COLUMBIA, SC – South Carolina Connections Academy (SCCA) 3rd grade student Lilly Oliver was named the 2025 Elementary School Student of the Year at the Charter Institute at Erskine’s Awards Banquet on May 15.
In addition to being an excellent student, Lilly has shown the ability to transform grief into something positive at a very young age. When she lost her brother from leukemia, she responded by organizing a toy drive for the children at the Medical University of South Carolina. She has collected over 500 toys, so far, and continues to do so in honor of her brother.
Her school family shared that the virtual school model has encouraged her academic growth, while also allowing flexibility for her to spend time with her family.
She was nominated by leadership at her school for her notable contributions to the SCCA community. According to one of the members of the SCCA community, “Lilly leaves a lasting impact on our school community through her strength, kindness and positivity. Her example of resilience and generosity is one that will be remembered by all who have had the privilege of knowing her.”
The purpose of the Institute’s Student of the Year Award is to recognize a student that has gone above and beyond in their school communities, both academically and culturally. These students embody the mission and values of both their school and the Institute as a whole.
“I truly believe that this award could not have gone to a more deserving student,” said Josh Kitchens, SCCA Executive Director, who spoke about Lilly at the Banquet. “Lilly has dealt with so much at such a young age, and has done so with grace, bravery, and a growing desire to help others.”
South Carolina Connections Academy is an online, tuition-free public charter school that serves students across the state in grades K-12. Since its establishment in 2008, SCCA has been providing a personalized education for students to master the knowledge and problem-solving skills needed to achieve their college and career goals. The school is authorized by the Charter Institute at Erskine. For more information, visit www.connectionsacademy.com/south-carolina-virtual-school.
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The Charter Institute at Erskine is the fastest-growing school district in South Carolina. Serving 26 schools and approximately 30,000 students across the state, the Charter Institute at Erskine is committed to innovative, creative, high-quality methods of education. For more information about the Institute, please visit www.erskinecharters.org.
