HARDEEVILLE, SC – Fire Inspector Ryan Altman, with the Hardeeville Fire Department, has been named the 2026 Lynn Higgins Volunteer of the Year in honor of his work with Royal Live Oaks Academy of the Arts and Sciences (RLOACS). The announcement was made during the Charter Institute at Erskine’s (Institute) Awards Banquet on May 20, where over 600 attendees gathered to celebrate outstanding teachers, students, volunteers, and school communities across South Carolina.
Inspector Altman was nominated for this statewide award by the RLOACS school community in honor of his “exceptional service, dedication, and impact on the students and staff.”
Ms. Brenda Hunt, RLOACS Chief of Staff, shared that he has helped to create a safer school environment by volunteering his time to provide lifesaving training for the faculty and staff, including CPR, AED, and Stop the Bleed instruction.
Additionally, Inspector Altman works directly with students to teach essential skills for healthcare and emergency response in RLOACS’ BioMed Sciences classes and the Certified Nursing Assistant Program. Outside of the classroom, he serves as a mentor for the students and encourages them to visit the fire station to experience the real-life responsibilities of a firefighter.
“One call, and Ryan is at our service,” said Ms. Hunt. “His warmth, patience, and genuine care for students make him an invaluable partner, guiding them not only to technical skill but also to responsibility, empathy, and civic awareness.”
The Institute’s Volunteer of the Year award was named to honor Ms. Lynn Higgins, a late grandparent of a student at Clear Dot Charter School in Columbia. Higgins was behind the formation of a volunteer program at Clear Dot. Her legacy is defined by her kind, generous, and selfless spirit.
Inspector Altman was recognized at the Banquet with a certificate and an award.
“It has been incredibly rewarding to work with the students and staff at Royal Live Oaks,” said Inspector Altman. “Whether it’s providing emergency response training for faculty or helping students gain hands-on experience in public safety, my goal has always been to equip others with skills and confidence that can make a real difference in their lives and in the community. I’m grateful to be part of the Royal Live Oaks family and honored to receive this recognition.””
Royal Live Oaks Academy of the Arts & Sciences is a K-12 public charter school located in Jasper County that uses project-based learning to highlight the importance of critical thinking and problem-solving. RLOACS is authorized through the Charter Institute at Erskine. To learn more, visit www.rloacs.org.
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The Charter Institute at Erskine is the fastest-growing school district in South Carolina. Serving 28 schools and 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.
