LEXINGTON, SC – American Leadership Academy – Lexington (ALA Lexington) 8th grade student Piper Robuck has been named the 2026 Middle School Student of the Year by the Charter Institute at Erskine (Institute). The announcement was made during the Institute’s Awards Banquet on May 20, where over 600 attendees gathered to celebrate outstanding teachers, students, volunteers, and school communities across South Carolina.
Piper exemplifies what it means to be an ALA student through her academic excellence, servant leadership, and commitment to strengthening her school community. As an active member of student government, she has helped foster a positive school culture that will leave a lasting impact on future students.
Known for her calm demeanor and thoughtful approach to problem-solving, Piper handles conflict with maturity, compassion, and accountability. Her kindness is evident in both big and small moments, whether she is encouraging classmates or “adopting” a struggling classroom ladybug she lovingly named “Jemima.”
Piper was nominated by school leadership for her meaningful contributions to the ALA Lexington community. One teacher shared, “Piper is a young lady who truly demonstrates what it means to be a leader. She cares deeply about the people around her, both in school and in life. She is a role model to younger students and her peers alike.”
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.
ALA Lexington Upper School Director Mr. Gabriel Cheavers shared, “At ALA, our R.A.I.S.E. Values (Respect, Accountability, Integrity, Service, and Excellence) are the foundation of everything we do, and Piper embodies each of them in an extraordinary way. She leads with humility, serves others with compassion, and consistently challenges herself to grow both academically and personally. Our entire school community is thrilled to celebrate her achievement.”
American Leadership Academy – Lexington is a tuition-free public charter school serving K-12 students in Lexington, SC. Established in 2023, ALA Lexington is dedicated to delivering an exceptional educational experience within a moral and supportive environment, under the authorization of the Charter Institute at Erskine. For more information, visit https://www.alaschools.org/sc/lexington-6-12
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The Charter Institute at Erskine is the fastest-growing school district in South Carolina. Serving 28 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.
