Students are enrolled in Electrical, Carpentry, Welding, Machine Tool, and Nursing classes. During this complimentary camp, students are experiencing hands-on learning experiences and career opportunity pathways. #murrayschools
During the Closing Day Ceremony for the Murray Independent School District, John Karanja, Murray High School English teacher, and David Hightower, Murray Middle School custodian, were named the overall CFSB Tiger Pride winners for Murray Independent School District for the 2025-2026 school year.
Both individuals were first recognized as monthly Tiger Pride winners after being nominated by their peers for their dedication, positivity, and service to their schools. From that distinguished group, Karanja and Hightower were selected as the district’s overall winners because of their extraordinary contributions to Murray Independent and their longstanding commitment to excellence.
At Murray High School and Murray Middle School, students and staff alike know their names and recognize the impact they make each day. Whether through teaching, mentoring, encouraging students, or creating welcoming school environments, both men have become integral parts of their school communities. Their efforts, relationships, and consistent dedication help make MISD a stronger and more vibrant place for students, staff, and families.
District leaders noted that both Karanja and Hightower exemplify the spirit of Tiger Pride through their daily actions, unwavering work ethic, and commitment to serving others. Their influence reaches far beyond their job titles and leaves a lasting impression on the countless students and colleagues they encounter each year.
Dr. David Meinschein, EdD., MISD Superintendent, recognized Hightower with other Murray staff monthly honorees: Jay Baron, Emily Belanger, Hightower, Meinschein, Crista Jennings, Andrea Morris, Walter Arnold, Marianne Baucom, and Julie Stone.
Karanja was recognized by Meinschein with fellow Murray Independent educators, Emily Parker, Amanda Pittman, Renee Ramsey, Shannon Harrell, Meinschein, Karanja, Beth Myers, Hunter Carter, and Laurie Edminster.
Melanie Jarvis, MISD Director of the CFSB Tiger Pride Program and Director of Student Services, said it has been an honor to provide the incredible Murray Independent School District (MISD) faculty and staff with an opportunity to recognize and celebrate one another through the CFSB Tiger Pride Award this year. “ The work happening in our schools each day deserves to be acknowledged and celebrated, and this award serves as a small, yet meaningful way to do just that. We are grateful to CFSB and the MISD Foundation for partnering with us to ensure our teachers and staff receive these well-deserved tokens of appreciation and recognition.”
(photo one David Hightower with Dr. David Meinschein, EdD., MISD Superintendent)
(photo two David Hightower with Murray Tiger Pride Staff honorees and Meinschein)
(photo three John Karanja with Dr. David Meinschein, EdD., MISD Superintendent)
(photo four John Karanja with Murray Tiger Pride Educator honorees and Meinschein)
#murrayschools
Murray High School Band, joins other band programs who received a perfect score- (21), from the judges for their prepared pieces at the KMEA Large Ensemble Performance Assessment. These groups were awarded a certificate from ASBDA: “ASBDA Kentucky Band of Highest Distinction.” Those band programs who received a near perfect score (22), from the judges for their prepared pieces at the KMEA Large Ensemble Performance Assessment will be awarded a certificate from ASBDA: “ASBDA Kentucky Band of Distinction.”
“We’re very proud of our students for earning this recognition from ASBDA. Their hard work and dedication made this possible, and this honor is a great reflection of the culture and commitment within the Murray Tiger Band,” said Hunter Carter, MHS Tiger Band Director.
Barker offered his congratulations, “You and your students should be proud of this achievement. Best wishes to you and your band in all your future musical endeavors.”
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(pictured PTO Officers): Allie Gibbs, Lauren Rudesill, Amanda Story, Annie Dail and Jessica Jeffress
(students pictured): Martin Romero Kane, Harper Pittman, Ava Schmitt, and Matthew Lusk were selected for the outside and inside cover illustrators
During a special Murray Elementary School assembly the 2025-2026 Tiger Tales Book was unveiled and dedicated to the Murray Elementary School PTO. Murray Elementary School third grade teacher, Amanda Pittman is theTiger Tales sponsor and produces the book each year. Students submit writings for the anthology each year.
Originally implemented as Scribbles, the bound book showcases work by students from kindergarten through third grade. The Murray Independent School Foundation For Excellence provides funding assistance each year to this project that features writing and artwork from Murray High School alumni from over an almost 30-year history. Additionally, the Murray Elementary School PTO also provides funding for this annual project.
#murrayschools
Nominations for Mrs. Edminster described her dedicated daily guidance. “Laurie’s instructional excellence is evident in her students’ achievements. Under her guidance, AP passage rates have consistently remained well above both the state and national averages, a reflection of her exceptional content knowledge, strategic planning, and ability to motivate students at all levels. For all the exceptional work that Laurie does with her advanced courses, she is also aphenomenal supporter of students who need that extra nudge She is a conscientious and reflective person who continually seeks ways to enhance learning experiences and ensure student success.”
Nominations for Mr. Baron described his dedicated daily guidance---“Jay knows every student who rides his bus by name and takes the time to know their stories, families, and needs. He is consistently positive, dependable, and welcoming, and he rarely has behavior issues because of the strong relationships he builds with students. He communicates well with staff, knows our teachers, and is deeply invested in our students and school community. Students are genuinely disappointed when their bus assignment changes because of the connection they have with him. His pride in our district, commitment to our community, and care for our students are evident every single day. He truly embodies Tiger Pride.”
#murrayschools
Cardwell earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Murray State University (MSU) in Spring 2017 and his Master of Music Education/Teacher Leader degree from Western Kentucky University (WKU) in Spring 2024. During his tenure at MSU, Cardwell earned recognitions such as the Murray State Music Department Outstanding Senior of Music and a recipient of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to study music in Salzburg, Austria. While at WKU, he earned the Robyn, Dean, and Lucile Swanson Scholarship.
Cardwell has been teaching music and band since July 2017, where he was hired by the Russellville Independent School District as Assistant Director of Bands. Cardwell is credited with reviving the defunct choir program and jazz band programs, in addition to directing or assisting the fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth grade and high school bands, and also assisted in music preparation for the annual spring musical. During his time as Assistant Director of Bands, the Russellville High School Marching Panther Band earned a fifth-place placement at the Kentucky Music Educators Association (KMEA) Marching Band Class AA Semifinals in 2019, the highest placement in school history at the time.
Cardwell took over as Head Director of Bands and District Fine Arts Director in July, 2020, overseeing all aspects of the elementary, middle, and high school bands, as well as assisting with all other aspects of arts education when needed. At the time, the marching band enrolled thirty-three students. In 2025, the marching band grew to 81 students.
In 2022, the Russellville High School Marching Panther Band earned fourth place at the KMEA Marching Band Class AA Semifinals, the highest placement in school history, and earned a placement in the KMEA Marching Band Class AA State Finals for the first and only time in school history. Additionally, the middle school and high school bands have earned numerous Distinguished ratings at KMEA District 3 Concert Assessments as well as a Distinguished rating at the 2024 State Assessment at the University of Louisville. Numerous students have also earned placements into KMEA All-District Bands, KMEA All-State Bands, and numerous honor bands in the area. During his tenure, the marching band was also selected to perform both in 2022 and 2026 in the Walt Disney World Imagination Campus Parade at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, respectively. In 2023, Cardwell was selected as the Logan County Chamber of Commerce Teacher of the Year.
Also, an active member of professional organizations and an active performer and teacher in the community, Cardwell served as the Band Division Chair for District 3 of KMEA from 2023 to 2025. he served as the Band Division Chair for District 3 of KMEA, as well as serve on the State Band Council during that time. He has also been active in the Russellville Arts Council. He also performed as a member of the Southern Kentucky Concert Band, Western Kentucky University Community Band, and the deGraffenried Chorale. He has served as a Mentor Teacher for Russellville Independent Schools and has also assisted in teaching other programs in the local area.
Cardwell is a 2012 graduate of Butler County High School in Morgantown and a 2011 graduate of the Kentucky Governor’s Scholars Program (GSP) and the Commonwealth Honors Academy (CHA). Cardwell currently resides in Russellville, Ky., with his wife, Kelsey, their twin daughters, Elouise and Evelynn (Elly and Evvy), and their dog, Toby. #murrayschools
The Mini-Grant recipients are listed below:
Murray Elementary School
MES Drama Club – Morgan Workman
Novel Effect – Amberly Muncy
Teacher Trading Cards – Morgan Workman
STEAM: Designing and creating together- Courtney Vanover
One Book, One School – Megan Kindle
Let's GLOW! -Shauna Traylor
I Need A Break – Katie Williams
Murray Middle School
Unplug and Connect! – Hannah Stark
Reading Passports – Hana Bickelman
Mobile Reading Stations – Hana Bickelman
Vertical Non-Permanent Work Surfaces for 4th Grade Math – Kayla Boward
Tools for Thoughtful Reading – Kristin Cooper
MMS STEM Club – Melissa Durham
3D Printing for Future Ready Math Thinking – Tamsyn Vertrees
Drama Club – Emily Parker
Flexible Seating for Math Engagement – Tamsyn Vertrees
Creative Minds, Strong Hearts – Laken Eckert
Speaking Volumes – Michael Robinson
Murray High School
Sensory Regulation Supports to Improve Engagement in a High School LBD Classroom – Emily Gooch
Math Medic to the Rescue! – Sarah Hultman
The Community Cart: Rolling Conversations, Building Connection – Sarah Hultman
Zen Den Supplies -Gillian Miller Sullivan
Expanding Access and Engagement in AP Calculus AB Through Math Medic – Haley Burchett
Interpretation Station – Michael Robinson
The MISD Foundation for Excellence is a private, independent, non-profit founded in 1986 by former students, faculty and friends of the Murray Independent School District who support its programs and services. The Foundation provides financial help primarily for academic programs, Mini-Grants to teachers to help purchase supplies and equipment, tuition assistance for families, and more.
Learn more about MISD Foundation for Excellence online @ bit.ly/4nRT2wG
#murrayschools
The Murray Independent School District send congratulations to these students and welcomes them as Murray High School Freshmen.
#murrayschools
2025-2026 Murray Middle School Perfect Attendance students: (back row left to right standing): Mrs. Butler, Attendance Secretary. Jace Cooper, Samuel Turner, Conner Vorce, Jack Hale, Jackson McCann, Jeongwon Park, Joshua Miller, John Ryan Pounds, Tegan Clark, Anna Scott, and Adelyn Miller. (seated left to right): Ryker Key, Kolten Silvester, Lily Hastings, Mckenzie Bixler, Luke Hill, and Levi Chapman. (seated on the floor left to right): Britney Fields, Fernando Alvarez, Keegan Parker, Zoey Hermes, and Kameron Darith.
During the Murray High School Class of 2026 Senior Honors Night fifteen students were recognized for graduating in the top ten percent of their class and received plaques at the ceremony for this esteemed honor.
The Murray Independent School District congratulates these graduates for this remarkable honor! #murrayschools
Congratulations to Ms. Arkova and Mr. Antony on this distinct recognition! #murrayschools
The Murray Independent School District congratulates Anastasia Arkova as the 2026 Murray High School Salutatorian.
We commend each of these students for this esteemed honor. #murrayschools
Be sure to stay in touch and let us hear from you!
We send best wishes to you on your next journey and the dreams you reach for! #murrayschools
As class members prepare to take their final walk on Sunday for graduation, the Murray Independent School District congratulates the Murray High School Class of 2026. We are proud of you and wish each of you the best on the next journey! #murrayschools
Please download and review the provided map for important information regarding:
▪️ Graduate drop-off locations for parents
▪️ Drop-off instructions for those with physical limitations
▪️ Parking locations and entry information
▪️ Arena entry details and seating reminders
All graduation day directions and logistics can be found on the graphic. Please help us spread the word to family, friends, and community members attending tomorrow’s ceremony!
We cannot wait to celebrate the incredible Class of 2026! 🎓🐯
