On Wednesday, May 20, the Charter Institute at Erskine hosted the eighth annual Awards Banquet at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. More than 600 attendees from the Institute’s 28 charter schools statewide attended the event, including students, parents, volunteers, teachers, and school leadership. The Institute also welcomed special international guests, including Mr. Christian Wetell, Executive Vice President-Head of International Operations at Kunskapsskolan Education.
Created eight years ago as both a celebration of academic excellence and a response to the teacher retention crisis, the Awards Banquet is designed to ensure Institute teachers feel appreciated, celebrated, and energized for the work they do every day in classrooms across South Carolina.
“The Awards Banquet is one of the most meaningful nights of the year for the Charter Institute at Erskine because it provides an opportunity to celebrate the students, teachers, volunteers, and leaders who are changing lives across South Carolina,” said Superintendent Runyan. “These individuals represent the very best in education, and their commitment to move the needle for children in every corner of South Carolina is ensuring that generations will experience the human flourishing that only a world class education can provide.”
In addition to the presentation of awards, the event featured performances from Institute students, school leaders, and teachers. Student performers included violinist Liza O’Neal of South Carolina Virtual Charter School, the Gray Collegiate Academy Dance Team, and the Royal Live Oaks Academy of the Arts and Sciences Chorus.
For the second year, the Institute announced two 2026-2027 Nathan Yon Institute Teachers of the Year to represent the Institute’s diverse and rapidly expanding portfolio. Ms. Jennifer Catoe, an 11th grade social studies teacher at Gray Collegiate Academy and a resident of Columbia, was named the 2026-2027 Nathan Yon Institute Teacher of the Year for brick-and-mortar schools.
Ms. Dena Mixon, a high school science teacher at South Carolina Connections Academy and a resident of Lexington, was named the 2026-2027 Nathan Yon Institute Teacher of the Year for virtual schools.
“Being named a Nathan Yon Institute Teacher of the Year is an incredible honor,” said Ms. Catoe. “I’m grateful to work alongside educators who are committed to their students every single day. At Gray Collegiate Academy, I’ve had the opportunity to help students think critically about the world around them, and I’m proud to represent the innovative work happening in Institute schools across South Carolina.”
“I’m humbled to receive this recognition from the Institute,” said Ms. Mixon. “Teaching science allows me to spark curiosity and confidence in my students, and I’m thankful to be part of a school community that encourages creativity and student success. This award reflects the dedication of educators across our state who work tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of children.”
The Institute’s Teacher of the Year Award is named after Mr. Nathan Yon, a passionate educator who was set to open a charter school in Columbia but tragically passed away in a car accident before he was able to do so. Learn more about Mr. Yon and his legacy in this video.
Superintendent Runyan, Mr. Wetell, leadership from each school, and 2025-2026 Nathan Yon Institute Teacher of the Year Ms. Aimee Connell presented Ms. Catoe and Ms. Mixon with their awards. Both educators received trophies and gifts from the Yon family. Additionally, both Teachers of the Year will join the Institute Leaders Cohort and have the opportunity to participate in both a national and international trip to visit schools and bring back new ideas for their schools.
Ms. Aria Davis of Clear Dot Charter School, Ms. Piper Robuck of American Leadership Academy – Lexington, and Mr. Jonathan Coffey of Brashier Middle College Charter High School were also announced as the Elementary, Middle, and High School Students of the Year. These students were nominated by their school staff and selected by a panel of Institute judges. The winners received a special trophy for their accomplishments, while all Student of the Year nominees statewide were recognized during the Banquet and presented with a certificate and medal.
Mr. Ryan Altman of Royal Live Oaks Academy Charter School was awarded the 2025-2026 Lynn Higgins Volunteer of the Year Award. All Volunteer of the Year nominees were recognized and received a certificate for their accomplishments.
Ms. Meka Childs, Director of Education Choice and Family Engagement at the South Carolina Department of Education, was named the State Advocate of the Year in recognition of her commitment to serving charter schools and advocating for school choice in South Carolina. State Superintendent of Education Ms. Ellen Weaver, Institute Superintendent Mr. Cameron Runyan, and Chief Operating Officer Mr. Vamshi Rudrapati presented Ms. Childs with the award.
This year, the Institute also introduced the inaugural Valor in Education Award, created to honor American veterans and active-duty service members serving in Institute schools. The recognition pays tribute to individuals who have defended the nation’s freedoms and now dedicate their lives to shaping the future of South Carolina’s children.
Dr. Lionel “T.K.” Kennedy, Chief Executive Officer of Midlands STEM Charter School, received the inaugural award. Veterans Mr. Kevin Thomas, Co-Founder and Board Chairman of Midlands STEM, and Mr. Harold Palmer, Commander for the South Carolina Military Order of the Purple Heart of the USA, presented the honor.
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.
