Laster named CA Head of School

By Courtney Warren

Recently, Canton Academy (CA) hired former CA Principal Ryan Laster as the new Head of School. 

Former Head of School Tripp McCarty resigned during the spring semester after investing twenty-five years in a career in education. He decided to pursue other ventures outside the field of education. 

After McCarty’s resignation, CA Athletic Director Ben Williams became “administrator in charge” before Laster’s hiring. 

Laster joined the CA family last year as the high school principal and assistant football and baseball coach. 

Laster is a native of Batesville and a graduate of South Panola High School. He continued his education at Delta State University, earning his bachelor’s and Master of Education, as well as finishing the MSAIS Leadership Institute provided through Delta State University. With his fourteen years of experience in education, he has served as a Head of School and head football Coach at Lee Academy in Arkansas and at Washington School as an assistant football coach and academic counselor. During his time as the Head of School, Laster served on the MSAIS’ Athletics and Activities Commission (AAC) and Eligibility Committee. 

According to the Canton Academy Board of Directors, “We are excited for our school to move forward under Mr. Laster’s leadership, so that our students can excel in the classroom, on the field and in life. We would also like to extend our appreciation and gratitude to our Administrator in Charge, Ben Williams, for his willingness to serve and for allowing our school to continue to run smoothly during this process.”

Laster is joined at CA by his son, Taylor, a rising sophomore. His wife Misty is a teacher for the Madison County School District. “My family and I are extremely excited about this opportunity for years to come at Canton Academy. I look forward to continuing the many projects that have been started over the past year and beyond,” said Laster.