Charter Institute honors Midlands STEM CEO with award

The Charter Institute at Erskine presented the inaugural Valor in Education Award to U.S. military veteran Lionel “T.K.” Kennedy, CEO of Midlands STEM Charter School. The honor recognizes a lifetime of military service and a commitment to expanding educational opportunities for South Carolina students.

Institute Superintendent and CEO Cameron Runyan presented the award alongside Harold Palmer, commander of the Department of South Carolina Military Order of the Purple Heart. The Military Order of the Purple Heart is a congressionally chartered organization made up exclusively of combat-wounded veterans who have received the Purple Heart medal. The organization supports veterans and their families through legislative advocacy and community service.

“Dr. Kennedy has dedicated his life to defending our nation’s freedoms,” Runyan said in a news release. “Today, he continues that mission by working to ensure every child in South Carolina has access to educational freedom. He embodies the spirit of this award, and the Institute is profoundly grateful for his service and dedication to our nation and the nation’s next generation.”

During the ceremony, Palmer presented an official Purple Heart Proclamation to the Charter Institute at Erskine, which was accepted by Runyan and Institute Chief Operating Officer Vamshi Rudrapati. The designation makes the Charter Institute at Erskine the first charter school authorizer in South Carolina to become a Purple Heart charter authorizer.

“Freedom doesn’t sustain itself. It is strengthened every day by the students in your classrooms,” Palmer said. “You are not just teaching lessons; you are building citizens and leaders that have a purpose.”

Kennedy also addressed attendees, emphasizing the importance of education as a form of service.

“Educating and uplifting the next generation is the greatest defense we can provide for our future,” Kennedy said. “I am incredibly humbled to receive this honor, but the true reward is seeing the impact we can make when we invest in our children.”

The Charter Institute Awards Banquet is held annually to recognize academic excellence across South Carolina. The event brings together students, parents, volunteers, teachers, school leaders and Erskine College leadership. This year’s banquet also included a tribute to active-duty military members and veterans in recognition of their service to the nation and their contributions to education.

Midlands STEM Charter School is a tuition-free public charter school in Winnsboro.