Twenty-one homeschooled high school students crossed the stage at NewSpring Church on May 22, receiving diplomas directly from their parents during the Aiken Homeschool Graduation.
The ceremony marked the 20th year Wendy Hoyle has organized the event. Hoyle implemented the tradition of having parents present diplomas to acknowledge the effort they put into planning lessons, grading assignments, and supporting their children’s education.
“They work just as hard as those kids. They’re the ones that are doing the lesson planning and the grading,” Hoyle said.
Homeschooling Challenges and Community Support
Hoyle shared anecdotes about the challenges of teaching at home, including grading research papers and conducting hands-on science experiments. “How many frogs can you actually dissect on the kitchen table? We did three frogs, three fetal pigs… We’ve done a cow’s eyeball,” she recalled.
Several graduates had siblings who previously participated in the ceremony, highlighting the continuity and community within the local homeschooling network. Four homeschool associations were represented at the event, which drew nearly 400 guests.
Parents Play a Key Role
Tony Ateca, chief administrative officer at Security Federal Bank, served as announcer. Ateca and his wife, Audrey, homeschooled five children, each of whom attended ceremonies organized by Hoyle.
“My wife did all the work, to be honest with you, but we found it to be a very enriching experience to be part of their education,” Ateca said. He added that participating in cooperative activities, sports, and theater provided valuable experiences outside the home.
Commencement Address
The speaker, Greg Boomer, a business owner and church leader from Lexington, encouraged graduates to embrace adulthood while appreciating the present moment.
He emphasized that accomplishments do not define identity and encouraged living with purpose, positively influencing others, and leaving a lasting legacy.
“I want to congratulate you on the opportunity to move forward from your teenage years into adulthood… before you get to that, I want to encourage you to enjoy this moment, because it does matter,” Boomer said.
2026 Graduates
The 21 graduates honored were:
Evelyn Grace Allen, Seth Allan Benson-Dursse, Micah Hathaway Berry, Jessie Lloyd Bishop II, Shelby Amelia Anne Davis, Isaiah James Giaffis, Mia Rae Gremminger, Bentley Pierce Hodges, Gabrielle Mackenzie Hood, Elijah Samuel Limonta, Margaret Mae Massey, Angelina Noelle Oxford, Mason Samuel Poole, Grayson Keith Powell, Alaina Jadyn Purdy, Joseph Nathanael Reason, Joel Simon Rentz, Jonah Scott Rentz, Samuel McClellan Richardson, Alina Ryanne Smith, and Lily Anna Thomas.
