Firmly Planted Goals + Achievements: Graduation — Melissa Crabtree

One of the best things we get to do after all these years of homeschooling is highlight this long awaited accomplishment—Graduation!

We start in the little years focusing on reading good, rich, "living" books, numbers, letters, writing their names and learning to read—and it all feels so critical and overwhelming. As they grow and we get a little more confident, the print turns to cursive, the abstract is introduced, and the pictures disappear into chapters of true stories.

In the middle years as we find a sweet spot, the kids’ independence grows as does the strength of opinions and character training becomes the focus as we realize how that matters more than math lessons and papers.

And then we get closer to the finish line. Opinions mold into convictions, and character displays itself in human and spiritual relationships—the stakes higher than ever. Parents hold our emotions at bay as the reel of second-guessing questions plays over and over in our mind. Did I focus on the right things? Did we have enough fun? What do I have time to squeeze in before I lose my chance? Did I do enough?

FPHRC senior parents and volunteers host a graduation ceremony each year to celebrate the accomplishments of students and in our case of homeschooling—the parents! It is no small task to embark on this journey of educating our own children, swimming against the current and purposely avoiding what many see as the "easy button." Our graduation ceremony also fills the cup for the homeschooling students who want some of the experiences that the traditional school model offers.

This year, we had fifteen graduates and their parents to celebrate with, our family included! We enjoyed a few worship songs and an address by our Campus Chaplain, Matt Ernster. Each family represented had a slideshow to share (so many cute pics of these kids!) and parents spoke words of encouragement, blessing, challenge, thankfulness, and pride over their graduate. It was a sweet time of celebration to honor our graduates and parents.

I believe I can speak for the collective group of families and say to all of the parents and volunteers who helped and celebrated with us, "Thank you!"

And to all of the parents still homeschooling, keep taking it one day at a time! There really is a finish line. Once you cross it, you will look back sentimentally on all the years, challenges, second-guesses, and to do lists and realize that the most important thing you did was create a life where your children could learn about Jesus and how to walk with Him in all He created them to be. 

That’s what it’s really all about.

Melissa Crabtree
Proud of Homeschool Mom of Two Graduates

Congratulations, 2024 Graduates!

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Firmly Planted Spotlight: The Journey to Seedlings — Savannah Bates

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Upcoming Events: Summer Camp | Letting Kids Be Kids — Matt Ernster