Meet the Homeschool Class of 2026 Graduates
Congratulations to the West Tennessee Homeschool Graduation Class of 2026! The 15 students come from all over West Tennessee and will be celebrated on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Surrounded by family and friends, the graduates will receive their diplomas closing out their homeschool season marking the start of a new beginning as they pursue paths to higher education and the career force. The commencement speaker for the ceremony will be City of Bolivar Mayor Julian McTizic.
From now until graduation, Homeschool Roster will feature each senior, so you may learn more about these graduates who have big dreams for their future. They will talk about their homeschool experiences, offer advice for fellow homeschoolers and parents, and share some of their West Tennessee favorites.
The West Tennessee Homeschool Graduation Class of 2026 includes:
Francessca Boyd – Independent
Francessca’s bio is coming.
Elijah Carter – HomeLife Academy
Elijah David Carter, born January 25, 2007, is the son of Stephanie Carter Rigsby and Eric Carter, and the bonus son of Michael Rigsby. He attended Thelma Barker Elementary, South Gibson schools, and later homeschooled through HomeLife Academy with his grandmother, Karen Hadley. Elijah participated in Best Buddies International and the Jackson Swim Team, earning recognition as an excellent swimmer. He is skilled in computers, deeply empathetic, and rooted in his faith at Milan First Assembly. Supported by Ms. Kathy Hayes, he graduates as an honor student and looks forward to meaningful work and growing independence. His family is incredibly proud.
Jamia Croswait – Honor School
Jamia Cay Croswait, daughter of Chantil and Corey Christopher, is the oldest of three children. She began in public school and graduated as a dedicated homeschool student. In high school, she was a member of the Adamsville Band Color Guard, helping lead the team to a state championship in her senior year. Jamia volunteered at Jesus Cares thrift store, building meaningful connections, especially with elders, and stayed active in her youth group at First Baptist Church of Adamsville. She is currently taking a gap year working with her mother at Monogram while thoughtfully planning her future.
Carson Floyd – HomeLife Academy
Carson James Floyd, son of Derek and Lori Floyd, is the oldest of five children and has been homeschooled since kindergarten. He enjoys blacksmithing, reading, and video gaming. Carson received the Freed-Hardeman University (FHU) Merit Scholarship and will attend FHU in the fall to pursue a degree in Interactive Digital Design (Developer Emphasis) with a minor in Artificial Intelligence.
Annalyse Fuller – Suncoast Preparatory Academy
Annalyse Fuller, daughter of Chad and Morgan Fuller, and the oldest of five children, is a homeschool graduate who strives to live out her faith through service and compassion. She is certified in First Aid and CPR. Annalyse has played softball for eight years and volleyball for the last two years, showing commitment, teamwork, and perseverance. She also has a love for crafting, especially crocheting. After graduation, she plans to volunteer at a local fire station while pursuing her calling to become a firefighter and eventually a paramedic, while continuing to grow her faith through theology and ministry.
Caden Green – HomeLife Academy
Caden Green is the son of Brandon and Jackie Green. He has an older brother and a baby sister. Caden started homeschooling in the second grade. In his Junior year, Caden went on a mission trip to Costa Rica to a children’s home where he welded playground equipment. He did dual enrollment and got certified in welding also in his junior year. Caden plans to continue his career in welding and work full-time with the Newman Group.
Bricey Hampton – HomeLife Academy
Bricey Hampton is the daughter of Ronnie and Rhonda Hampton, and granddaughter of Butch, Kemberly, and JoAnn Roden. She is looking forward to attending Jackson State Community College in the fall with plans to study in the Nursing Program. Bricey plans to become a NICU nurse.
Emma Harwood – HomeLife Academy
Emma Grace Harwood, daughter of Joanna Young Harwood, is graduating with a 4.0 GPA after five years of homeschooling. She plans to attend the University of Memphis at Lambuth in Jackson, Tennessee, majoring in biology/premed as she pursues her dream of becoming a doctor. Emma is an avid reader and enjoys writing, tutoring, and working at Chickasaw State Park. She is blessed with a large family, including four older brothers, one older sister, and one younger sister. Emma’s dedication, compassion, and love of learning have prepared her well for this exciting next chapter.
Katelyn Hunt – HomeLife Academy
Katelyn Hunt, daughter of Eric and Melissa Hunt, has homeschooled since seventh grade. She earned the Achieve Scholarship and completed her first year of college prerequisites through dual enrollment during her senior year of high school. Katelyn has enjoyed modeling and acting through the years. She modeled for Brandy Kemp when she was younger, and most recently as part of the Donna Groff Talent Agency. Katelyn has worked hard since she was 15 at our local grocery store in Bradford. She plans to attend the University of Tennessee at Martin and wants to be a neuropsychiatrist.
Aaliyah Laster – Honor School
Aaliyah Laster, daughter of William and Alicia Laster, is the oldest of three children and has been homeschooled since second grade. She plans to attend the Tennessee College of Applied Technology to pursue an LPN license. Aaliyah currently works in home health, gaining valuable experience for her future career. She has a heart for helping others and hopes to continue her education to become a registered nurse, with plans to travel and provide care for those in need.
Keira Leonard – HomeLife Academy
Keira Leonard, the youngest of five siblings, is an accomplished artist, musician, and singer. She has performed in church and at local small-town events since the age of five. At 13, she sold her first original art piece, marking the beginning of her journey as a working artist. After graduation, Keira plans to attend the Tennessee College of Applied Technology to study digital art, then continue her education at a traditional art school. Grounded in her faith in God, she is driven by creativity and supported by a deep love for her family.
Ethan Shegog – HomeLife Academy
Ethan Shegog, son of Leslie and Leko Shegog, currently works as a product flow specialist. He will continue his education at Middle Tennessee State University on both a Tennessee Promise scholarship and an academic scholarship, where he will study mathematics. A naturally gifted athlete and analytical thinker, he has excelled in cross country, bowling, archery, soccer, track, and all things numbers. Upon completing his degree, Ethan plans to enter a professional field that values precision, analytical insight, and a strong foundation in problem solving.
Kaleb Smeltser – HomeLife Academy
Kaleb is the son of David and Jennifer Smeltser and the youngest of three children. His love of drawing transformed into an interest in digital creation, videography, and music production. That has led to him producing and editing videos and creating online content. Kaleb likes being active playing soccer, airsoft, golf, tennis, and working out. He is skilled in the kitchen, cooking a variety of meals and doing freestyle cooking. Kaleb will attend Jackson State Community College to earn a degree in general studies and is interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement.
Jackson Thomason – Penn Foster
Jackson Lee Thomason, son of Danny and Crystal Thomason, has been homeschooled since 2020. He is a member of Montezuma Community Church and enjoys being active with his youth group. Jackson also spearheads a virtual bible study for other male teens. He is an avid reader of history and enjoys watching documentaries. Jackson enjoys fishing, hunting, mechanic work, reading, and collecting vinyl records. He will attend the Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Crump, Tennessee.
Aiden Wood – HomeLife Academy
Aiden finished high school with all A’s and took dual enrollment courses through the Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Whiteville. He will graduate from the Automotive Technology program with full ASE certification. Aiden is involved in 4-H and has competed in multiple judging competitions and projects. An avid soccer player, he participated with the HRAYS and MHEA leagues for most of his high school career. Aiden is part of his church praise and worship team and involved in other ministries. He is part-owner and operator of a lawn care business and plans to open a mobile mechanic business.
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