
However, anyone wishing to volunteer this year may attend the training. The training is at 6 p.m.
There will be other volunteer trainings held to accommodate our volunteer program and dates will be posted.
Thanks to our 2025-2026 MISD 547 volunteers who logged 32,463 hours! #murrayschools

Representing Murray FFA in state-level competitions were:
🌟 Faith McCafferty – Agricultural Mechanics Speech and FFA Science Fair
🌟 Alexis Ray – Dairy Speech
🌟 Nick Bell – Crop Speech
🌟 Wyatt Leatherwood – Nursery and Landscape Speech
🌟 Kolbie Ewing – Greenhouse Speech
🌟 Milo Dillard – State Finals FFA Quiz
Competing at the state level requires dedication, preparation, and a willingness to challenge yourself. These students spent countless hours researching, practicing, studying, and refining their skills to earn the opportunity to represent Murray FFA on the state stage.
While we did not bring home any state titles this year, we are incredibly proud of these members for their hard work, dedication, and willingness to compete at the state level. They represented Murray FFA with professionalism, confidence, and pride.
🌾 Congratulations to all of our competitors on a job well done, and thank you for representing Murray FFA so well at the Kentucky FFA State Convention! 🌾
💙💛 #MurrayFFA #KentuckyFFA #StateConvention #LearningToDo #LivingToServe 💛💙 #murrayschools












Hosted at the Area Technology Center on 126 Robertson Road North, the 2025 evet included 23 outside vendors and five school organizations. Patrons enjoyed early holiday shopping, food trucks, and performances by Murray High and Calloway County High School choirs. ATC HOSA, Carpentry, Machine Tool, Welding, and Culinary participated. A festive holiday spirit was enjoyed by all with special appearances by Santa Claus, The Grinch and Cindy-Lou Who. Because of the huge succes last year and attendance, the Murray Transit Authority has offered to provide transportation to the event from Murray High School. Special thanks to them for this service!
Reserve your booth space early----we invite vendors to reserve the open spots by visiting: https://rb.gy/pqd00a.


The Chief Novel McReynolds Youth Academy is a camp designed for students who have a desire to learn what police officers do while at the same time educating them on issues that they may face in the future. Students attended classes on various law enforcement activities such as crime scene investigation, traffic stops and more. Students also learned strategies on how to deal with peer pressure, cyber bullying, school safety, and underage drinking. The program also encouraged each student’s leadership, communication, nd teamwork potential by allowing them to participate in team building exercises, public speaking exercises, and problem-solving scenarios.
MMS students are pictured with SRO Officers, Jeremy Partin (Murray Elementary), and Mike Ray (Murray High) and Murray Police Department guest speaker. #murrayschools










Join our team for the 2026-2027 school year! We have just a few open positions left for the new school year including positions for instructional assistants and custodians. To view all positions and to apply visit https://murray.schoolspring.com/ #MurraySchools

Join our team for the 2026-2027 school year! We have just a few open positions left for the new school year including positions for instructional assistants and custodians. To view all positions and to apply visit https://murray.schoolspring.com/ #MurraySchools

We wish you the best on the next chapter of your journey, and don't forget to let us hear from you! #murrayschools








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






