Charter Institute at Erskine Honors Outstanding Educators and Students at Eighth Annual Awards Banquet

Celebrating Excellence: A Night of Recognition in South Carolina Education

The Charter Institute at Erskine recently held its eighth annual Awards Banquet, a significant event that brought together over 600 attendees from its 28 charter schools across South Carolina. This gathering, as shared by the Institute, serves as a powerful testament to the dedication and talent within the state's charter school community, recognizing students, teachers, volunteers, and leaders who are making a profound impact.

For parents and students considering or currently part of the charter school system, events like this underscore the commitment to fostering environments where academic excellence is not just encouraged but celebrated. It’s a moment to see the tangible results of hard work and innovative educational approaches, reflecting the Institute's stated mission to redefine public charter school education in South Carolina and ensure students reach their full potential. For those seeking additional academic support, platforms like COSMIQ offer free voice-driven AI tutoring, providing K-12 students with personalized assistance to complement their in-school learning.

Honoring the Heart of Education: Teachers of the Year

A cornerstone of the Awards Banquet is the recognition of outstanding educators, an initiative the Institute says was created in part to address teacher retention and ensure teachers feel valued. This year, for the second time, the Institute named two 2026-2027 Nathan Yon Institute Teachers of the Year, reflecting the diversity of its educational models:

• Ms. Jennifer Catoe, an 11th-grade social studies teacher at Gray Collegiate Academy, was honored as the Teacher of the Year for brick-and-mortar schools. According to Ms. Catoe, this recognition is a testament to working alongside educators committed to helping students think critically about the world.
• Ms. Dena Mixon, a high school science teacher at South Carolina Connections Academy, received the award for virtual schools. Ms. Mixon expressed humility, stating that teaching science allows her to spark curiosity and confidence, and that the award reflects the dedication of educators statewide.

The Nathan Yon Institute Teacher of the Year Award is named in memory of Mr. Nathan Yon, a passionate educator who passed away before realizing his dream of opening a charter school in Columbia. Honoring his legacy through these awards highlights the profound impact individual educators have on their communities and the future of education.

Both Ms. Catoe and Ms. Mixon received trophies and gifts from the Yon family. Additionally, the Institute announced that both Teachers of the Year will join the Institute Leaders Cohort, gaining opportunities for national and international travel to visit schools and bring back fresh ideas to their own institutions. This investment in professional development underscores the Institute's belief in continuous growth and innovation for its educators.

Celebrating Student Achievement and Community Support

Beyond the teachers, the banquet also shone a spotlight on the bright futures of students and the invaluable contributions of volunteers and advocates. The Institute recognized:

• Students of the Year: Ms. Aria Davis (Clear Dot Charter School, Elementary), Ms. Piper Robuck (American Leadership Academy – Lexington, Middle), and Mr. Jonathan Coffey (Brashier Middle College Charter High School, High School) were celebrated for their academic excellence. These students were nominated by their school staff and selected by a panel of Institute judges, receiving special trophies for their accomplishments. All nominees statewide were recognized with certificates and medals.
• Volunteer of the Year: Mr. Ryan Altman of Royal Live Oaks Academy Charter School was awarded the 2025-2026 Lynn Higgins Volunteer of the Year Award, acknowledging the crucial role volunteers play in supporting school communities.
• State Advocate of the Year: Ms. Meka Childs, Director of Education Choice and Family Engagement at the South Carolina Department of Education, was recognized for her commitment to serving charter schools and advocating for school choice.

This year also saw the introduction of the inaugural Valor in Education Award, created to honor American veterans and active-duty service members who now serve in Institute schools. Dr. Lionel “T.K.” Kennedy, Chief Executive Officer of Midlands STEM Charter School, was the first recipient, a tribute to those who have defended the nation's freedoms and now dedicate their lives to shaping the future of South Carolina’s children.

Additionally, the Charter Institute at Erskine recognized twelve Champion of the Year winners, honoring school staff members who went above and beyond in their roles at their respective schools. These acknowledgments collectively paint a picture of a vibrant, supportive educational ecosystem where every contribution, from the classroom to the community, is deeply valued. For students preparing for upcoming challenges, the COSMIQ practice hub offers free resources by grade and subject, helping to reinforce learning and build confidence.

A Vision for the Future of Education

Superintendent Runyan emphasized the significance of the Awards Banquet, stating that it provides an opportunity to celebrate individuals who are changing lives across South Carolina. He noted that these individuals represent the best in education, ensuring that generations will experience the human flourishing that only a world-class education can provide. The event, with its diverse range of awards and international guests, reflects the Charter Institute at Erskine's broader vision: to provide individualized support to schools, advocate for educational freedom, and uphold academic excellence as the standard in South Carolina education.

The Institute's commitment to recognizing and celebrating success serves as an inspiration, reinforcing the idea that a strong educational community is built on collective effort and shared values. It highlights how dedicated educators, engaged students, and supportive communities work together to create environments where learning thrives.