Classical Conversations 2023 Graduates

Cara A.

Eric and Joy A.
NC

“And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
― Micah 6:8 (NIV)

Words are my love language. I’ve been immersed in them for twelve years of CC in poetry, public speaking, songwriting, classic literature, Latin, debate, and Mock Trial. All of this has helped prepare me for a career as an attorney specializing in criminal law. I am so thankful for the Tutors and Directors who encouraged and challenged me over the years, for the friends and classmates who built me up (and kept me humble), and for my parents who supported me every step of this journey. Most of all, I am thankful to God, and I look forward to the plans that He has for my future.

Andrew A.

Alex & Micheal A.
NC

There I was, one thirteen-year-old boy against the world. Well, Classical Conversations is supposed to mean community for homeschoolers, so we’ll call it two thirteen-year-old boys against essentially the complete works of William Shakespeare. I never enjoyed school. At first, I could survive only math and science, but now I’ve learned to put up with it all and even enjoy some of it. I suppose that’s the “maturity” of which I had only heard legends. I grew to love baseball, coding, acting, dollar bills, and music. It’s clear to me that my only option from here on out is to put all my strengths toward making money since, you know, you sorta need that stuff to live.

Caleb A.

Jeremy and Angela A.
NC

Above all, I am thankful to God for all the experiences He has allowed me to have in my life and education. I have been blessed to have my parents, Jeremy and Angela, as my teachers. I am the second of seven children. I started Classical Conversations at age four and can sing the timeline and history sentences in my sleep. I enjoy music; I play in a family band and my church’s student band, and I teach my own students. My favorite homeschool memories include participating in debates and Mock Trial and spending time with family. I plan to study worship music and theology after a gap year as a worship ministry intern.

Miles B.

Alex and Beth B.
SC

“If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world.”
— C. S. Lewis

I have been part of a CC community since I was four months old. I am the last of my three siblings to graduate from CC. In my free time, I enjoy playing piano, guitar, and basketball. I believe, by God’s design, that discipline and responsibility are ultimately what give this life color and make joy possible. I also believe in the gym. Until I reach the other world I was made for, I plan to major in electrical engineering at the South Carolina Honors College or at Anderson University.

Kaelin B.

Jerold and Kameron B.
MD

My name is Kaelin. I was born and raised in Maryland. Classical Conversations has been a significant part of my life since age six. As an avid reader who loves storytelling, I have been inspired to begin writing two books of my own. I also love music, adore stories, and enjoy learning very specific facts about pop culture history. I have always had a strong interest in the arts. I am very excited to graduate and start a new creative journey. I hope to pursue my passion for writing and producing videos and art. I am grateful to my family for supporting me, and I look forward with great anticipation to the adventure that lies ahead.

Halle Mira B.

Brad and Renee B.
FL

“I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.”
— Philippians 1:12 (ESV)

From Foundations to Challenge IV, I’ve spent my childhood years as a dancer, gymnast, and sister to many, as we are a foster-adoptive family of eleven. Seeing much injustice, coupled with my years of Challenge debate and reasoning equipping, I’m ready to focus on advocacy and fighting for justice with truth. I’ll be attending college for psychology and criminology, but I hope to be a mom one day. Until then, I’m happy being a dog-mama to my Newfie, Bubba, and I pray that whatever I do glorifies the Lord. Soli Deo gloria.

Caelan B.

Phillip and Amy B.
AZ

If you could only use one word to describe your life, what would it be? Mine would be epic! My dad’s career as a military pilot has allowed us to live all around the world with our family of eight. Having lived for two years in South Korea and nine years in Germany, I’ve lived outside the U.S. longer than I have in. Twenty-five countries (or 11 percent of the whole earth) have been checked off my bucket list and have only helped to fuel my passion for travel. I am a free-spirited photographer with a heart for Jesus, and I can’t wait to see what God has in store for this next chapter of my life!

Simone B.

Jay and Kristen B.
IN

“But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this?”
— Job 12:7—9 (ESV)

Simone has always enjoyed and appreciated God’s creation. She dances ballet, modern and pointe. She is working on her black belt in tae kwan do. Simone prefers the outdoors and has an extensive natural history collection.

Katelyn (Kate) B.

Eric and Linda B.
IL

“There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.”
—C. S. Lewis

“Thank you” doesn’t even begin to express how thankful I am for my parents. They have encouraged and loved me my entire life. Eight years ago, when I started Classical Conversations, I never thought I’d make it to graduation, and here we are. This fall, I plan to attend Worldview at the Abbey gap year program, and after that, I will head to college to earn a degree in criminal justice. I am so excited to see what the Lord has in store for me, and I am so blessed to have been placed in a family that values, inspires, and loves me unconditionally.

Hannah B.

Brent and Tracey B.
NC

“Blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit”
—Jeremiah 17:7–8 (NLT)

My interests include music, art, reading, and spending time with family and pets. I enjoy playing piano at home and at church. A favorite pastime of mine is to sit at the piano and try my hand at scores from various movies. I am thankful for my siblings, Caleb, Madeline, and Claire, and for their support and example of perseverance, as they were CC graduates before me. I am especially grateful to my parents for faithfully guiding me through life with a home-centered education. They have taught me to grow in God’s Word and trust Him in all things. I plan to attend Truett McConnell University in Cleveland, Georgia, in the fall to pursue a humanities degree.

Victoria B.

Carlos and Cindy B.
NC

I am a daughter of the Lord who’s been saved by grace. I am a writer, an artist, a musician, and a lover of stories. I want to make the world a better and kinder place through my writing. I am so grateful to my family for their love and guidance throughout my entire school journey, and I am beyond excited to explore the next chapter of my life.

Isabella B.

Donnie and Tannis B.
NC

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.”
— John 15:4 (NKJV)

I am Isabella, daughter of Donnie and Tannis and eldest sister to Abigail and Dylan. The Lord gave me a passion for the arts! I love acting and being on stage, and I strive to make all of my work point back to Him. I plan to go to Cape Fear Community College and pursue a career in sonography. I can’t wait to see exactly what the Lord has in store for the rest of my life!

Tori B.

Rachelle and Jonathon B.
IN

I love reading everything, from Harry Potter to 1984 by George Orwell. Ever since I learned to read at age four, reading has been a big part of my personality. I’ve always wanted to do something with my life that helps people and plays to my strengths. I believe I’ve found that calling in deciding to become a speech therapist. I have been accepted to and plan to attend Bob Jones University, where I intend to major in communication disorders and minor in theater (because I also love acting). I’ve performed in four plays with a couple of different theater companies and have loved every minute of each one. I look forward to being part of the godly environment at BJU and growing my faith while attending.

Daisy B.

Jason and Shannon B.
FL

I have always loved quality time with my family, and I appreciate how homeschooling has enriched that part of my life. It has also enabled me to make space for things I love to do, such as playing piano, sewing, writing stories, and learning new things like Spanish. Throughout these years, I have learned many things about myself: who I am, what I desire, what I struggle with. In everything, I have seen God’s loving-kindness and faithfulness toward me, making me want to live for His will and through His love by being who He called me to be. He has given me many desires—adventure, being with people, creating beautiful things—and I am expectant to see what He has in store for me as I share His love with others.

Joseph B.

Joe and Landy B.
SC

For as long as I can remember, all I’ve wanted to do is fly anything with a propeller. I hope to fulfill that dream by joining the South Carolina Army National Guard, with the intent to fly Apache helicopters after graduating from The Citadel. With a heart full of thanks, I want to honor my parents and grandparents, who invested deeply in the development of my mind, body, and spirit. I look forward to showing them it was a worthwhile endeavor.

Katie (Kate) C.

Neill and Angie C.
NC

I am the oldest of four children and have a sister and two brothers. Art is my passion, and I enjoy exploring and expanding my creative interests. I strive to be someone that my friends and others can turn to for help. I am currently volunteering with the Cruso Volunteer Fire Department and aim to provide safety and well-being to my community. I aspire to be an example of God’s love and be an influence wherever He may lead me.

Malcolm (Big Mac) C.

Anthony and Holly C.
FL

Having spent every year since kindergarten in a CC community, I’ve been encouraged to pursue my interests, such as robotics competitions, and I’ve been trained to lead in my church, overseeing a weekend retreat for high schoolers and serving as a summer camp counselor. I love Jesus and can’t wait to see what He has in store for me.

Reagan (Ray, Ray Ray, Reaby Cakes) C.

Joe and Casey C.
NC

Reagan, a.k.a. “Ray Ray” and “Reaby Cakes,” is a beautiful and intelligent young lady who has made her family proud with her love of learning and her love for Christ. Reagan loves animals; she even started a St. Jude’s fundraiser selling her chicken’s eggs when she was just ten years old. She has previously worked in the sound booth at her church and taught jewelry-making classes. Currently, she works backstage for several local homeschool theater/dance shows and sings on the worship team. Reagan also enjoys learning sign language and working at Chick-fil-A. In her senior thesis, Reagan defended that nuclear weapons were not inherently evil. Reagan plans to attend Cape Fear Community College in the fall. She’s interested in cosmetology school.

Bryant C.

Jason and Katherine C.
NC

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
—2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)

I am the son of Jason and Kathy, and I have one sister, Charlotte. I enjoy serving at church, playing and watching soccer, and traveling with family and friends. I love U.S. and European history and languages and hope to work internationally in the field of history in the future. I am blessed to have had wonderful, caring tutors throughout my CC years. I am grateful that my parents chose to homeschool and for the friends and opportunities that homeschooling and Classical Conversations have given me. I plan to attend college in the fall and continue my studies in history and the German language.

Isela C.

Kip and Sarah C.
NC

“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows. It empties today of its strength.”
—Corrie ten Boom

This is one of my all-time favorite quotes, reminding me to step back into the present. I am so thankful for the experiences and sacrifices that my parents made to give me the best education possible. Other than school, I love to spend time with people, making memories that I will always cherish. As to future plans, my goal is to one day be a bilingual nurse. I hope to be fluent in Spanish to connect with my Mexican heritage. As I write this, I have not committed to a college, but I trust that God will show me where I am meant to end up.

Elijah C.

Robbie and Rachelle C.
SC

I am the son of Rachelle and Robbie, and I have two sisters. I enjoy playing various sports, hanging out with friends, and spending time with my family. My favorite CC memory is the Western-genre adaptation that our class created of Hamlet in Challenge III. I plan to study nursing at the University of South Carolina in the fall. I can’t wait to see where this next chapter takes me.

Mala C.

Kevin and Amy C.
AL

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
—Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)

I am the daughter of Kevin and Amy, and I have a younger brother, Samuel. A few things I find delight in are helping in the special needs ministry at my church, reading, hanging out with friends, serving in a leadership ministry called TeenPact, and working at a local coffee shop. Since I was little, I knew I wanted to become a pediatric nurse. I plan on majoring in nursing in college and then working with pediatric oncology patients. My everyday prayer is to magnify Christ in my life.

Mazie D.

Tyler and Martha D.
MT

I am the daughter of Tyler and Martha and the sister of Christian and Jackie. I love to draw, and I specialize in digital art. My favorite part about Classical Conversations was the way that it challenged me. I’m preparing to attend New Saint Andrews College in the fall. I’m not sure what I want to do in the future, but I will trust in God’s plan for my life.

Kylie Paige D.

Julie and Nate D.
IN

I actively volunteer with the children’s ministry at my church. I enjoy playing the violin, baking, and spending time with friends and family. My favorite CC memory is from Challenge B, where I met my best friend. A fun fact about me is that I once fractured my elbow on an inflatable obstacle course. I plan to be an activity specialist for a traveling Christian day camp this summer. Afterward, I’ll work near home.

Ethan (Kenny) D.

Chris and Amy D.
VA

My name is Ethan D., and I have been homeschooled all of my life. Although I do not plan on attending college, my Classical Conversations schooling has prepared me for any opportunity that comes my way. During this final year of high school, my love and appreciation for the Lord has blossomed to an all-time high. Now more than ever, I need guidance and counsel for the life ahead of me. A few things that I enjoy in my free time are reading, working outside, exploring nature, physical exercise, and occasionally zoning out of reality. Currently, I have my eyes set on joining a trade school with a focus on heating and air, as working with my hands has always been more enjoyable to me than any academic work.

Corban D.

Chris and Melisha D.
FL

My desire is to lead others to the heart of God. I enjoy speaking about God’s faithfulness and empowering other young believers to walk in their God-given authority. In addition to speaking publicly about the goodness of God, I lead worship as a drummer. Some favorite memories include writing music with my dad, exploring the outdoors with my German Shepherd, and riding anything that goes fast. Being homeschooled by my mom has blessed me with critical thinking and communication skills from a biblical worldview. These qualities developed in classical education have prepared me to boldly live out my Christian life in these last days. I value and cherish my homeschool education. I will continue to be a lifelong learner, pursuing studies in business and ministry at Southeastern University.

Hannah D.

Mark and Abby D.
IN

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”
—Proverbs 3:5–6 (NKJV)

I am the daughter of Mark and Abby D. and big sister to four lovely sisters. Jesus is my passion, family is my priority, and music is my delight. I love to bike, crochet, play the piano, and ride rollercoasters. I also greatly enjoy participating in my church’s choir, worship band, and lead team. I plan to continue pursuing my degree in business and professional leadership at Southeastern University. God has a place for me in His story, and I am excited to embark on this next chapter.

Wyatt F.

Jennifer and Russ F.
NC

Looking back over the past five years, I’m very glad that I joined CC in Challenge B. I largely credit CC for introducing concepts, forming skills, and challenging me in ways have led to my accomplishments and character today. More important (arguably), CC has introduced several people into my world who will continue to be pillars of my life going forward. Though I bickered and dissented through my first few months of Challenge B, I would live through every moment again if I could.

Jet F.

Matt and Jenny F.
NC

Jet Kae Fisher (born November 11, 2004) is an Asian American boy who was born in the state of California at a surprisingly young age but immigrated to Georgia in the year of our Lord 2020. With a net worth of just over $22.47, two back-to-back state championships in wrestling, a YouTube subscriber count of over two people, frequent freelance gigs as a video editor, and standing well under 6’10’, Fisher hopes to become a professional NBA player in the coming future.

Samuel (Sam) G.

Luis and Darcy G.
CA

“To tinker with cars is to thrive. To surf is to have peace. To adventure is to live.”
—Sam Garcia

I am the son of Luis and Darcy G., brother to two older sisters, and a new brother-in-law. I am an explorer; I love the thrill of adventure. Surfing the waters of Southern California brings peace to my soul. Working on cars brings me focus and fulfillment. Being with positive people brings me life. My plans are to continue working at In-N-Out, explore and travel the world, learn more about what interests me, and discover things unnoticed by others. As a car enthusiast, I dream of someday owning a luxury car dealership. I am thankful to my parents for not giving up on me, my sisters for supporting me, and the Lord for being my Shepherd.

Kate G.

Brian and Kirsty G.
NC

I have big dreams of dancing on the stages of Broadway, Radio City Music Hall, and cruise ships. I enjoy outdoor activities, including paddleboarding, biking, and surfing. Thanks to homeschooling, I can do my coursework outside and have time for dancing. I love fantasy books, listening to music, and educating myself on politics and the environment. I deeply care about our earth and believe God put us here to take care of His world, so I plan to double major in marine biology and dance. I inherited my love for adventure and travel from my granny, with whom I have visited many beautiful places. I hope to travel and volunteer across the globe and spread God’s love. The Lord is my inspiration, and He guides me through life.

Lawson (Law) H.

Jillian and Brian H.
FL

“I want to ride to the ridge where the West commences . . ./ I can’t look at hobbles, and I can’t stand fences / Don’t fence me in.”
—Cole Porter, “Don’t Fence Me In”

I’m a simple guy. Keep supplying me with pizza, and I will be satisfied for life. I live and breathe for the composing of music and songs (however novice they might be), and my heart forever belongs to the Buffalo Bills football team. To a fault, I am fiercely protective of those I love, and I’m embarking on the search to become a man of virtue, discipline, supreme dad jokes, and above all, Christ. And while His plan for me remains quite hazy, my lifelong dream of hiking the entirety of the Appalachian Trail is now a magical glimmer on the horizon that is 2024.

Tyler (Ty) H.

Tom and Jamie H.
FL

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
—James 1:2–4 (ESV)

Growing up in Classical Conversations has inspired my love for ministry. My greatest goal is to raise a family that is hungry for Jesus, and I’m excited about the future! After graduation, I plan to join the Odyssey Program, then continue my education at Southeastern University and pursue a degree in ministerial leadership. I have a passion for public speaking, communication, and leadership. I love serving and spending time with friends, taking late-night car rides, attending concerts, and listening to country music!

Kira H.

Eric and Kari H.
WY

I have participated in the CC program since I was five years old. Back then, I’d go to community just to see my friends and sing fun songs. Now that I am graduating, I see that I have truly grown in discipline, leadership, and knowledge. I am the oldest of five, and I love to laugh with my siblings. Looking back on the journey of life thus far, I can say that, without God’s steadfast love, I would not be where I am today. The touch of God’s hand has been present throughout my life, guiding me each day, from my earliest memories to the present as I graduate from CC. I am so thankful for my parents, who listened to the Lord’s voice and chose to homeschool me. They have given me courage in times of fear and raised me in a way that glorifies the Lord.

Bradley H.

Fernando and Karen H.
MO

Love and gratitude are two things that I could not have made it through my schooling journey without. I have had a wonderful family growing up, a family that has pushed and supported me through many of my favorite activities, including swimming and volleyball. I’ve also had the opportunity to play electric guitar for my church and serve in a life-changing ministry called TeenPact. I’m grateful for how Classical Conversations has strengthened my own personal faith, and I am excited to attend Liberty University, where I hope to pursue a career in dermatology.

Oscar H.

Christopher and Sarah H.
NC

“How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”
—Psalm 119:9–11 (ESV)

As the oldest brother of seven siblings, I was taught what it means to be a man. Ultimately, I desire to put Christ at the center of my home, work hard, discipline justly, and love unconditionally. When not helping or working, I love getting outside to whittle and play my harmonica. Although I am unsure of my future career, I do know I want to do something tough, honorable, and exciting. I’m currently interested in firefighting services and aviation.

Joel H.

Wendell and Eddi H.
SC

“All that is gold does not glitter, / Not all those who wander are lost; / The old that is strong does not wither, / Deep roots are not reached by the frost. / From the ashes a fire shall be woken, / A light from the shadows shall spring; / Renewed shall be blade that was broken, / The crownless again shall be king.”
——J. R. R. Tolkien

The Lord of the Rings is my favorite book and movie trilogy. I enjoy reading, swords, playing volleyball and guitar, and listening to music. I am incredibly thankful to my family for giving me this excellent education, and I look forward to a bright future.

Emma H.

Brad and Brenda H.
IN

“Here I go, and there’s no turning back / My grand adventure has begun”
—Little Women (musical)

I love anything involving the performing arts, including dancing, singing, and acting. Three words that describe me are passionate, ambitious, and determined. I’d like to thank my family and friends for all their love and support. I couldn’t have done it without you! I love you all with all of my heart! I plan to attend a school in New York City (hopefully the American Musical and Dramatic Academy or the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts) and major in musical theater—and hopefully get my certification in stage combat as well! You’ll see my name in lights, I guarantee. For my biggest supporter, my mom: I did it, Mom! Thank you so much for everything. I love you. Rehearsal’s over; it’s showtime!

Stephen (Huff) H., Jr.

Col. Stephen and Whitney H.
VA

I enjoy all things classical: music, art, and homeschooling. My education has taught me to appreciate and think critically about the complexity and beauty of life and creation. After a one-year internship, I plan to study entomology and music in college. I am grateful to God for the freedoms that we retain in our nation, for those who sacrificed to make home education possible, for the CC communities that my family has been a part of, for each of my tutors, and for my family. I am also grateful for the mentors who have helped me along the way: Master Charles G., my tae kwon do instructor, as well as Mrs. Mary Ann T. and Mrs. Sheryl S., my violin instructors. Memento mori (Psalm 90:12).

Brayden H.

Derick and Sandy H.
GA

My homeschool career included studying with CC from K4 through Challenge IV. I have been an aspiring professional on-camera actor in Atlanta since I was seven years old, and I have participated in some wonderful opportunities along the journey. Some of my hobbies are fishing, boating, camping, hiking, singing, and playing guitar. My life has been so amazing, and God has really blessed me with the people I hang out with. I hope to pursue rocket engineering in college and beyond, and I have plans to begin my higher education studies at the University of North Georgia in the fall. I love God and my family and friends. I can hardly wait to see what going to college does for me, and I appreciate my family for helping me reach this life stage!

Keegan H.

Denny and Lindsey H.
NC

My life mission is to help others find freedom in following Jesus Christ. I love studying history, playing football, and playing soccer, and I enjoy participating in speech and team policy debates through the National Christian Forensics and Communications Association. I’m a very outdoorsy person and thrive when I am outside. I will be attending Baylor University in the fall, pursuing a degree in political science with the aim of representing the U.S. people in government office. Upon completing my degree, I will join the United States Army as an officer to serve the country I love so dearly.

Christopher H.

Laura and Chris H.
NC

“I don’t know what my future holds, but I know who holds my future.”
—Tim Tebow

My name is Christopher, and I am from Alabama. I have played soccer all my life, and I love the sport. Additionally, I love playing guitar. I have participated in youth worship bands and Sunday morning worship bands, and I once even created my own band. I enjoy being involved in church (specifically, my church’s youth group). I plan to further my education at Union University, pursuing a degree in business with a concentration in finance. From there, I intend to go to law school with the goal of working in the political realm someday. My favorite Bible verse is Ephesians 2:4–5a, which says, “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ” (ESV). I appreciate this verse because it shows our depravity and God’s mercy. I am so excited to graduate here at National Commencement.

Elisabeth (Claire) I.

Jason and Susan I.
NC

“My sin—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought— / My sin, not in part, but the whole, / Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more, / Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!”
—Horatio Spafford’s “It is Well.”

My name is Claire Isler, and I am from Black Mountain, North Carolina. My passions include reading, gardening, tennis, and almost anything outdoors. After graduation, I plan to expand my education and skill set to serve others as a paramedic. I am immensely grateful for the privilege of being homeschooled and for the foundation of being brought up in a Christ-centered home and community.

Obadiah (Obi) J.

Sidissie B. and Jillcha W.
NC

“When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” This saying is something my father would always tell me, and it has propelled me to be where I am today. No matter how hard something in life seems to be, there is a light on the other side. I was blessed to be homeschooled and raised in a Christ-centered home, which has given me strong moral values. My parents have been my biggest supporters, and they have made room for me to dream big and pursue my passions. I plan to attend Catawba Valley Community College and then transfer to a four-year school.

Joshua (JD) J.

Joshua B. and Nsenga J.
AL

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.”
—Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NIV)

My high school education is over, but the lessons I’ve learned in Classical Conversations will stick with me for years to come. I have been homeschooled my whole life, and I have also been very active in sports. My favorite sport is wrestling; I’ve won three high school state championships. I am a voracious consumer of music and a passionate artist. I am especially grateful to my parents for guiding me in my education. I plan to study industrial design in college and one day serve the Lord in a creative field.

Cameron J.

Christopher and Crystal J.
NC

I am the son of Chris and Crystal and brother to my sister, Caroline. I regularly volunteer at my church, and I’m a part of the servant leader team. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to homeschool. I plan to work full-time after graduation and take online classes that support my job.

Samuel (Sam) K.

Matthew and Erin K.
VA

“Balance is the key to everything. What we do, think, say, eat, feel—they all require awareness, and through awareness we can grow.”
—Koi Fresco

Samuel is an Army brat and the son of Matthew and Erin. Due to his father’s military career, Sam has attended six different CC communities. Fun fact: Sam completed his CC journey at the very first CC campus he had initially attended in Virginia. His faith is an important part of his life, and each week after Sunday mass, he attends youth group and volunteers where needed. He enjoys playing his guitar, running cross country and track, collecting swords, video gaming, and watching and reading anime. “Sam the Man,” as he is affectionately known, is undecided when it comes to his future education plans. For now, he plans to attend Northern Virginia Community College in the fall. Sam’s bright outlook on life and can-do attitude is a blessing to all who know him.

Edward K.

Kristin K.
FL

“To most people, the sky is the limit. For those who love aviation, the sky is home.”
—Jerry Crawford

Aviation is my passion, travel my hobby, and coffee my lifeblood. I look forward to studying commercial aviation at the University of North Dakota and continuing on with a career in aviation. My dream is to travel the world, seeing and learning from all it has to offer. After all, in life, you will either be a pilot or a passenger. I choose to be a pilot.

Joshua K.

Jamie and Rachel K.
IL

Inquisitive and alert from the very beginning, Joshua was blessed with a wondrous curiosity about the world and everything in it. His drive to understand the mechanics of nature and the intricacies of language was molded by a devoted homeschool education and informed by a deep-seated compassion for others. From a very early age, he has expressed a desire to use his God-given intellect to help people. Transitioning from the whimsical inventions of childhood to the concrete creations of early adulthood, Joshua is looking to continue his pursuit of this dream by majoring in mechanical engineering. His parents are immensely proud and grateful for the opportunity to raise such a delightful soul.

John L.

Chris and Leanne L.
NC

My name is John Laffoon. One thing I absolutely love is music. To me, music is like another language to speak in. I also love to write. Writing has been one of my largest passions for as long as I can remember, and CC has helped me fine-tune and develop my writing ability. CC has also helped me grow closer to God and deepen my understanding of who He is. I’m so thankful for the opportunity I’ve had through CC to develop myself. As for a career, my dream is to become a rapper. I’ve already begun making plans and working toward that goal. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for me.

Grace L.

Robert and Rachel L.
SC

“Life is hard; it’s harder if you’re stupid.”
—John Wayne

I have fond memories from each of my years. From Foundations through Challenge IV, from owl pellets to Senior Thesis—I experienced it all. Taking ballet taught me different bodies can do different things and not everything I attempt is something that I will do forever, but that doesn’t diminish the experience. American Heritage Girls and Palmetto Teen Group reminded me that not all learning is academic, and learning to engage in my community is valuable. Singing with my church’s worship team has taught me to listen to the voice of the Lord more eagerly than before. I am looking forward to learning all that I can about becoming a pastry chef and eventually owning my own business.

Katherine L.

Jonathan and Carolynn L.
FL

My name is Katherine, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity that I have had to do CC. I have learned countless lessons from the content and my classmates, tutors, and teachers. I have been volunteering to help youth for several years now and am looking forward to studying youth ministry in college. Thank you to everyone who has made my education experience possible; I am seriously grateful for you.

Elizabeth (Elcie) M.

Will and Jennifer M.
NC

“Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.”
— Kevin Durant

All my life, I have been taught that I possess the ability to work hard and the skills to learn whatever I put my mind to. I have a passion for dancing, writing, building strong friendships, and living life to the fullest. One of my goals in life is to love God and to love people. I plan to enroll in the Odyssey Program as a bridge to further education, after which I hope to pursue a career in writing as I continue to enjoy dancing and traveling the globe.

Adrianna (Adri) M.

Adam and Denniza M.
FL

My nickname is Adri, and I was born in Illinois. I’m half-Puerto Rican. I wanted to be a pilot and a famous soccer player when I was little. I want to go to college to become a firefighter. I played travel soccer for two years until I tore my ACL and meniscus. This injury took me out of sports for about a year and a half. This helped to put things in perspective. I turned my love of playing soccer into lifting weights. Weightlifting helped to build back my strength and mobility. I’m happy I found weightlifting because it’s my passion, and I love the sport. My favorite hobby is spending time at the beach. I want to have a purpose and be able to stick with that purpose. I’m grateful and beyond blessed with family and friends, much more than I know or deserve.

Analise (Ani) M.

Matthew and Olivia M.
FL

Jesus is my best friend, and creating is my passion. I enjoy spending time with loved ones, taking photos, reading, writing, homemaking, wandering through nature, and serving in my church. My dream is to become a wife and a mother and, hopefully, own a family milk cow. I plan to study ministry online with Southeastern University to gain skills that can be applied in all areas of life.

John-Paul M.

Al and Susan M.
VA

John-Paul is a graduate of Little Flower Classical Academy. He enjoys science, engineering, and computers and will probably major in one of those subjects. Some hobbies of his include video games, airsoft, and electronics. He also enjoys reading and hanging out with friends. John-Paul plans to attend Virginia Western Community College before moving on to a four-year school.

Ben M.

Billy and Arcelia M.
AL

“This is what the LORD says: “Let no wise man boast of his wisdom, nor let the mighty man boast of his might, nor a rich man boast of his riches; but let the one who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises mercy, justice, and righteousness on the earth; for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.”
—Jeremiah 9:23–24 (NASB)

I am the son of Billy and Arcelia, and I have a younger sister, Annaleigh. I thank my parents for their sacrifice in providing the tools for an education that is challenging and unique. Some of my favorite memories of homeschooling include going to the Space Academy and TeenPact Leadership School and making guitars with my dad. Some of my favorite CC memories include writing essays and studying music theory and Shakespeare. I serve on the worship band at my church and work at Chick-fil-A. I have learned that there is no substitute for hard work. I enjoy playing the keyboard, bass, ukulele, and electric/acoustic guitar. I plan to study music and graphic design next year and use my skills for God’s glory.

Luke M.

Lee and Erika M.
SC

I am incredibly grateful to have participated in Classical Conversations for the last eleven years. The virtues intentionally cultivated in me through CC have shaped my path to becoming the effective Christian fighter and leader I hope to be. God has blessed me tremendously; I owe everything I have, am, and will be to Him. The knowledge I’ve gained from CC, especially my speech and debate skills, will be utilized in college to study economics and politics as a prerequisite to law school. You may see me in corporate law or even running for office someday! God bless all these graduates!

Lucy M.

Matthew and Charity M.
NC

My earliest homeschooling memory is of my mother spinning a globe in a dark room underneath a bright flashlight, explaining that the earth revolved around the sun. My homeschooling experiences were wonderful until I turned five, when my brothers and I were subjected to more formal schooling than just reading aloud: we were expected to sound out vowels, count to one hundred, add and subtract, and, worst of all, learn to write neatly. I have very vivid memories of sobbing over my handwriting workbooks and wondering why the curriculum was called Handwriting without Tears. We moved to North Carolina and joined a Classical Conversations community, which was so fun that we did CC for the rest of my homeschooling career! I developed a love for reading anything I could get my hands on, writing very creative creative writing, and going on adventures. I am now in my community’s first graduating class, and I am very excited to be attending New College Franklin in Franklin, Tennessee, this fall. It is a fantastic school, which I often describe as “CC but bigger and better,” as it highlights the transcendentals of truth, beauty, and goodness in all facets of its pedagogy. I would like to thank my wonderful parents who knew that homeschooling was the best possible way to teach me everything I needed to know and to help me seek Christ above all else. I would also like to thank Classical Conversations for providing an amazing curriculum and outstanding classmates from the abecedarian stage to Challenge IV!

Zoë M.

LeVon and Erica M.
CA

I’ve spent all my life living and being homeschooled in California. I didn’t always love learning; in fact, when I started the Challenge program, I hated school (especially Latin!). But eventually, Classical Conversations and my incredible mom taught me that wisdom is far more valuable than rubies, like Proverbs 8:11 says. At the end of my Challenge journey, I can say with confidence that I love learning and hope to spend the rest of my life gaining wisdom and understanding in every subject! Looking forward, I hope to achieve my private pilot’s license and attend a Christian college, where I want to study developmental psychology, business, and the French language. I’m so thankful for what CC has taught me, and while I’m sad to be leaving it behind, I can’t wait to see what God has for me in the future!

Robert M., Jr.

Robert, Sr. and Julie M.
FL

“Every action you take is molding who you are as a person. . . . You are exactly where you deserve to be. Change who you are, and you will change how you live”
—Andrew Tate

I believe every day that God gives me is a chance to become something great. In my life, I choose to become something great for God. I want to be known as a man of God because a man of God is a real man. Every day, I must make a decision to pick up my cross and follow God, and that’s the greatest thing of all. I’d like to thank my mom and dad for instilling these values in me. My life verse is James 1:2, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds” (ESV).