Abigail Rogers, a rising Virtus Academy fifth grader, experienced pure joy and surprise at the Sixth Annual Charter Institute at Erskine (CIE) Awards Banquet on May 16 in Columbia. She had no idea she would be named the 2024 Elementary School Student of the Year, a moment that left her – and her friends and family – in awe.
Each of CIE’s 26 charter schools across South Carolina was invited to nominate one student of the year for elementary, middle, and high school. Criteria included academic performance, leadership skills, eagerness to take advantage of the school’s curricular and extra-curricular opportunities, and the ability to turn an adverse circumstance into something positive.
“Abigail checks all the boxes. She is an outstanding student and role model, and we couldn’t be prouder of her receipt of this very significant honor,” said Virtus Academy Assistant Executive Director Famon Whitfield, III. “In addition to her personal commitment to excellence, Abigail’s “Student of the Year” distinction reflects highly on the teachers and administrators who give 100 percent to our students and school community daily.”
Abigail is the daughter of Daniel Rogers and a member of the Elementary Beta Club.
Other Virtus Academy nominees included:
- John Huggins, VA 5th Grade Teacher, for CIE Teacher of the Year
- Carlos Washington, VA Board of Directors, for CIE Volunteer of the Year
- Lucy Long, VA student, for CIE Middle School Student of the Year
- Jayden Bostick, VA student, for CIE High School Student of the Year
“Recognition and appreciation are integral to a thriving school culture,” added Virtus Academy Executive Director Dr. Brian Carpenter. “Our commitment to the highest quality teaching and learning is more evident than ever before, reaffirming our mission to power student potential through project-based learning, leadership development, community service, and the spirited pursuit of excellence.”
Virtus Academy will welcome students back to campus on August 5 and celebrate the grand opening of a new high school and gymnasium.
