Charter Institute at Erskine Class of 2019 graduates earn over $21 million in scholarships and awards
June 17, 2019
Eight charter high schools authorized by the Charter Institute at Erskine recently celebrated graduations across South Carolina, earning over $21 million in scholarships and awards.
The Class of 2019 for the Charter Institute at Erskine is comprised of students from: Calhoun Falls Charter School, Coastal Leadership Academy, Cyber Academy of South Carolina, Gray Collegiate Academy, Oceanside Collegiate Academy, Odyssey Online Learning, Royal Live Oaks Academy, and South Carolina Virtual Charter School.
“I could not be more satisfied than knowing these graduates – the Class of 2019 – hold our future in their hands,” said Vamshi Rudrapati, Director of the Charter Institute at Erskine. “Looking at the list of scholarships and awards these students have earned is incredible. They have set the bar high for those that will come after them. Congratulations graduates!”
Oceanside Collegiate Academy class of 2019 celebrates following their graduation ceremony held on June 6 at Seacoast Church in Mt. Pleasant.
South Carolina Virtual Charter School had the largest graduate class of the eight schools with 256 students. Dr. Cherry Daniel, the Head of School for SC Virtual, said graduation day for a virtual school is more special than anything she has been a part of.
“To see all of our graduates unite together as one, in person, makes this day so unique,” Daniel said following the graduation ceremony held on June 6 at the Koger Center for the Arts in Columbia. “Our students come from all types of backgrounds, but today they are all one in the same. They are high school graduates.”
Royal Live Oaks Academy students show off their diplomas at their graduation ceremony on May 30 in Ridge
The three virtual schools authorized by the Charter Institute at Erskine serve students from every county in South Carolina. For many of the students enrolled, virtual schools are their only option for school choice.
History was made on May 31 at Calhoun Falls Charter School as they celebrated its Class of 2019. For the first time ever, all its graduates will attend a two or four-year institution.
“Today, we celebrate the victories and the successes,” Calhoun Falls Principal Kalan Rogers told graduates. “Throughout the years, you may have encountered trials and tribulations, but as always, you came out on top. You have created memories that will last a lifetime.”
Cameron Runyan, Charter Institute at Erskine’s CEO, said being a part of the graduation ceremonies were a fitting end to the Institute’s first school year as a charter school authorizer.
“Seeing students accept their diplomas first-hand really puts it all into perspective,” Runyan said. “We feel that same excitement and eagerness these graduates do about the future. Congratulations to our schools, the students, and their families. Job well done!”
Erskine College
180-year-old Erskine College established the Charter Institute at Erskine in 2017 to improve public education across the state of South Carolina. The Institute currently authorizes 13 charter schools with nearly 10,000 students. Four additional schools are scheduled to open in the fall of 2019. For more information, please visit www.erskinecharters.org.
