Our 2026 story.

Amanda believed in the idea from the very beginning. While Mrs. Emily was talking with Pastor Jeremy Childers and looking at a possible event space, Amanda created the first Facebook page: Homeschool Curriculum Show and Share.

What began with Mrs. Emily bringing rolling carts and suitcases of curriculum to Endeavor Church grew into an invitation for more parents to share. Amanda helped give that dream its first public home. Their partnership became a lasting friendship, and Bailey Cove Speech Therapy supported Show & Share throughout its first ten years, even as locations and circumstances changed.

Pastor Jeremy Childers, the church board, and staff

Pastor Jeremy Childers and Endeavor Church helped turn an idea into a gathering place. Their willingness to open the gymnasium and support the first Show & Share built a bridge between families, curriculum, and community resources.

Before the event began, Pastor Jeremy’s vision for Endeavor Learning Lab created a place where homeschool students could explore technology, clubs, and shared learning opportunities. When Mrs. Emily wished for more space to share curriculum, he offered the gymnasium and sought board approval. Within 24 hours, people were already offering to present, speak, and provide food. Less than a month later, more than 100 people came to the first Show & Share. Mrs. Emily sees that beginning as a personal expression of her faith; the event itself welcomes families of every background and approach to homeschooling.

Kevin’s Auto Repair represents a legacy of generosity carried from one generation to the next. The family’s $200 gift helped support the first Show & Share, and their encouragement continued as the event grew.

As ownership passed to a son, that partnership continued. In 2026, Kevin’s Auto Repair also became one of the first Kiddie College sponsors, helping children explore mechanics and the trades. Mrs. Emily honors both the legacy they helped build in this community and the integrity they continue to bring to their own work.

Jesse Vandegriff

Jesse was homeschooled herself and now supports other families through SEER in Florence. Her work reflects a legacy of learning, encouragement, and family members helping one another build something meaningful.

For Mrs. Emily, Jesse’s work alongside the example of her mother, Mary Bates of Bates Farm, shows how a family can keep supporting one another across generations while creating opportunities for the wider community.

Mary Bates

Mary built Bates Farm while working full time and continued to support her family’s dreams. Her example—and the connection with her daughter Jesse’s work at SEER—reflects a legacy of family, perseverance, and mutual encouragement.

Mrs. Emily celebrates Bates Farm and SEER individually while recognizing the family connection between them: two generations continuing to build, work together, and support one another.

Wild at Hart

Mandy became an anchor during a season when the future of Mrs. Emily’s programs was uncertain. She offered practical help, kept families connected, and helped Mrs. Emily recognize that Show & Share was meeting a real community need.

Mandy first attended Show & Share while exploring homeschooling, then returned as a curriculum presenter. She later helped with events, organization, payments, communication, and the Facebook community. When Mandy started Wild at Hart, Mrs. Emily welcomed another opportunity for families to find support. Their continuing partnership reflects a shared belief: more organizations serving families means more opportunities for everyone.

Mathnasium of Madison

This award honors Linda personally for seeing how her available daytime space could serve homeschool families. By opening the doors at Mathnasium of Madison, she helped make room for classes, clubs, and new connections.

That invitation grew into opportunities including Linda’s Clay Creations, STEAM Room gatherings, daytime math activities, and LEGO robotics clubs supported by Stephanie Leonard and other parents. Linda saw that an available space could become a resource for the community—and opened the door.

Whitney and Katie turned a willingness to help into lasting leadership. Through Cooking for a Cause, they organize monthly opportunities for our homeschool community to prepare meals and serve families at New Futures Family Shelter.

Mrs. Emily’s Field Trips & More is built on learning, playing, and serving. Helping children care for others, advocate for causes close to their hearts, and support vulnerable neighbors is an essential part of that balance.

Our community has served New Futures through meals and seasonal activities for several years. Whitney and Katie volunteered from the beginning, then stepped forward to lead. Mrs. Emily welcomed their leadership and returned to serving alongside the other volunteers.

They coordinate sign-ups, communicate with shelter leadership, and keep opportunities available for people to cook or serve. Their dependable work has helped this partnership continue month after month. As New Futures develops transitional housing, we hope more opportunities will grow for families to serve together.