Seton Magazine Catholic Homeschool Articles, Advice & Resources
Summary
When she began her homeschool journey, Janelle felt she was alone. Walking across the Seton 2025 Graduation stage, she realized she was never alone.To some, graduation may seem like a mundane milestone that requires too much work and hassle. If you ask me, I say it is worth the fuss and can mean more to a graduate than some can imagine.
I have been homeschooled for my whole life. One aspect I love about Seton is how it provides an in-person graduation experience for each graduating class.
When it comes to graduation, a handful of people I’ve met are baffled by the fact that homeschoolers get to participate in this highlight of young adulthood. Now, looking back at my graduating class, which consisted of hundreds of students, I am surprised too.
An Incredible Experience
Ever since I first witnessed a Seton graduation, my brother Owen’s in 2022, I realized how incredible the experience can be. At his graduation, I became acquainted with a lovely young lady from Wisconsin.
Despite the long distance, we have kept in touch since then, and we have often spoken about our dreams for the future. We prayed for each other and encouraged one another in our goals. Our friendship has endured over the years and continues to this day, even after we graduated together in Front Royal this year.
In my experience as a homeschooled kid, I occasionally found myself feeling a little lonely, wondering what it was like to be in public school. The idea of graduation to a younger me was almost unfathomable. After all, who has ever heard of homeschool graduation?
When I found out that my education program hosted an actual graduation ceremony, I was not only thrilled but shocked to know that I had hundreds of classmates from around the world. Each of them came from entirely different backgrounds, but in a way, they were like me.
Seton Sailors
Being a student in this program also allowed me to connect with my fellow high school students virtually. Thanks to Mr. Draper Warren and the internet, fully enrolled Seton students can meet and chat on the website called “Catholic Harbor.”
Through this fantastic site, I was able to engage in debates, share art and jokes, and discuss my homeschool life with the other members, known as the “Seton Sailors.” Thanks to this connection, I met so many of my online friends and acquaintances in person at graduation.
The availability of an official graduation makes this milestone so much more special for homeschool teens around the world. You feel recognized, accomplished, and proud of all the hard work you have completed.
Some local homeschool organizations attempt to host ceremonies, but they don’t always work out for some families.
When I found out that I would be unable to attend my hometown graduation, I was devastated. But being able to graduate with all of the other Seton seniors in Virginia gave me that opportunity. I am immensely grateful for the effort the staff at the school has put into this event.
New Friendships
This gathering has provided many opportunities to interact with other families. Hosting the ceremony in a small town makes it easy to encounter fellow young Catholics.
Whether these meetings are unexpected game nights in the hotel lobby or bumping into each other at a local restaurant, all of them are wonderful ways to form new friendships with other students.
Although the commotion that comes with any graduation may be daunting, the memories that attendees will make through this experience are worth it all.
When I started my homeschool journey, I felt as if I were by myself. Walking across that stage at the Seton 2025 graduation made me realize that I was never alone.
I had a community of brothers and sisters in Christ who had committed to their Faith and education to share this highlight of our lives. Because of that, I am honored to have been part of this event.
