Hall of Fame – Outstanding Charter School Alumni

Westyn Woodard is a standout charter school alumnus who exemplifies the character, discipline, and drive that charter education fuels. Westyn is a 2024 graduate of Lake Lure Classical Academy (LLCA) in Lake Lure, NC, and is currently studying Pre-Dental & Biochemistry at High Point University on a full-ride scholarship from the Air Force ROTC program.

At LLCA, Westyn was a trusted leader among students and teachers, guiding his peers with respect, a collaborative spirit, and a motivation to unlock the best in those around him, all without a need to draw attention to himself. At LLCA, Westyn’s compassionate leadership flowed naturally – in sports as a well-respected teammate and captain of both his basketball and golf teams, and academically, where he led and participated in several clubs and activities. LLCA High School Principal Michael Smith witnessed this continually in Westyn, saying:

“It is Westyn’s thoughtfulness and care that make him most distinguished. What stood out most to me is that he founded our mentoring program. I watched him work with younger, at-risk students, and he was an excellent role model and guide for them. He listened to them, helped them patiently with their work, and guided them compassionately. Through the formation of the mentoring program, Westyn also empowered many of our high school students to work with younger students in our school, and they all made an incredibly positive impact.”

Westyn has been taking initiative with his career by shadowing an oral surgeon and a general dentist for the past year and a half to further his skills in this arena. Most recently, he participated in a medical and dental mission trip to Costa Rica, where their team provided dental services to local communities. This experience further strengthened his commitment to a career in dentistry and service.

In addition to conducting undergraduate research in both the Chemistry and Physical Therapy Departments, he presented chemistry research at the American Chemical Society (ACS) Conference in Atlanta this spring, representing High Point University among professional scientists and researchers from across the country.

Within Air Force ROTC, Westyn was awarded the AFROTC Silver Medal of Merit this year for exemplary leadership, military skills, service to the community, and dedication to the principles of duty, honor, and country. He has also continued to take on leadership responsibilities and was recently selected to attend Field Training, a major milestone in the program that prepares cadets for commissioning and increased leadership roles. He was also honored to lead the HPU Color Guard during the university's graduate commencement ceremony. Westyn will return to campus this fall as a Professional Officer Course cadet. Beyond academics and ROTC, Westyn served as the Philanthropy Chair for High Point University's Board of Stewards, and he remains actively involved in Campus Outreach and men's Bible studies with freshmen, continuing the faith-based leadership and service that began during his time at LLCA.

If that is not enough, Westyn started a pet-sitting business in his hometown with his siblings, which they operate during summer break.

About the impact LLCA and a charter education had on his trajectory, Westyn said: “Thanks to LLCA's focus on civic responsibility, critical thinking, and virtue, I was able to find success thus far in college, and I aim to carry these forward in the pursuit of greater heights, impacts, and career milestones.”

Westyn represents the very best of what charter schools make possible. By giving students the freedom to explore their interests and the support to pursue them wholeheartedly, charter schools help young people discover who they are and what they can become. Westyn took full advantage of those opportunities, channeling his passion for service, leadership, and learning into a path that now includes both military service and a future career in dentistry. He leads through action rather than recognition, and his impact on the LLCA community continues to be felt today.

“His intellect, character, and demeanor all make him a leader, and he lives up to the highest standards,” added Principal Smith. “Westyn wants to be a medical doctor and serve humanity in this way. I have no doubt that he has what it takes, as well as the compass that he needs to keep him guided and resilient.”

We sincerely hope that you will consider naming Westyn Woodard for this distinguished award. These qualities make him the ideal candidate for this Outstanding Charter School Alumni Award. Thank you.