How VSVA Helped One Graduate Carry On a Family Legacy of Service

With strong support, a personalized schedule, and a lifelong dream in sight, Jesse is headed to West Point

For Volunteer State Virtual Academy (VSVA) alumni, Jesse, service has always been part of the family story.

Nearly everyone he can remember—his father, aunt, grandfathers, uncles, and cousins—has served in the military in some capacity. That legacy stretches back generations, through World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. So when he began thinking about his own future, he knew he wanted to continue that tradition.

Now, thanks to years of hard work and support from VSVA, Jesse is preparing to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point, one of the nation’s most prestigious military institutions.

“It’s what everybody else in my family has done,” Jesse said. “I feel like it’s the best route for continuing that legacy.”

Jesse’s path to West Point looks a little different from the traditional high school experience. After attending brick-and-mortar school through first grade, he was homeschooled for several years by his grandmother, a retired teacher. Eventually, his family transitioned to online learning, and Jesse has continued virtual education ever since.

“It just fit with our life,” he said. “We tried online school, and it clicked. It’s been working ever since.”

That learning environment became especially important as Jesse balanced academics with athletics and military preparation. Throughout most of his school years, he played football and stayed active in sports, which required a schedule that worked alongside practices, games, and other commitments.

“It really helped me structure everything around what I was doing at the time,” Jesse said. “I could go to football practice and not have to worry about everything piling up afterward.”

While some people assume virtual learning means students work independently without real interaction, Jesse said his experience at VSVA was anything but isolated. Students attend live virtual classes with teachers daily, and the support system extends far beyond the classroom.

That support became especially meaningful during the rigorous application process for West Point. Jesse needed multiple recommendation letters from teachers and guidance throughout the admissions process, and he said VSVA’s staff was there every step of the way.

“I had to have like eight recommendation letters from teachers just to get into the Military Academy,” he said. “Everyone I asked was happy to do it.”

He credits much of his success to VSVA counselor Lori Mosley, who helped him prepare for life after graduation through dual enrollment opportunities and postsecondary planning support.

“She got me into dual enrollment with college,” Jesse said. “I’ve got almost a year of college thanks to her.”

In addition to his acceptance to West Point, Jesse has already taken major steps toward his military future. During his junior year, he joined the Army National Guard and completed boot camp, giving him firsthand experience in military life before graduation.

“The support at VSVA is just about second to none,” he said. “I don’t know anywhere else where I could have gotten the support that would have gotten me here.”

For Jesse, that support went beyond academics. He said teachers and counselors regularly checked in to make sure students felt encouraged, supported, and prepared for whatever goals they were pursuing.

“They might call you after school, check in on you once a week, ask you how everything’s going, if you need any help,” he said. “They’ve just been there the whole time.”

As graduation season arrives and students across Tennessee prepare for their next chapter, Jesse’s story highlights the many different paths students can take to achieve their goals. For him, VSVA provided the structure, encouragement, and support to pursue a future rooted in service, leadership, and family tradition.

Ready to help your child pursue their goals on their own path? Learn more about Volunteer State Virtual Academy today.

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