Murray High School announced the Murray High School Band students have been selected for the 2025 First District Kentucky Music Education Association (FDKMEA) All-District Symphonic Band. These students earned their spots through a rigorous blind audition process held at Mayfield High School, where they prepared two audition excerpts, performed scales, and completed a sight-reading assessment. They competed against talented musicians from across District 1.
The following Murray High School students were selected to represent our program in this prestigious ensemble: *Lydia Smith-5th chair flute, *Miranda Mathis-1st alternate flute,*Andrea Morales Cano, 2nd alternate flute,* Kailyn Lutz-8th chair clarinet, Carley Bell-9th chair clarinet, Rae Rogers-ast alternate clarinet, *Ethan Peng-1st chair alto sax, *Nobu Tomonaga-Alto Sax Recommendation, *Jacob Ridley-Alto Sax Recommendation, *Kenny Vu-1st chair tenor sax, *Bentley Gile-Tenor Sax Recommendation, *Selvam Antony-1st chair bari sax, *Dwi Marjadi-1st alternate bari sax and bass clarinet, *Edward Utgaard-1st chair trumpet, *Tyler Marcum-3rd chair trumpet, *John Robert Ross-4th chair trumpet, and Brooke Burgess-6th chair trumpet,* Vinny D’Ambrosio-1st chair french horn, *Thomas Bucy, 2nd chair french horn, *Mila Hicks, 6th chair french horn, Jeremiah Miller, 2nd alternate french horn,* Cabot French,, 2nd chair trombone,* Stella Swaggart-2nd alternate trombone,* Logan Rader, 1st chair bass trombone and Tuba Rec., *Sam DeBonis, 1st Alternate Eu[phonium, *Wes Shelby, 1st chair tuba,* Millie Donnely, 2nd chair tuba,* Noble Kieffer, 1st chair mallets, *Zayne Iglesias, 2nd chair mallets,* Allison Hall, 1st Alternate Mallets, *Benny Mehta, 1st chair snare, and *Kapri Phelps, 3rd chair snare. (*Denotes All State Recommendation).
These students will participate in the All-District Symphonic Band event on January 8th, 9th, and 10th, with the culminating concert to be held at Paducah Tilghman High School on January 10th.
#murrayschools
The following Murray High School students were selected to represent our program in this prestigious ensemble: *Lydia Smith-5th chair flute, *Miranda Mathis-1st alternate flute,*Andrea Morales Cano, 2nd alternate flute,* Kailyn Lutz-8th chair clarinet, Carley Bell-9th chair clarinet, Rae Rogers-ast alternate clarinet, *Ethan Peng-1st chair alto sax, *Nobu Tomonaga-Alto Sax Recommendation, *Jacob Ridley-Alto Sax Recommendation, *Kenny Vu-1st chair tenor sax, *Bentley Gile-Tenor Sax Recommendation, *Selvam Antony-1st chair bari sax, *Dwi Marjadi-1st alternate bari sax and bass clarinet, *Edward Utgaard-1st chair trumpet, *Tyler Marcum-3rd chair trumpet, *John Robert Ross-4th chair trumpet, and Brooke Burgess-6th chair trumpet,* Vinny D’Ambrosio-1st chair french horn, *Thomas Bucy, 2nd chair french horn, *Mila Hicks, 6th chair french horn, Jeremiah Miller, 2nd alternate french horn,* Cabot French,, 2nd chair trombone,* Stella Swaggart-2nd alternate trombone,* Logan Rader, 1st chair bass trombone and Tuba Rec., *Sam DeBonis, 1st Alternate Eu[phonium, *Wes Shelby, 1st chair tuba,* Millie Donnely, 2nd chair tuba,* Noble Kieffer, 1st chair mallets, *Zayne Iglesias, 2nd chair mallets,* Allison Hall, 1st Alternate Mallets, *Benny Mehta, 1st chair snare, and *Kapri Phelps, 3rd chair snare. (*Denotes All State Recommendation).
These students will participate in the All-District Symphonic Band event on January 8th, 9th, and 10th, with the culminating concert to be held at Paducah Tilghman High School on January 10th.
#murrayschools
🐯 Tiger Pride Winners – November 🐯
We are thrilled to recognize our Tiger Pride winners for November, nominated by their peers. A huge thank you to our sponsors, Los Portales and American Fidelity, and to Sonic for joining us with tokens of appreciation!
Staff Member of the Month – Mr. Walter Arnold, Murray High School
Walter goes above and beyond every day—supporting staff and students, stepping in wherever needed, and always bringing a positive, respectful, and helpful attitude. He truly makes Murray High a better place, and we are grateful for his dedication and heart!
Educator of the Month – Mrs. Beth Myers, Murray Middle School
Beth inspires students and colleagues alike with her passion, humility, and dedication. Her innovative teaching makes math accessible, encourages critical thinking, and builds confidence in every student. Her impact is lasting, and her quiet leadership sets an example for our whole school community.
Thank you, Walter and Beth, for being shining examples of Tiger Pride! 🐯💛
#murrayschools
We are thrilled to recognize our Tiger Pride winners for November, nominated by their peers. A huge thank you to our sponsors, Los Portales and American Fidelity, and to Sonic for joining us with tokens of appreciation!
Staff Member of the Month – Mr. Walter Arnold, Murray High School
Walter goes above and beyond every day—supporting staff and students, stepping in wherever needed, and always bringing a positive, respectful, and helpful attitude. He truly makes Murray High a better place, and we are grateful for his dedication and heart!
Educator of the Month – Mrs. Beth Myers, Murray Middle School
Beth inspires students and colleagues alike with her passion, humility, and dedication. Her innovative teaching makes math accessible, encourages critical thinking, and builds confidence in every student. Her impact is lasting, and her quiet leadership sets an example for our whole school community.
Thank you, Walter and Beth, for being shining examples of Tiger Pride! 🐯💛
#murrayschools
Attention, Tigers!
At last night’s MISD Board meeting, the Board of Education officially approved the 2026–2027 school calendar. Important dates can be found here.
At last night’s MISD Board meeting, the Board of Education officially approved the 2026–2027 school calendar. Important dates can be found here.
Congratulations to Murray High School cross country senior, Jade Green, signing with Thomas Moore University in Crestview Hills Kentucky. Green signed a letter of intent inside the MHS Library with her mom, Michelle Downey, step-father, Stephen Downey, and sister, Sydney Downey, and brother, Jacob Downey. Green's teammates were also present, along with other MHS staff and students.
Emily Chipman-MHS Cross Country Coach who has coached Green the past seven years, said Jade is dedicated, hardworking and consistent
. Green's ccomplishments include:
• Varsity runner since seventh grade
• 3 year team captain
• 2x Regional champion
• 2 X Region 1A Runner of the year
• 6 -time State qualifier
• Placed 13th at State for two consecutive years and 2x All State Award
• Dozens of placement medals from Middle School and High School races
• Numerous years, Region 1 A First team and all area team
most recently, Jade came in 3rd at the New Balance Runninglane National Championship XC Race Dec 6 2025 with a new individual PR of 19:59
• Only 1.85% of US high school girls run a sub 20 minute 5k
“We are so proud of her and hope Jade has a rich and fulfilling D2 running career at Thomas Moore University,” Emily Chipman said. #murrayschools
You are invited to join alumni, parents, and friends of Murray schools who have donated to the MISD Foundation’s triennial campaign which supports grants for teachers, enrichment activities for students, and assistance with tuition for families. Send tax-deductible contributions by mail to MISD Foundation, PO Box 1417, Murray, KY 42071 of donate online at www.murrayfoundation.net.
#murrayschools
#murrayschools
Murray Middle School Band Students were selected for the First District Kentucky Music Education Association (FDKMEA) All District Middle School Band. MMS students chosen: DeeDee Shastri-first chair flute, Miah Arnett, second-Alternate Flute, Zoey Medeiros-fourth chair clarinet, Alex Broker, sixth chair clarinet, Desiree Williams, eigth chair clarinet, Johnathan Mehr, fifth chair Alto Sax, Gideon Ross, first chair baritone sax, Henry Mallory, first chair bassoon, Kai Mize Harper, second chair trumpet, Alex Park, third chair trumpet, Anthony Hughes, fourth chair trumpet, Caleb Zeiss, ninth chair trumpet, Fey Mayes, first chair french horn, Ethan Cyzewski, fourth chair french horn, Jaden Park, second chair snare, Amro Dalloul, third chair snare, Alana Patel, fourth chair snare, Abby Ridley, first alternate snare, and Adelaide Goselin, second alternate mallets.
The concert for will be held Saturday January 10, 2026, at Paducah Tilghman High School.
The concert for will be held Saturday January 10, 2026, at Paducah Tilghman High School.
(pictured from left:) Stella Swaggart, Dimitri Rubio, Miranda Mathis, and Mila Hicks
Murray High School students, Mila Hicks, Miranda Mathis, Stella Swaggart, and Dimitri Rubio were selected to perform in the 2026 Kentucky Music Educators Association’s All-State Chorus.
The concert will take place in Louisville on Friday, February 6, 2026, as part of the Kentucky Music Educators Association Professional Development Conference.
They were chosen for this honor through competitive auditions held this year across the state. All four of these students perform in the Murray High School choir under the direction of Hunter Carter and April Sexton, both members of the Kentucky Music Educators Association, an association that represents over one-thousand Kentucky school music educators. This is the first time Hicks, Mathis, and Swaggart will perform in the All-State Choir.
Instructions for purchasing tickets for the 2026 All-State Chorus concert will be on the KMEA website under “All-State Tickets.”
#murrayschools
Murray High School students, Mila Hicks, Miranda Mathis, Stella Swaggart, and Dimitri Rubio were selected to perform in the 2026 Kentucky Music Educators Association’s All-State Chorus.
The concert will take place in Louisville on Friday, February 6, 2026, as part of the Kentucky Music Educators Association Professional Development Conference.
They were chosen for this honor through competitive auditions held this year across the state. All four of these students perform in the Murray High School choir under the direction of Hunter Carter and April Sexton, both members of the Kentucky Music Educators Association, an association that represents over one-thousand Kentucky school music educators. This is the first time Hicks, Mathis, and Swaggart will perform in the All-State Choir.
Instructions for purchasing tickets for the 2026 All-State Chorus concert will be on the KMEA website under “All-State Tickets.”
#murrayschools
Murray Elementary School kindergarten students received complimentary books from Season’s Readings, Inc., a non-profit corporation located in Murray. Spearheaded by Mitch and Ashley Ryan, Season’s Readings has donated books to community kindergarten students since 2018.
Denise Whitaker, MES principal, said students participated in a math lesson last month that asked them to choose scholastic books they would purchase with ten dollars. Mitch Ryan, a Season’s Readings Board member, said this is a collaborative community project. Through Season’s Readings, MISD’s Murray Elementary and Calloway County School District Kindergarten students receive this gift of reading each year.
MES kindergarten students returned to their rooms after afternoon specials to find their books on their desks. The books were tied neatly with ribbons on each set of three books. Members of the Murray Fire Department were on hand to help surprise the students with their books and read to them.
Ryan said the corporation was out of a desire to add books to the many gifts children receive during the Christmas season. This holiday-time program is designed to give books to children in coordination with local organizations to foster reading development in young children.
Ashley Ryan, Ryan’s wife who assists with the community project, said the volunteers who have contributed to this effort have been a major help to this project and they are very thankful to all the outpouring support.
Special thanks to Mitch and Ashley Ryan and the community members who make this possible for our students!
For more information contact Season’s Readings at (270) 761-6880.
#murrayschools
Denise Whitaker, MES principal, said students participated in a math lesson last month that asked them to choose scholastic books they would purchase with ten dollars. Mitch Ryan, a Season’s Readings Board member, said this is a collaborative community project. Through Season’s Readings, MISD’s Murray Elementary and Calloway County School District Kindergarten students receive this gift of reading each year.
MES kindergarten students returned to their rooms after afternoon specials to find their books on their desks. The books were tied neatly with ribbons on each set of three books. Members of the Murray Fire Department were on hand to help surprise the students with their books and read to them.
Ryan said the corporation was out of a desire to add books to the many gifts children receive during the Christmas season. This holiday-time program is designed to give books to children in coordination with local organizations to foster reading development in young children.
Ashley Ryan, Ryan’s wife who assists with the community project, said the volunteers who have contributed to this effort have been a major help to this project and they are very thankful to all the outpouring support.
Special thanks to Mitch and Ashley Ryan and the community members who make this possible for our students!
For more information contact Season’s Readings at (270) 761-6880.
#murrayschools
The Murray Elementary School Choir is pictured during their recent Town and Gown Holiday performance. The MES Choir is directed by Katie Cornelison, Morgan Keeney, and Morgan Workman. #murrayschools
Please join us Thursday, December 11 @ 3 p.m. inside the MHS Library to congratulate Jade Green! Jade will be signing with Thomas More University. #murrayschools
The 2025-2026 Leadership Tomorrow Group attended Community Resources Day. During the day they visited the Tiger/Laker Christmas Warehouse and assisted in preparing items for the holiday season for children. Students then met with Debi Henry, Murray Art Guild Director, and learned about the history of the MAG and the new MAG facility.
A tour of the Calloway County Senior Citizens at the Weaks Center provided an overview of the daily services offered to the Murray and Calloway County senior citizens. Students ate lunch at the Center provided by the Senior Citizens Center and talked with patrons about their lives and interviewed them for a special Christmas Holiday Hero edition in the Murray Ledger & Times.
After a visit to Needline with Fran Smith, assistant director, the students concluded their day at Playhouse in The Park for an overview of the Murray Parks Department by Mike Sykes, and Wayne Shields-Hogue, Playhouse In The Park Director.
A heartfelt thanks is sent to our behind the scenes helpers with our community resources -their heartfelt work lends a special touch to everyone they touch!
Leadership Tomorrow is a year-long leadership program for Murray High and Calloway County High schools junior and senior students. Currently the students are hosting an online silent auction to raise funds for their program and their upcoming trip to Washington, D.C. Online auction can be viewed here: https://bit.ly/LTAuction
#murrayschools
A tour of the Calloway County Senior Citizens at the Weaks Center provided an overview of the daily services offered to the Murray and Calloway County senior citizens. Students ate lunch at the Center provided by the Senior Citizens Center and talked with patrons about their lives and interviewed them for a special Christmas Holiday Hero edition in the Murray Ledger & Times.
After a visit to Needline with Fran Smith, assistant director, the students concluded their day at Playhouse in The Park for an overview of the Murray Parks Department by Mike Sykes, and Wayne Shields-Hogue, Playhouse In The Park Director.
A heartfelt thanks is sent to our behind the scenes helpers with our community resources -their heartfelt work lends a special touch to everyone they touch!
Leadership Tomorrow is a year-long leadership program for Murray High and Calloway County High schools junior and senior students. Currently the students are hosting an online silent auction to raise funds for their program and their upcoming trip to Washington, D.C. Online auction can be viewed here: https://bit.ly/LTAuction
#murrayschools
Kara Brown’s Murray Elementary School second grade class visited Barbara Kough’s Kindergarten class prior to Thanksgiving break. The second-grade students read books to a kindergarten partner, and then together they made turkey hats. #murrayschools
The MHS choir performed two performances at the Murray Woman’s clubhouse. The group performed for their annual open house on Sunday. Today, the group performed for the Calloway County/Murray retired teachers luncheon. #murrayschools
(pictured left to right): Wyatt Riquelme, Will Leedy, and Ben Hughes
The Murray Middle School Sixth Grade Academic Team achieved second place overall at the Kentucky Association for Academic Competition (KAAC) Sixth Grade Showcase held at Calloway County Middle School.
Murray Middle students earned five awards in individual assessments and took second place in Quick Recall as a team.
Calloway won first, Murray claimed second, and South Livingston placed third.
Content Assessment Testing:
1st - Will Leedy
Social Studies
2nd - Ben Hughes
Science
5th - Ben Hughes
Language Arts
3rd - Wyatt Riquelme
Science
5th - Wyatt Riquelme
Arts and Humanities
The team is coached by Tamsyn Vertrees and Jarrod Darnall.#murrayschools
Our Murray Tiger administration, fans, alumni, and community showed up today in full black and gold. Our Tiger Spirit was on deck and ready to support our Tigers ' historical achievements.
We stood proud today as they ended their season 14-1, District and Regional champions, bringing home hardware and proclaiming their 2025 KHSAA Class 3A State Runner-Up victory.
A season going down in the books as these young men and coaches took their stand on Kroger Field. The gates opened for the Tigers at Kroger, and we are Roaring for you and with you! #murrayschools (team photo and trophy photo credit Steve Springer).
Congratulations to our 2025 KHSAA State Runner Up Team
14-1 Season
District Champions
Regional Champions
What a Great Season-We applaud you!!
(Photo credit: Steve Springer)
On the eve before the Tigers travel to Lexington for the State Championship game, a community pep rally inside the MHS Taylor Gymnasium honored the MHS Tigers. Coach Melvin Cunningham and Coach David Bloodworth helped create the black-and-gold spirit among the team and the crowd.
Former MHS Football Coach Mark Brady, who led the 1974 MHS team to a state championship, added the Tiger spirit to the group, while the 1974 MHS state championship alumni were recognized.
Special thanks to Tony Jarvis, MHS principal, and Ann Greenfield, MISD Athletic Director, for creating a moment in history as the Tigers take the road to claim their victory.
We are the Tigers-Once a Tiger Always a Tiger! Take your place in Lexington on Saturday and claim your victory! #murrayschools
Former MHS Football Coach Mark Brady, who led the 1974 MHS team to a state championship, added the Tiger spirit to the group, while the 1974 MHS state championship alumni were recognized.
Special thanks to Tony Jarvis, MHS principal, and Ann Greenfield, MISD Athletic Director, for creating a moment in history as the Tigers take the road to claim their victory.
We are the Tigers-Once a Tiger Always a Tiger! Take your place in Lexington on Saturday and claim your victory! #murrayschools
MHS Tiger Football Coach Melvin Cunningham announced the MHS Tigers will now leave Friday, Dec. 5 @ 7 a.m. for Lexington. All fans, alumni, and community members are invited to arrive by 6:45 a.m. at the John Hina Fieldhouse to send our team off with our huge Tiger Roars! #murrayschools
Murray Middle School students enjoyed a fun outing to Corvette Lanes as part of the school’s PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) Reward Social for the months of October and November.
Students who met both behavior and academic expectations qualified to attend the trip, which recognizes and celebrates students who consistently demonstrate responsibility, respect, and readiness to learn. The event provided an opportunity for students to relax and celebrate their hard work.
Dr. David Meinschein, Ed.D., MISD Superintendent, visited the students while at Corvette Lanes and joined in on the fun.
Murray Middle School will continue monthly PBIS celebrations and supporting students as they grow, learn, and succeed. #murrayschools
Our Tigers are roaring and the community is rumbling with them. Please join us this Thursday evening, Dec. 4 @ 6:30 p.m. for a Community Pep Rally in the MHS Taylor Gymnasium. Then again on Friday, Dec,. 5 at 8:45 a.m. at the MHS Football Field House for the Team Send Off. Let's show our Tiger Roars for the team as they make this trek for the first time in over 30 years!
Special thanks toTrenchMedias for the photos and the up close and personal look at our players as they take the field each time leading our Tigers to an undefeated season!
See you Thursday night and Friday morning!
#murraytigers
Special thanks toTrenchMedias for the photos and the up close and personal look at our players as they take the field each time leading our Tigers to an undefeated season!
See you Thursday night and Friday morning!
#murraytigers
