DEMOPOLIS-The first day of school is always a special day at West Alabama Preparatory School. However, this year when students arrived Wednesday to kick off the 2005-2006 school year it was a little more special.

Anyone who is closely involved with the school will tell you a little more hard work and love went into this years preparations and it has shown.

West Alabama Preparatory School principal Lynn Compton said everyone arrived for opening day with a little more enthusiasm. The school also opened with 20 more students than they had expected.

“Things are going great,” Compton said. “We have 140 students and the kids are really excited.”

For the last month parent’s teachers, students and others associated with the school have rallied together to keep things on target and prepare for another successful year. The academic year started off with more of the same. Compton said before the students headed to class they all came together outside in a symbol of unity once again. They also had a very encouraging open house Tuesday night with a special guest who raised their spirits and provided them with helpful advice.

“We all got together earlier at the flagpole to have prayer and just to welcome the students back,” Compton said. “We also had an open house last night that was very well attended.”

American Christian Academy principal Dr. Dan Carden was the guest speaker at the open house. Carden has played a large role in leading the school from a small Christian learning center to a major player in the Tuscaloosa area.

With all the groundwork behind them the day began with plenty of enthusiasm. Compton said there was a lot of satisfaction in seeing the first day come and getting the students back into the halls of WAP.

“We are so excited to be here today,” Compton said. “It has been a big deal. We have worked up to this and today the day finally came.”

As with all schools, the first day of classes at WAP has been chaotic. As new students have arrived teachers and administrators have done their best to place them in classes. Compton said they were working hard to properly place all their students and make them feel as welcome as possible.

“Of course the normal thing right now is trying to get the students schedules finalized,” Compton said. “But things are going well.”

As you enter the high school area a large display is sure to catch your eye. The senior composites have been arranged around the word “EXCELLENCE.” Compton said this was a reminder of those who have walked the halls before them and what they hope to continue to achieve.

“That is our theme this year,” Compton said. “We are aiming for excellence in every aspect. We want to offer today’s technology with yesterday’s values.”