FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Drew Johnson, Chief Communications Officer
803-622-0824
djohnson@sccharter.org
Senator Greg Hembree Awarded the 2023 Kids First “Hall of Fame” Charter Champion Award
COLUMBIA, S.C. (September 26, 2023) –
South Carolina Public Charter School District (SCPCSD) Superintendent Chris Neeley and The Charter Institute at Erskine Superintendent Cameron Runyan announced today that South Carolina State Senator Greg Hembree is the 2023 Kid’s First “Hall of Fame” Charter Champion award recipient.
As Superintendent Chris Neeley said, “Senator Greg Hembree’s unwavering dedication to the advancement of educational choice, high-quality charter schools, and educational freedom has made a profound impact on the lives of countless South Carolina families. His visionary leadership has paved the way for a brighter and more inclusive future for our students.”
The Third Annual Kids First Conference at the Columbia Convention Center, hosted by the Charter Institute at Erskine and South Carolina Public Charter School District, provides a unique opportunity for charter school boards and leadership to share best practices and gain valuable insight into how we can continue to support student achievement. The conference features a variety of workshops and panel discussions on topics such as school governance, financial management, and student achievement.
“Leaders like Senator Hembree and the ones that attend the Kids First Conference are making an impact on education in South Carolina,” said Superintendent Cameron Runyan. “This is what the Kids First Conference is all about – bringing together those who are making an impact on the charter sector and celebrating their accomplishments while inspiring them to continue to innovate and Move the Needle for students.”
Senator Hembree embodies the spirit that animates the Kids First Conference. Just like our charter school leaders, he is committed to creating opportunities for all children in South Carolina to have the opportunity to achieve their full potential no matter where they live.
This year’s conference is an inspiring and motivating experience featuring an extraordinary keynote speaker, Damon West. West is a bestselling author and an internationally known figure who has transformed lives with his powerful message of positive change. His journey from a life sentence in prison to becoming a beacon of hope and redemption is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
The Third Annual Kids First Conference is a great opportunity for charter school boards and leadership to come together and learn from each other. It is also a chance to honor those who have made a difference in the charter school movement in South Carolina. Senator Greg Hembree is a true champion of school choice and is a deserving recipient of the 2023 Kid’s First “Hall of Fame” Charter Champion award.
About the South Carolina Public Charter School District: The South Carolina Public Charter School District authorizes, champions, and supports the creation and advancement of innovative K-12 public charter schools in South Carolina. We value all students’ unique talents and abilities and hold high expectations for social, emotional, and academic growth inclusively within the diverse population we serve. https://sccharter.org/
The Charter Institute at Erskine is the fastest-growing school district in South Carolina. Serving 24 schools and 24,000 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.
##
Superintendent Runyan and Superintendent Neeley honor Senator Hembree with the Charter Champion Award.
Damon West inspired the audience to “be a coffee bean” during his keynote presentation.
