Parrott Academy marks anniversary
A 1965 view of the entrance to Parrott Academy’s campus as construction began on land donated by John and Stella Mewborne. Submitted photo.
As 2020 closes, Arendell Parrott Academy marks the end of its 55th year as an educational and economic force in Lenoir County and eastern North Carolina. Founded in 1964 by a small group of local citizens, the Academy has grown from 123 students in 1965 to this fall’s enrollment of 667.
Today, Parrott is the largest independent school east of Interstate 95, drawing students from 13 counties, with Pitt, Lenoir, Craven, Greene, and Wayne leading enrollment. It ranks among the top 20% of private schools in the state, based on both SAT scores and student body size.
“I don’t think my father would believe how the school he envisioned has evolved and expanded, especially in the 20 years since his death,” said local attorney Jeannette Parrott. Her father, Marion A. Parrott, joined with his wife Lillian and friends in founding the school, which was named after their deceased son. Now in her nineties, Mrs. Parrott continues as a member of the Board of Trustees, attending meetings by Zoom during the COVID pandemic.
Today’s Parrott campus of 80 acres reflects the school’s growth as an educational and economic force. Submitted photo.
Parrott is also an economic force in Lenoir County, with a payroll of 101 full-time employees and an annual budget of close to 8 million dollars. It has spent over 4.3 million in capital construction projects since 2010.
“Having Parrott as an educational option is an important asset in attracting new citizens,” said Jess Edwards of Kinston Realty Inc. who is Chairperson-elect of the Chamber of Commerce and a 2005 APA graduate. “It helps sell this community because our county has educational choices for families and businesses looking to relocate.”
Trent Mooring of Mother Earth Brewing, also a Parrott alumnus, currently co-chairs the Board of Trustees Long Range Planning Committee with William Wilder. They measure APA’s successful history by the over 1,600 alumni it has produced. “Among our graduates are business leaders, doctors, lawyers and engineers but also Broadway performers and authors and biomedical researchers. We have a saying at this school that’s so true, now more than ever: you can go anywhere from here.”
