2026 Awards Banquet
The Eighth Annual Charter Institute at Erskine Awards Banquet was hosted on Wednesday, May 20, at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. More than 600 individuals came together to celebrate academic excellence across our great state. Students, parents, volunteers, teachers, and school leadership were present, along with leadership from Erskine College.
2025-2026 Nathan Yon institute Teachers of the year
The Institute selected two Teacher of the Year honorees to represent the Institute’s growing virtual and brick-and-mortar portfolio, while also celebrating excellence in both types of schools.
Jennifer Catoe
Gray Collegiate Academy
Dena Mixon
South Carolina Connections Academy
2025-2026 institute student of the year Winners
2026 elementary school Student of the year
Aria Davis
Clear Dot Charter School
2026 Middle school Student of the year
Piper Robuck
American Leadership Academy – Lexington
2026 High school Student of the year
Jonathan Coffey
Brashier Middle College
2025-2026 Lynne higgins volunteer of the year
2024-2025 lynn higgins volunteer of the year
Ryan Altman
Royal Live Oaks Academy of the Arts and Sciences Charter School
2026 state advocate of the year
Dr. Meka Childs, Director of Education Choice and Family Engagement at the
South Carolina Department of Education
2026 Board Members of the year
Dr. Tom Siler
South Carolina Virtual Charter School
Rachel Sibilio
Belton Preparatory Academy
2026 Valor in Education
The Institute recognized American veterans by awarding the inaugural
Valor in Education Award, a tribute to the courage of those who have defended
our freedoms and now dedicate their lives to shaping the future of our children.
Dr. Lionel (T.K.) Kennedy, CEO at Midlands STEM Charter School
2026 champions
Accountability Champion
Patti Rubenzer
Odyssey Online Learning
communications champion
Christine Owens
The Heron Institute
finance champion
Arnesha Gates
Lowcountry Leadership Charter School
Federal programs champion
Kaylin Norris
Calhoun Falls Charter School
Powerschool Champion
Kimberly Bonilla
Mevers School of Excellence
Testing Chamption
Kristin Lee
Virtus Academy
Student Services Champion
Briana McGaha
Belton Preparatory Academy
School Transformation Champion
Toni Brandt
Virtus Academy
Assistant principal champion
Brooke Miller
Thornwell Charter School
rookie of the year
Destiny Grant
Libertas Academy – Colleton
