed the stage: 

Kassi, also known as “Bubba” has attended Cornerstone co-op off-and-on since her 8^th grade year.  She fancies herself an actress and a musician who enjoys singing, as well as playing the piano, flute, and guitar, with a little dab of ukulele.  She has enjoyed her past 5 years as a volunteer at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, and is looking forward to her sixth summer there, this time as a paid guest team member.  The zoo was a huge part of her character building, where she developed many leadership skills and served as the president of the ZooAide Advisory Panel.  She was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the end of this past summer for her 647 hours of volunteering.  She plans to attend Columbus State College in the fall in pursuit of her associate’s degree in digital photography.  Last summer she was honored to be recognized for her photography at the Ohio State Fair, and she looks forward to what lies ahead with her love of capturing moments in time through the freeze frame of life.

After they all were presented with their diplomas, the class gathered on stage to sing one last choir song.

Then they were joined by a parent who lead us all in prayer, and then . . . . wait for it . . . . . . he presented the graduates of the Class of 2013!!!

Way to go Class of 2013!!  We are very proud of Kassi! Now on to the next adventure!