By: Kathryn Hodgins, Content and Public Relations Specialist, Florida Virtual School

Editor's Note: This post is one in a series of posts highlighting outstanding members of the Florida Virtual High School (FVHS) Class of 2026.

 

For Florida Virtual Full Time (FLVS Full Time) senior Charlotte Brooks, passion doesn't just shape her life; it drives it. From the moment she could sit up, Charlotte was immersed in a life centered around horses. The 17-year-old from Laurel Hills, Florida, says she was born into riding.

“My mom always jokes that she brought me home from the hospital, put me in the front pack, and got on a horse. I started showing competitively at about 10 years old, and I was hooked.”

That early spark has grown into an incredible competitive career, one marked by dedication, resilience, and the belief that big dreams are always worth chasing.

A Championship Moment

Charlotte achieved one of the biggest accomplishments of her riding career at the 2025 All‑American Quarter Horse Congress, the world’s largest and most prestigious single‑breed horse show. Riders travel from across the nation to compete in Columbus, Ohio, for titles that are respected throughout the industry.

Among that elite field, Charlotte rose to the top, earning Congress Champion in Youth Hunt Seat Equitation 15-18, a premier title that marks her as one of the strongest young equestrians in the sport.

“It means the world to me,” she said. “I have worked day and night to perfect not only my riding, but also my mental game and confidence in myself. I have such an amazing support system behind me. Once I learned to push the negative thoughts out of my head and believe in my ability to  win, I did.”

Her experience competing at the All American Quarter Horse Congress in October 2025 began with four demanding days of training, long days that began well before sunrise, and adapting to the Ohio climate. But amid the pressure, Charlotte found joy and gratitude. 

“I spent a lot of time with my close friends and focused on enjoying every moment,” she said.

That mindset, and her talent, paid off.

Riding Into the Future with Auburn Equestrian

In the fall, Charlotte will attend Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama, where she will join the equestrian team.

The team is a powerhouse in the National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA), has secured six national championships since 2006, and consistently earns Southeastern Conference (SEC) titles, including six consecutive championships through 2024.

 

For Charlotte, signing with Auburn was a full-circle moment, one she had dreamed of since she began showing and attending her first Auburn camp in eighth grade.

She chose Auburn for its strong sense of community and winning spirit.

“I chose Auburn because of the family dynamic and competitiveness of the team. Auburn has such a great vibe; the campus is beautiful, safe, and clean. The equestrian team truly pushes every rider to be the best they can be.”

Looking ahead, Charlotte hopes to earn National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA) Ariat All-American honors and be named a Southeastern Conference (SEC) Rider of the Month and a NCEA Rider of the Month during her college career.

Powered by School Choice and FLVS

Behind Charlotte’s athletic success is a learning environment that supports her lifestyle and ambitions: Florida Virtual School (FLVS).

Charlotte enrolled in FLVS in sixth grade after realizing traditional school could not accommodate the travel demands of competitive equestrian sports.

“It was very challenging to miss so much school for horse shows. I was constantly behind and trying to explain how important my riding is,” she says. “FLVS has given me the ability to travel even more and keep up with my classes.”

She discovered FLVS on social media and chose it because it offered the best academic reputation, strong reviews, and a Florida high school diploma, an essential requirement for any NCAA Division I athlete.

Her favorite part of online learning?

“The flexibility of the courses. All of my teachers are so understanding of my schedule. I always work ahead before horse shows, but every teacher has been flexible and helps me in any way I need, all while ensuring I’m challenged academically and able to maintain high-level performance in every class.”

Charlotte’s story reflects a growing national movement. According to new findings from National School Choice Week’s 2026 national survey, families across the country increasingly value flexible, personalized learning options that fit their children's unique needs, passions, and schedules. School choice continues to empower students, just like Charlotte, to pursue extraordinary opportunities without sacrificing academic success.

Looking to the Future

As she prepares for college, Charlotte’s goals are clear and inspiring:

“I want to keep all A and B grades, be a starter on the team, and end my college career knowing I gave it my all, in the classroom and in the arena.”

Her advice to fellow FLVS students?

“Never doubt yourself. It’s so easy to get in a rut academically and athletically because of negative thoughts. It’s so important to keep your head up and never stop chasing your dreams!”

Celebrating Charlotte’s Success With FLVS Full Time

Charlotte’s journey is one of dedication, passion, and the power of school choice, choosing an education that truly fits her goals and dreams. Her achievements, both in the classroom and in the arena, reflect the opportunities FLVS Full Time provides for students to excel on their own terms.

If you’re ready to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 or learn how FLVS Full Time can help you or your student pursue big dreams just like Charlotte, visit the FLVS Full Time Public Schools Graduation page to discover what’s possible.

 

About the Author: Content and Public Relations Specialist at Florida Virtual School, Katie Hodgins, leverages her extensive experience and passion for storytelling to highlight the people, places, and opportunities that define the FLVS community. A military veteran and lifelong learner, Katie enjoys communicating unique and innovative stories to inspire and engage the next generation. Having traveled throughout the world, she is proud to have planted roots here in Florida and with Florida Virtual School.