Commonwealth Honors Academy

08/29/2026

We are looking for our next fantastic cohort of scholars ready to boost their academic careers! 🚀

The CHA deans will be visiting Calloway County High and Murray High in just a few days. 👀🥰

If you know a junior, be sure to encourage them to drop by the CHA table to get more information on the 2027 Academy. 💥

08/28/2026

For 25 years, CHA has given students their very first taste of college life — and something even more lasting: the professors who believed in them and the friends who became family.

🌟 To mark this anniversary and the growth of the program, we are celebrating every scholar who discovered their voice, passions, and direction in life while at CHA.

This week, meet Lyra Duffy, a 2022 CHAlum now at Transylvania University. 🎉

08/22/2026

08/22/2026

CHA 101: The Team 🎯

Ever wonder how CHA works behind the scenes? It comes down to 4 key areas working together:

📖 Academics — supporting scholars and faculty in the classroom
🏡 Student Life — building community and connection
🗂️ Administration — keeping everything running smoothly
🎥 Media — capturing and sharing our story

Four categories, one shared mission: creating a magical pre-college experience for our scholars. 💛✨

📚 New here? This is part of our ongoing CHA 101 series!

08/20/2026

The Commonwealth Honors Academy delivers on a colorful academic experience! 🌺🐸🦋3 weeks of memories and connections that last a lifetime.

08/16/2026

Welcome back to campus, Racers! If you were a CHA scholar (any year) and you're still working on your degree -- let's get together for some hot food and a chill hang. Connect with your beloved CHA faculty and staff too!

Mark your calendars: September 3rd (not 4th) from 4:30-6:30pm (come and go)

Be sure you get all the details through the RacerCHAlum Canvas group.

If you haven't joined the Canvas group or missed the invitation, email Dr. Sullivan-Beckers or leave a comment here to be added.

08/15/2026

📝 Attention future CHA Scholars!
You need standardized test scores to apply for CHA this year. To get those scores on your application in time, you'll need to take a test this fall semester.

Here's what you need to know before you apply:

✅ A minimum ACT score of 23 (or equivalent) is required to apply for the Commonwealth Honors Academy
✅ A score of 25 (or equivalent) is recommended to be competitive for the program
✅ That same 25 ACT (or equivalent) is required for the Murray State scholarship after graduation
✅ Applications open December 1st and are due March 1st — mark your calendars 🗓️

⚠️ A standardized test score is a NEW requirement this year. If your older sibling/cousin/friend told you scores weren't needed... they were right at the time, but things have changed! Time to prove them wrong and start prepping. 😅

📌 Fine print: Test scores are just one part of the application. GPA requirements, letters of recommendation, and other components are also part of the process. Applications are reviewed holistically for many student qualities. 📚✨

Questions? Drop a comment below and we'll help you out! 👇

08/13/2026

We couldn't be prouder to share this news: Chandler Chambliss, a graduate of our 2025 CHA program, has just been elected to public office in Gibson County, TN — becoming the youngest person in county history to hold the seat of county commissioner.

When Chandler came through CHA, that year's program focused on the importance of serving your community. It's a lesson he clearly took to heart. In a full-circle moment, one of our guest speakers that year was retired Navy officer AJ Cunha — who Chandler connected with during the program, and who is now also running for public office in Murray.

We asked Chandler to reflect on his journey, and his words say it better than we could:
"It's imperative for my generation to get involved. We are the future, and without anyone making decisions that impact that future, we lose the edge that sets us ahead. The time is now to be future-oriented and tackle the challenges and opportunities that come with the new technologies all around us. I hope my campaign shows other young adults that getting involved is possible — it can be as simple as joining a chamber board or attending a city council meeting. These experiences expose you to real issues and give you a voice. My campaign was challenging, but I was surrounded by people who believed in me, supported me, and pushed me to be my best — sort of like CHA."

Congratulations, Chandler — we can't wait to see what you accomplish. This is exactly the kind of leadership CHA hopes to inspire in every scholar who comes through our doors.

https://www.wbbjtv.com/video/2026/08/12/18-year-old-makes-history-gibson-countys-youngest-elected-commissioner/?outputType=amp

08/13/2026

🎉 A CHA Alumnus Making History

Meet Chandler — CHA Class of 2025 grad, and now the youngest person ever elected to public office in Gibson County, TN! 🗳️

Fun full-circle moment: during his year at CHA, our program focused on the power of community service — and one of our guest speakers was retired Navy officer AJ Cunha. The two connected instantly. Today, AJ is also running for office in Murray. 👀

In Chandler’s words:
“It’s imperative for my generation to get involved... I was surrounded by people who believed in me, supported me, and pushed me to be my best — sort of like CHA.”

So proud of you, Chandler. This is what CHA leadership looks like. 💛

📸 swipe for photos

Milan High School