Trevor W. Cardwell has been named the new Murray Middle School Band Director and Murray High School Assistant Band Director.
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
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 MISD Foundation for Excellence recently awarded over 20 Foundation Mini-Grants at the Murray school's closing day program, totaling $10,000 of support. MISD Foundation Board Member, Judy Tidwell, presented each Mini-Grant to the MES, MMS, and MHS teachers selected by committee process.
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 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
We congratulate the Murray Middle School Eighth Grade Class on their promotion to Murray High School as a freshman. Murray Middle School Eighth grade students were recognized at a year-end ceremony in the gym and were honored for their achievements.
The Murray Independent School District send congratulations to these students and welcomes them as Murray High School Freshmen.
#murrayschools
The Murray Independent School District send congratulations to these students and welcomes them as Murray High School Freshmen.
#murrayschools
Murray Middle School Attendance Clerk, Teresa Butler, recognized twenty-two MMS students with perfect attendance for the 2025-2026 school year. These are the students at Murray Middle School who had perfect attendance for the entire school year. “This is quite an amazing feat for students,” Butler said.
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.
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.
A great community resource provided to our area families----every third thursday Free Laundry at The Washboard from 4-6 p.m. Today is the third Thursday! #murrayschools
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
Thanks to the help of its numerous and generous contributors, the MISD Foundation for Excellence can offer support to students and families in various ways. Through their assistance, Murray High Seniors can apply and receive scholarships to support their academic journey after high school graduation. We salute our MHS seniors and their achievements, and the forefathers of our education. The establishment of these scholarships remind us of the remarkable individuals who leave an educational legacy available to others. #murrayschools
During the Murray High School Honors Ceremony, Anastasia Arkova was named the 2026 Murray High School Most Outstanding Female, and Selvam Antony was named the 2026 Murray High School Most Outstanding Male.
Congratulations to Ms. Arkova and Mr. Antony on this distinct recognition! #murrayschools
Congratulations to Ms. Arkova and Mr. Antony on this distinct recognition! #murrayschools
The Murray Independent School District congratulates our 2026 Murray High School Valedictorians, Gabe Turley and Sadrodin Yarali.
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
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
The Murray Independent School District congratulates the Murray High School Class of 2026 on their graduation. We welcome the 152 Murray High School graduates as the MHS Class of 2026 alumni.
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
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
The Murray High School Class of 2026 Commencement will be on Sunday, May 17, 2026, @ 2 p.m. @ Racer Arena. These seniors have celebrated this week with the Baccalaureate, Senior Walk at their respective Murray campuses, and have attended the Awards Ceremony honoring their accomplishments.
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
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
🎓 The Murray High School Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony will take place tomorrow, May 17, at 2:00 PM in Murray State University’s Old Racer Arena! 🖤💛
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! 🎓🐯
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! 🎓🐯
The Murray Independent School District salutes our 2026 Murray High School seniors. Join us as we salute our seniors and their upcoming graduation, Sunday, May 17 @ 2 p.m. at Murray State University's Racer Arena. We send best wishes to our 2016 graduates and their future journey! #murrayschools
The Murray Independent School District salutes our 2026 Murray High School seniors. Join us as we salute our seniors and their upcoming graduation, Sunday, May 17 @ 2 p.m. at Murray State University's Racer Arena. We send best wishes to our 2016 graduates and their future journey! #murrayschools
#murrayschools
The Murray Independent School District salutes our 2026 Murray High School seniors. Join us as we salute our seniors and their upcoming graduation, Sunday, May 17 @ 2 p.m. at Murray State University's Racer Arena. We send best wishes to our 2016 graduates and their future journey! #murrayschools
Our Murray High School Graduation at Murray State University is quickly approaching! 🎓
Please review the attached map and directions carefully for graduate drop-off, parking, entry doors, and ADA seating information. Graduates should be dropped off at the corner of Payne Street and N 14th Street no later than 1:20 PM.
Our Murray High Student Ambassadors will be stationed throughout Old Racer Arena to assist families and guests with seating, directions, and locating where graduates are seated on the arena floor to help families choose the best seating area. Ambassadors can easily be identified by their white t-shirts.
Doors open for families at 1:00 PM, and seating is first come, first served. We look forward to celebrating the Class of 2026 with you! 🖤💛
Please review the attached map and directions carefully for graduate drop-off, parking, entry doors, and ADA seating information. Graduates should be dropped off at the corner of Payne Street and N 14th Street no later than 1:20 PM.
Our Murray High Student Ambassadors will be stationed throughout Old Racer Arena to assist families and guests with seating, directions, and locating where graduates are seated on the arena floor to help families choose the best seating area. Ambassadors can easily be identified by their white t-shirts.
Doors open for families at 1:00 PM, and seating is first come, first served. We look forward to celebrating the Class of 2026 with you! 🖤💛
The Murray Independent School District salutes our 2026 Murray High School seniors. Join us as we salute our seniors and their upcoming graduation, Sunday, May 17 @ 2 p.m. at Murray State University's Racer Arena. We send best wishes to our 2016 graduates and their future journey! #murrayschools
We commend our 2026 Murray High School Seniors and look forward to celebrating their graduation ceremony, Sunday, May 17 @ 2 pm @ MSU Racer Arena! #murrayschools
We commend our 2026 seniors and their accomplishments! We look forward to celebrating the MHS Class of 2026 Graduation, Sunday, May 17 @ 2 pm, MSU Racer Arena
