Senior Charli Chastain is approaching her senior year in a different form from the rest of the Class of 2026. Chastain has decided to graduate mid-year, which means she will finish her schooling in December of 2025, when all other students are going into winter break. 

To achieve this, Chastain will need to complete all her credits by December to graduate. After graduation, she will begin a paid internship at Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), a software company in Bedford, in January 2026. At SAIC, she will be working as a technician. 

To qualify for this internship position, Chastain had to undergo a security clearance, an interview, and complete additional paperwork. 

“I am led to this decision because both my stepdad and my mom work there. I plan to work there until I have money saved and then start a taxidermy business and work at the same time,” said Chastain. 

For Chastain, the internship is a way to have income and help her work toward her dream career: owning a taxidermy business. 

“I grew up being around hunting, and I enjoy art, and I think I will be really successful with it. I’ve always been interested in animals and wildlife, and I want to give hunters a good trophy mount for their hard work to successfully get the animal that they were after. I’ll possibly be attending a taxidermy school, or I might teach myself how to do it. I’ll be making all kinds of mounts for people to be proud of,” said Chastain. 

Chastain will still be able to walk at graduation if she chooses, as well as attend prom. To graduate early, interested students must discuss their options with Guidance Counselor Rachel Robinson to determine if they are eligible or if they may become eligible in the future. 

Chastain hopes to make the most of her last three months of senior year.

“I’ll miss the senior activities, but I don’t have any regrets. I’m excited to get out of high school and start my life,” said Chastain.