Lyman Ward enrollment up

Despite nearly having to close a year ago, Lyman Ward Military Academy’s enrollment numbers are up.

Currently enrollment at the 110-year-old boarding school sits at about 85, but is expected to increase next year, said Maj. Joe Watson, assistant to President Col. (Ret.) Bill Jenrette and music director at the school.

“Projected enrollment for next year is higher than it was this time last year,” he said.

Watson said it is difficult to say exactly how many students will be enrolled next year, but he predicts enrollment will begin at 85 and end at 100 or more.

Sluggish enrollment was one of the reasons the school almost had to close its doors at the end of the 2006-2007 school year.

There are hopes that, after three years, the school’s enrollment will reach previous numbers of more than 200.

Now, the school’s board of trustees and parents’ organization is working together to get the school on track, Watson said.

“It’s been a much more concerted effort by all constituencies,” Watson said. “They have worked in concert, that makes a big difference.”

As for the threat of the school closing in the future, right now that is not an option, Watson said.

“It hasn’t been discussed at all this year,” he said.

“(It is) mostly a matter of will power,” Watson said, referring to the school’s “will” to stay open. “I don’t think the will was there. It (the will power) is now present.”

Along with a new lease on life, the school has had several accomplishments this year and made several improvements.

For one, the school was listed as a historical site in the state, Watson said.

The parent support group has made several improvements to the school, including pressure washing, painting, renovating buildings, renting equipment needed to make repairs and donating their time and money.

In the midst of a down cycle, Watson said, the school was re-accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

The Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) also inspected the school giving it the validation of an honor unit with distinction for the next three years.

“It was a challenge, but good,” said Maj. Doug Sams, public relations representative for Lyman Ward, referring to the past school year.

As for the future, Watson said the school plans to keep making improvements to the campus and recruiting more students.

“(Those are) two milestone events,” Watson said.

This year, 10 seniors will graduate from the boarding school.

“Several of them have four year (school) scholarships in hand... We are proud of them,” Watson said.

All of the seniors have been accepted to college except one who plans to enter the armed services, Sams said.

“(We) feel a different spirit than we felt a year ago,” said George Wallace Jr., chairman of the board of trustees. “We’ll be here another 110 years.”

bwhitley@oanow.com | 737-2525