Each spring for the past seven years, I’ve had the privilege of reading and evaluating scholarship essays for homeschooled high school students in Washington State. I chose to homeschool my kids through high school graduation, and serving in this capacity has been a meaningful way for me to give back to this diverse community.

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This year, the essays have been excellent, and the theme of gratitude runs deep. Reflecting on their educational journeys, many students highlighted the academic freedom they were given. Homeschooling allowed their customized learning to move beyond textbooks, encouraging educational exploration, creativity, and critical thinking. Homeschoolers wrote about diving deeply into subjects they loved, leading to a genuine passion for learning that they plan to continue into adulthood.

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The educational flexibility of homeschooling also gave students time to pursue their interests. Whether music, writing, horses, cooking, or volunteer work, homeschooling offered space for students to grow talents and explore callings. Instead of squeezing passions into after-school hours, they could weave them naturally into their daily routines, gaining real-world skills and confidence.

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Perhaps most meaningful, many homeschool graduates feel empowered to give back to their communities. Raised in an environment where community service is often a part of education, they carry a strong sense of responsibility toward others. They volunteer, mentor, and create programs that uplift and inspire others.

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Their unique educational experience taught them that learning is not just about personal achievement—it’s about using knowledge and talents to make a difference inside the home, in their community, and beyond. Reading the students’ essays this year has reminded me that homeschooling is so much more than an educational choice—it is an investment in shaping compassionate, capable young people who are eager to build a better world.