COLUMBIA, SC – Clear Dot Charter School (Clear Dot) 3rd grade student Aria Davis was named the 2026 Elementary 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.
Throughout her time, so far, as a student at Clear Dot, Aria has demonstrated that making a meaningful impact doesn’t require being the loudest voice in the room. Despite facing challenges greater than those of many of her peers, Aria’s personality shines through her smile, positive attitude, and the genuine connections she builds with those around her.
For these reasons, she was selected as Clear Dot’s Elementary Student of the Year through a schoolwide vote. According to a staff member, “Aria leaves her mark on our school through her perseverance, her kindness, and the way she quietly overcomes obstacles every single day. She is our daily reminder that strength doesn’t always have to be loud to be powerfully effective.”
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.
“Aria represents the heart of who we are at Clear Dot,” said Dr. Lindsey Ott, Chief Executive Officer. “Her resilience, joy, and determination inspire our entire school community each day. Although she may not always use words to express herself, Aria communicates through her smile and the way that she treats others. We are incredibly excited to see her recognized statewide with this well-deserved honor.”
Clear Dot Charter School is a tuition-free, public school that offers a 4K–12 curriculum designed to develop well-rounded, academically strong students prepared for success in higher education and beyond. The school emphasizes high academic standards, character development, and the cultivation of global citizenship. Clear Dot is committed to providing an inclusive, nurturing environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive. It is authorized by the Charter Institute at Erskine.
Learn more about Clear Dot Charter School at www.cleardotcharterschool.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.
