South Lamar School
| South Lamar School | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
300 Sls Rd, Millport, Alabama 35576 33°33′45″N 88°02′13″W / 33.5626°N 88.0369°W | |
| Information | |
| School type | Unit |
| Motto | EXPECTATIONS + EFFORT = EXCELLENCE |
| Established | 1986 |
School district | Lamar county |
Principal | Josh Harper |
| Colors | Crimson, gold |
| Mascot | Stallion |
| Accreditation | SACS/CASI |
| Website | lamarcountyk12 |
South Lamar School is a K–12 unified school district located in Millport, Alabama.[1] The principal is Josh Harper. South Lamar School's mascot is a Stallion.[2] The school's colors are crimson and gold. It is a small, 1A school with around 630 students. In 2018, it received a financial reward from the state for having its third-graders test among the best in the state.[3] According to Niche.com, during the 2025–2026 school year, South Lamar School's student population was 86.7% White, 6.9% African American, 4.6% multiracial, 1.4% Hispanic, and 0.3% Asian with a total minority enrollment of about 13%.[4] South Lamar School is also ranked #58 out of 376 best high schools in Alabama, #59 out of 392 best middle schools in Alabama, and #125 out of 721 best elementary schools in Alabama. It is also ranked as #16 out of 65 for best k-12 schools in Alabama, as well as, #291 of 1,847 k-12 schools in America.
In 1992, the school's basketball team won a state championship.[5] The school's basketball court was dedicated in the coach of that team's honor, Johnnie Wilson. He coached at the school for 32 years.[6]
South Lamar School’s varsity softball team achieved a notable victory by winning the Class 1A Area Tournament final, defeating Berry High School 13–3, which secured their advancement to the AHSAA Regional Tournament.[7]
Mission
The school’s mission aims to foster lifelong learning, self‑respect, community pride, and responsible citizenship. Administrators, teachers, and parents collaborate to support students academically, emotionally, socially, physically, and aesthetically within a positive and safe environment.[8]
History
Founded in 1986, South Lamar School in Lamar County, Alabama, sits between Millport and Kennedy. It was formed from the merger of Millport and Kennedy schools, with the Class of 1987 becoming its first graduates. The school’s crimson and gold colors were chosen to honor the rival schools’ traditions—Millport’s crimson and Kennedy’s gold.
Initially, the merger sparked tension as fans and students from both towns adjusted to new traditions. Over time, unity grew, and the community proudly rallied behind their new identity as the Stallions. South Lamar’s campus serves K-12 and has a strong reputation for academics and athletics, despite enrollment drops caused by economic shifts. Smaller class sizes have allowed teachers to build strong connections with students, helping them thrive.[9]
Academics
The school is accredited by SACS/CASI and is ranked among the top third of Alabama schools. It has received recognition for high academic performance, including a state financial award in 2018 for outstanding 3rd-grade test scores.
Extracurricular Activities
Athletics
South Lamar is classified as a Class 1A school and offers a variety of sports, including:
- Football
- Basketball
- Baseball
- Softball
- Volleyball
- Track and field
- Cheerleading
The boys' basketball team won a state championship in 1992, and the basketball court was named in honor of Coach Johnnie Wilson, who served for 32 years. In recent years, the varsity softball team won the Class 1A Area Tournament, advancing to regionals after defeating Berry High School.
Music & Arts
- South Lamar Marching Stallions Band: Active music program under the district’s clubs & organizations. Band achievements noted by students include “best in class” awards at competitions.[12]
Clubs and Honor Societies
Source:[13]
- Student Government Association (SGA)
- National Honor Society (NHS)
- Beta Club
- Scholar’s Bowl
- Upward Bound
- Educational Talent Search
- Leadership Team
- Executive Leadership Board
Community and Culture
South Lamar plays a vital role in the local communities of Millport and Kennedy. School events, especially football games and pep rallies, serve as important social gatherings. The school promotes unity and pride under the shared identity: "We Are South Lamar!"
Alumni
- Darryl Wilson, collegiate and professional basketball player
See also
References
- ↑ "SOUTH LAMAR SCHOOL | K12 Academics". www.k12academics.com. February 6, 2014. Retrieved October 18, 2021.
- ↑ "South Lamar (Millport, AL) High School Sports - Football, Basketball, Baseball, Softball, Volleyball, and more | MaxPreps". www.maxpreps.com.
- ↑ "South Lamar School Receives Big Bucks For Good Test Scores". August 23, 2018.
- 1 2 "Search for Public Schools - South Lamar School (010195001720)". niche.com. Retrieved July 9, 2025.
- ↑ "Alabama High School Basketball History". www.ahsfhs.org.
- ↑ "South Lamar School dedicates basketball court to Coach Johnnie Wilson". February 2, 2019.
- ↑ Board, Dispatch Editorial (May 7, 2009). "South Lamar softball wins first area tournament". The Dispatch. Retrieved July 9, 2025.
- ↑ "South Lamar School - Lamar County School District". South Lamar School - Lamar County School District. Retrieved July 26, 2025.
- ↑ "School History - Lamar County School District". School History - Lamar County School District. Retrieved July 9, 2025.
- 1 2 3 4 "South Lamar School (Ranked Top 30% for 2025) - Millport, AL". Public School Review. July 7, 2025. Retrieved July 26, 2025.
- ↑ "Explore South Lamar School". Niche. Archived from the original on March 27, 2022. Retrieved July 26, 2025.
- ↑ "Band - Lamar County School District". Band - Lamar County School District. Retrieved July 26, 2025.
- ↑ "SLS Clubs & Organizations - Lamar County School District". SLS Clubs & Organizations - Lamar County School District. Retrieved July 26, 2025.