In the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Helene, charter school communities and leaders across South Carolina have stepped up to ensure that no one faces the storm’s impact alone. Demonstrating resilience and unity, these schools have become beacons of hope and recovery. The swift actions taken by these school leaders and communities underscore the culture of compassion, collaboration, and service that defines South Carolina’s charter schools, proving that even in the darkest times, these institutions shine brightly as pillars of support for their communities.
AMERICAN LEADERSHIP ACADEMY – LEXINGTON
On Sunday, September 29, American Leadership Academy (ALA) in Lexington organized an impromptu supply and food drive to support families affected by Hurricane Helene. The response was incredible – cars lined up at the lower school car line from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with families generously donating essential supplies like water, paper products, shelf-stable food, and batteries. The outpouring of support was so overwhelming that ALA ended up with surplus supplies. On Monday, the school opened its doors, welcoming both upper and lower school families to collect what they needed. Volunteers were on hand to assist, offering a helping hand and demonstrating the school’s RAISE Values (Respect, Accountability, Integrity, Service, and Excellence).
GRAY COLLEGIATE ACADEMY
At Gray Collegiate Academy in West Columbia, the War Eagles wasted no time in offering help to harder-hit regions of the state. When Dr. Brian Newsome, the school leader, learned that a medical team from Self Regional Healthcare needed ice to transport vital supplies, Gray responded swiftly. They provided enough ice to fill 22 coolers, ensuring perishable materials remained preserved. In addition, Gray’s team also offered snacks and refreshments to local linemen working tirelessly to restore power in Aiken and Augusta. The school’s Senior Student Council took the initiative to organize a supply drive, gathering flashlights, toiletries, and non-perishable food for those in need across the Carolinas. This supply drive is still ongoing at the school!
CHEROKEE CHARTER ACADEMY
In Gaffney, where Cherokee Charter Academy is located, power outages were widespread throughout the community. In response, the school brought its students and families together for a hotdog dinner on campus on Friday, October 4th. This gathering provided families with an opportunity to connect, recharge both their devices and spirits, and find kinship and support. Along with enjoying hotdogs, chips, and drinks, attendees played games and enjoyed each other’s company in a warm, supportive atmosphere.
Cherokee Charter Academy’s leadership also went the extra mile to make sure their families felt supported. On Sunday, October 6, members of CCA’s leadership team traveled throughout the Upstate, visiting 11 different families to share supplies, hugs, and fellowship.
“As a school community, we wanted our families to feel supported, even though we couldn’t be together in the classroom,” said Dr. Lindsay Walker, Principal at CCA. “Visiting our students this weekend was a small way to show them that we’re here for them—not just as their educators, but as part of their extended family as the Upstate recovers from Helene.”
Mevers School of Excellence (MSE) answered the call to help by starting a supply drive amongst their student body. Thanks to the generosity of the MSE community, ten cases of water and approximately 100 pounds of food and personal items are currently on their way to North Carolina to assist areas that were devastated by Helene.
“Here in the Lowcountry, we know how devastating the impacts of a hurricane can be to a community,” said MSE School Leader Kenneth Coles. “Our Eagles community wanted to come together and support their fellow Carolinians.”
LOWCOUNTRY LEADERSHIP CHARTER SCHOOL
The Lowcountry Leadership Charter School NaviGators in Meggett, SC also jumped into action following the hurricane to bring their community together. On September 30, 2024, members of the LLCS G-Team and their sponsor, Mrs. June Lowry, hosted a special gathering at the flagpole during morning drop-off. From 7:30 to 8:00 AM, they invited all who wished to pray for those affected by the storm. This event, part of the “See You at the Pole” initiative, fostered a spirit of unity and provided a moment of reflection for families as they continue navigating the challenges left by the hurricane.
LEADERSHIP COHORT
The Institute Leadership Cohort, a statewide group of Institute charter leaders, became a lifeline during Hurricane Helene, staying connected despite the geographical distance between them. Throughout the storm and its aftermath, they used a group chat to check on each other, share words of encouragement, and offer supplies to those in need.
Julianne Lang from Lowcountry Leadership Charter School offered her office to those without power, saying, “If you’re nearby (or not) and need an office with internet or to borrow supplies, come on.” Colby Wright from Clear Dot Charter School extended help, offering water and Gatorade to anyone in need, even volunteering to travel through uncertain and often dangerous conditions to deliver supplies personally.
When Greenwood Charter Academy’s Jason Morrison shared that a staff member had lost her home to the storm, the Cohort immediately stepped up, asking how to send Amazon gift cards and donations. Morrison, moved by their generosity, responded, “Thank you! It is nice to have such a supportive group of administrators.”
