SIMPSONVILLE, SC – Brashier Middle College Charter High School (Brashier) 12th grade student Jonathan Coffey has been named the 2026 High 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.
Jonathan has distinguished himself through exceptional academic achievement, servant leadership, and a strong commitment to his school and community. Throughout his high school career, Jonathan has excelled in rigorous dual enrollment coursework through Greenville Technical College, earning placement on the Dean’s List five times and graduating as the Class of 2026 Valedictorian.
Beyond academics, Jonathan has made a lasting impact through tutoring peers, leading service initiatives, and serving in both school and church worship ministries. His leadership in Brashier’s Youth Commission International (YCI) helped the organization earn National Club of the Year honors, while his dedication, humility, and work ethic have also been recognized through leadership roles in the workplace and community.
He was nominated by leadership at his school for his notable contributions to the Brashier community. According to Principal Trina Freeman, “Through his academic initiative, leadership, service, and character, Jonathan has truly taken advantage of the opportunities afforded to him through Brashier’s charter school model. More importantly, he has used those opportunities to make a meaningful impact on those around him.”
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.
Located on the campus of Greenville Technical College, Brashier is an award-winning, tuition-free public charter school that blends high school and college coursework through a unique partnership with the college. This innovative model allows students to earn college credit while completing their high school diploma, preparing them for life after high school. For more information about Brashier Middle College Charter High School, visit https://brashiermiddlecollege.org/.
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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.
