Lamar School has a new headmaster. Shane Blanton is coming home to Meridian to accept the position.

Blanton serves on the state committee for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and his background includes U.S military intelligence in Europe.

Blanton said his vision is to see children academically prepared when leaving high school.

"I really see it with strong academics, in that having young people that are able to articulate what they believe in light of what they've learned," said Blanton. "And so really, I think in picking Lamar, it has a strong foundation in which to build on. What makes us unique is that in an independent school you can sort of capitalize on those things and prepare our kids for the next level."

Blanton said said strong academics demand a sound, disciplined environment.