"Every Child deserves a champion"
Rita Pierson

A champion: Someone who fights for you; someone who unwaveringly supports your cause.  Charter Champions are those who believe in the power of school choice, who are committed to ensuring that every child has a quality option for free, public education and who are persistent in their efforts to improve the outcomes for our children.   In particular, they are advocates for Greenville Technical Charter High School, the first charter high school in the state of South Carolina.  GTCHS is grateful for our champions.  The role they play in promoting strong legislation, providing financial contributions, and leading innovative practices is vital for the students we serve. ​
2023 Charter Champions Event 
Honoring 
The Honorable Pamela Evette
Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina
&
​Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association
Thursday, March 30, 2023
AVENUE
110 E. Court St.
Greenville, SC  29601
2022 Charter Champions
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Jay Blankenship is currently the Workforce Advisor in the Business Services Division for the South Carolina Department of Commerce. Jay believes that every student no matter what type of school he or she attends is the future of South Carolina and should be in the best position to enter the workforce fully educated and equipped to meet the demands of the workplace. Jay has spearheaded and developed numerous student engagement opportunities with industry leaders and businesses throughout the state like Boeing’s DreamLearner program; the AHEC Summer Enrichment Program; and the Google Apprenticeship Opportunity; and the Core Professional Competencies. Jay believes in ensuring that all educational programs have a seat at the table when it comes to discussions about providing our students the opportunity to acquire the necessary skills to enter the workforce and connect to our industry leaders.
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​​ Charles “Bob” Robert Bayne was an extraordinary educator and school administrator.  Bob’s rich 50-year legacy in education in local high schools demonstrated of his love and passion for education. As a former beloved principal for GTCHS, he shared his wisdom and quick wit with the staff, students and faculty establishing a lasting rapport with them. Even after retirement, Bob served as a favorite and much sought-after substitute who continued to impact the life of everyone he met in a positive way.  Lovingly called Mr. Byane by the students, Bob instilled in them the love of family, pride in their accomplishments and to do the right thing. Bob believed strongly in education and ensured that administrators and teachers had the best training and resources at their disposal. Bob was so adored and respected at GTCHS that the auditorium was renamed the Bob Bayne Auditorium. Bob’s legacy is that he truly embodied what it means to be a Charter Champion.
2021 Charter Champions
Phedra Johnson is an avid supporter of GTCHS. Mother of GTCHS alumnus, Artis Jhmar Johnson, Jr., Phedra wholly believes in the mission of GTCHS. The quintessential GTCHS fund raiser, Phedra serves on the GTHCS Development and Endowment Board and has put her talents to work raising funds for the Boys basketball team and building fund as well as volunteering at GTCHS’s many events. Phedra one of the creators of the GTCHS Basketball Breakfast, has brought in several new business partners. Over her 30 years as a medical professional, Phedra has taught Medical Assistants at Greenville Technical College and worked at Shriners Hospital. Phedra is a founding member of Southern Belle Gems a nonprofit mentoring for girls from age six through college teaching them the importance of dreams, embracing challenges, mastering goals and “showing the world it can be done”.  Phedra epitomizes Shonda Rhimes quote: “… It’s hard work that make things happen. It’s hard work that create change.”
​Steven A Pynne is the father of two GTCHS alumni, Heather Pynne and Zachary Pynne. His support of GTCHS spans over a decade. Through his company Technology Connection, Steve has sponsored numerous events at GTCHS as well as serving on the Development and Endowment Board. Recently, Steve has assumed the role of Annual Campaign Committee Chair. A community leader who has served in many capacities with Boy Scouts of America, Blue Ridge Council and the teaching staff of American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Steve exemplifies the Boy Scout moto “Be Prepared”. Whether it is demonstrating CompuServe weather to a joint CPA/Congress using a Sign Language interpreter or working with his clients, Steve uses his wit, humor, and experience to challenge his peers to rally and support the cause that he has chosen to champion. Steve is always in a state of readiness to perform any duty to the utmost of his ability, while inspiring others to join in the work of educating tomorrow’s leaders today.

2012 Charter Champions                                       2013 Charter Champions                                     2014 Charter Champions                
Hayne Hipp                                                                                  Lynda Leventis-Wells                                                              Senator Jim Demint
Dr. Anthony Johnson                                                                  Dr. Robert Nash                                                                       Dr. Harold Shaw
Ray Lattimore                                                                               Lisa Stevens                                                                             Minor Mikel Shaw
Carl Sobocinski                                                                             Dr. Robert Wilson                                                                   Lockheed Martin

2018 Charter Champions                                       2019 Charter Champions                                    2020 Charter Champions
Leslie Farmer                                                                              Jody Bryson                                                                              Tony Wheeler
​Al Squire                                                                                      Chandra Dillard                                                                       The Phoenix Center