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The Live Like Livy Foundation sponsors a series of awards designed to support and inspire students pursuing careers in education, empowering the next generation of passionate and dedicated teachers.
- MEET OUR 2025 RECIPIENT - ANNIE ERBACHER!
Annie Erbacher graduated from Clemson University in 2024 with a degree in Secondary Social Studies Education and is currently completing her Master of Arts in Teaching through Clemson’s Teacher Residency program. She’s now teaching social studies at Crescent High School in Iva, South Carolina, where she’s excited to begin her career inspiring the next generation of learners.
“Being the first recipient of Olivia’s Light Award is a constant reminder to strive to embody her excellence in my own classroom: to be driven, positive, and an empathetic teacher that Olivia was. Most importantly, I am reminded to be the light for the students that may not have one!”
Clemson University, School of Education
Teacher Residency Program
The Olivia Light Award is presented each year to a standout student in the Clemson University School of Education's Teacher Residency Program who is about to begin their career as an educator. This honor recognizes a candidate who embodies the spirit and values Olivia brought to her students: unwavering positivity, integrity, commitment, a positive attitude and the unique ability to uplift those around them….all qualities Olivia brought to her students every day.
A monetary award, provided by the Live Like Livy Foundation, supports the recipient in decorating their classroom, providing books, and creating a positive and engaging learning environment with a strong focus on literacy.
OLIVIA'S LIGHT AWARD
- MEET OUR 2025 RECIPIENT - SHANNON LEATHERWOOD!
Shannon Leatherwood earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees from Furman University in Greenville, SC. Certified in Social Studies, she is a lifelong resident of the Wren community and currently teaches 7th Grade Geography at Wren Middle School in Anderson, SC. Shannon’s journey to the classroom is both unconventional and inspiring. After completing her first year of teaching, she took a 30-year sabbatical to be a stay-at-home mom to her three children, who are now adults. She was blessed with the God-given opportunity to return to teaching the same year Olivia served as a master’s teacher resident at Wren.
“Though I didn’t have many opportunities to work closely with Olivia, it only took one interaction to see the light in her eyes for her students and to feel her deep love and passion for teaching. I am truly humbled and honored to be this year’s recipient of the Olivia’s Light Award. Each day, I remind myself that every opportunity is a gift—and I strive to live and teach with the same fullness and purpose that Olivia exemplified.” Shannon Leatherwood on being the recipient of the 2025 Olivia’s Light Award, Anderson One School District.
OLIVIA'S LIGHT AWARD
Presented Annually by the Anderson School District
The Olivia’s Light Award honors the legacy of Olivia, a beloved teacher-resident in the Anderson School District who was preparing to begin her full-time teaching career. Though her time with us was brief, Olivia made an extraordinary and lasting impact on her students, colleagues, and the school community.
Created by the staff and administration of the Anderson School District, this award is presented each year to an outstanding first-year teacher who embodies the spirit and qualities Olivia brought into the classroom every day—positivity, creativity, and unwavering dedication.
The recipient of the Olivia’s Light Award reflects Olivia’s light by inspiring students through care, compassion, and commitment. This teacher motivates others not only with their instructional skill, but also with a heart for teaching and a passion for helping every student thrive.
- MEET OUR 2025 RECIPIENT -
IVEY BARBER!
Ivey is a senior Psychology major at Clemson University, originally from Columbia, SC. For the past two years, she’s been part of the Nieri/Clemson Athletic Services team. Passionate about the mental side of sports, she plans to pursue graduate studies in Sports Psychology after graduation.
“It was an honor to receive this award, especially after hearing about Olivia’s incredible work and compassion at Clemson. It means so much to know that others thought of me in connection to Olivia’s legacy and dedication to Clemson and the Athletic Academic Services.”
OLIVIA SHERRY LEGACY AWARD
Clemson University - Athletic Academic Services
Clemson Athletic Academic Services helps student-athletes develop and reach their personal, academic and professional potential.
This annual award honors a strategic mentor or tutor within Clemson University’s Athletic Academic Services who exemplifies the outstanding qualities embodied by Olivia Sherry—positivity, leadership, unwavering dedication, and compassion. Olivia was both its youngest and longest-serving strategic mentor, often entrusted with its most challenging students due to her remarkable ability to inspire and uplift.
The recipient of this award provides exceptional academic support, demonstrates natural leadership, and consistently goes "the extra mile" for student-athletes.
