During the MISD April Board meeting, Emily Parker, MMS Exceptional Child Teacher, was recognized with the April CFSB Tiger Pride Staff Award. Sponsored by CFSB through a collaboration with the MISD Foundation For Excellence, each recipient receives a small award. Ms. Parker is pictured with Dr. David Meinschein, EdD., MISD Superintendent, her daughter, Caroline, Austin Glisson and Grace Elder, (CFSB Relationship Bankers), Nathan Crafton, MISD Foundation For Excellence, and Shawn Smee, MISD Board Vice Chair.
Nominators described Mrs. Parker: “Emily Parker consistently demonstrates excellence through her unwavering commitment to growth (both her students’ and her own). She is a true lifelong learner, continually taking
college courses to deepen her knowledge and refine her craft. This dedication shows up
daily in her classroom. She meets students exactly where they are, designs instruction
tailored to their needs and ensure every student experience growth. “
We congratulate Ms. Parker on this prestigious Tiger Pride award! #murrayschools
Nominators described Mrs. Parker: “Emily Parker consistently demonstrates excellence through her unwavering commitment to growth (both her students’ and her own). She is a true lifelong learner, continually taking
college courses to deepen her knowledge and refine her craft. This dedication shows up
daily in her classroom. She meets students exactly where they are, designs instruction
tailored to their needs and ensure every student experience growth. “
We congratulate Ms. Parker on this prestigious Tiger Pride award! #murrayschools
During the MISD April Board meeting, Marianne Baucum, MES Instructional Assistant, was recognized with the April CFSB Tiger Pride Staff Award. Sponsored by CFSB through a collaboration with the MISD Foundation For Excellence, each recipient receives a small award. Ms. Baucum is pictured with Dr. David Meinschein, EdD., MISD Superintendent, Austin Glisson and Grace Elder, (CFSB Relationship Bankers), Nathan Crafton, MISD Foundation For Excellence, and Shawn Smee, MISD Vice Board Chair.
Nominators said, “Ms. Marianne consistently demonstrates excellence through her dedication, positivity, and strong commitment to student success. She builds meaningful relationships with students, providing individualized support that helps each grow academically and gain confidence as a learner. In small group settings, Ms. Marianne skillfully reinforces classroom instruction, uses effective strategies to engage students, and adapts lessons to meet diverse needs. “
We congratulate Ms. Baucum on this prestigious Tiger Pride award! #murrayschools
Nominators said, “Ms. Marianne consistently demonstrates excellence through her dedication, positivity, and strong commitment to student success. She builds meaningful relationships with students, providing individualized support that helps each grow academically and gain confidence as a learner. In small group settings, Ms. Marianne skillfully reinforces classroom instruction, uses effective strategies to engage students, and adapts lessons to meet diverse needs. “
We congratulate Ms. Baucum on this prestigious Tiger Pride award! #murrayschools
This week the Murray Independent School District saluted our 540 Tiger Volunteers. Dr. Meinschein, EdD., MISD Superintendent, joined Sherry Purdom, MISD Volunteer Director, Melissa Durham, FRYSC Director, Andrea Morris, The Den Services, in honoring and recognizing our volunteers. Volunteers enjoyed a variety of recognition events, that included Volunteer Pins, a Muffin reception, and giveaways from our local community businesses: Dumplins of Murray, Intuitions, Lowes, and Food Giant.
We are very appreciative of our volunteers and feature our volunteer giveways in an upcming post. Thank you doesn't seem enough for all the selfless, countless hours each volunteer provides.
Special thanks to our community businesses for helping recognize our volunteers! #murrayschools
We are very appreciative of our volunteers and feature our volunteer giveways in an upcming post. Thank you doesn't seem enough for all the selfless, countless hours each volunteer provides.
Special thanks to our community businesses for helping recognize our volunteers! #murrayschools
During the MISD April Board meeting, Amanda Pittman, Murray Elementary School third grade teacher, was recognized with the March CFSB Tiger Pride Staff Award. Sponsored by CFSB through a collaboration with the MISD Foundation For Excellence, each recipient receives a small award. Mrs. Pitman is pictured with Dr. David Meinschein, EdD., MISD Superintendent, Austin Glisson and Grace Elder, (CFSB Relationship Bankers), Nathan Crafton, MISD Foundation For Excellence, Shawn Smee, MISD Vice Board Chair, her daughter, Harper, and Ellie Prescott, MES third grade students.
Nominators described Mrs. Pittman as "Mrs. Pittman consistently demonstrates excellence in teaching and learning through her strong commitment to differentiated instruction and high academic expectations. She
thoughtfully designs lessons that meet students at their individual levels while still
challenging them to think critically and deepen their understanding.”
We congratulate Mrs. Pittman on this prestigious Tiger Pride award! #murrayschools
Nominators described Mrs. Pittman as "Mrs. Pittman consistently demonstrates excellence in teaching and learning through her strong commitment to differentiated instruction and high academic expectations. She
thoughtfully designs lessons that meet students at their individual levels while still
challenging them to think critically and deepen their understanding.”
We congratulate Mrs. Pittman on this prestigious Tiger Pride award! #murrayschools
During the MISD April Board meeting, Emily Belanger, with MMS Food Services, was recognized with the March CFSB Tiger Pride Staff Award. Sponsored by CFSB through a collaboration with the MISD Foundation For Excellence, each recipient receives a small award. Ms. Belanger is pictured with Dr. David Meinschein, EdD., MISD Superintendent, Austin Glisson and Grace Elder, (CFSB Relationship Bankers), Nathan Crafton, MISD Foundation For Excellence, and Shawn Smee, MISD Vice Board Chair.
Nominators described Emily as, " Very kind and selfless to help teach students and not always be compensated for it. Many will not do that! Her willingness to go above and beyond to help others. She shows up wherever she is needed.”
We congratulate Emily on this prestigious Tiger Pride award! #murrayschools
Nominators described Emily as, " Very kind and selfless to help teach students and not always be compensated for it. Many will not do that! Her willingness to go above and beyond to help others. She shows up wherever she is needed.”
We congratulate Emily on this prestigious Tiger Pride award! #murrayschools
Murray High School juniors Brooke Burgess, Maya Ruth Crittendon, Dwinata Marjadi, Kenzie Myers, and Miranda Ann Mathis (alternate) were selected from among 283 applicants from around the country to join Murray State University’s 2026 Commonwealth Honors Academy.
The Commonwealth Honors Academy is a prestigious three-week academic enrichment program held each June on Murray State University’s main campus in Murray, KY. CHA Scholars complete two honors-level college courses taught by outstanding educators, participate in personal development seminars, and enjoy lots of social activities to get a taste of college life. Graduates of CHA earn a 4-year in-state tuition scholarship to Murray State University and three transferable credit hours. Academy students are chosen based on a variety of qualities and accomplishments, including academic performance, maturity and character, leadership, writing ability, curricular strength, extracurricular activities, and overall potential. For more information, please visit the Academy website at www.murraystate.edu/CHA and find the program on Instagram and Facebook (@commonwealthhonorsacademy).
Burgess is the daughter of Jonathon and Shanna Burgess. Crittendon is the daughter of Terry Crittendon and Mayuraporn Crittendon. Marjadi is the son of Riza and Taminara Marjadi. Myers is the daughter of Beth and Johny Myers. Mathis is the daughter of Steve and Erin Mathis. #murrayschools
The Murray High School Counseling office announced the 2026 Governor's School for the Arts recipients (photo from left): Vincent D’Ambrosio, Cabot French, Amelia Donnelly, Benjamin Mehta, Wesley Shelby, Miranda Mathis (Alternate) Masanobu Tomonaga, Prajna Pathak (Alternate), Edward Utgaard, Kapri Phelps (Alternate), Kenny Vu and Aiden Castleberry (alternate).
The Kentucky Center Governor’s School for the Arts (GSA) is an arts education program of The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts. The GSA three-week summer program is for rising juniors and seniors in Kentucky.
Each spring over 1700 students audition for spots in the program. Located at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, the program is free for students to attend (full tuition, room, and board) and is funded by the state and private fundraising. Every summer, a faculty of professional artists and educators’ mentor over 200 of Kentucky’s finest young creative artists. Students are immersed in a rigorous schedule of daily seminars, master classes, lectures, hands-on workshops, field trips and performing/exhibiting at the finale Student Festival. While each student specializes in one art form, all students participate in structured, interdisciplinary arts experiences designed to familiarize them with the joys and challenges of specialties other than their own.
GSA historically takes place the last two weeks of June and has served all 120 counties in the Commonwealth through the summer program and its outreach workshops. GSA is a statewide program and encourages geographical and ethnic diversity.
Ambrosio is the son of Michael and Christina D’Ambrosio. Donnelly is the daughter of Jennifer Hughes Donnelly and Robert Donnnelly. French is the son Todd and Andrea French. Mehta is the son of Jay and Erika Mehta. Shelby is the son Ellis Shelby. Tomonaga is the is the son of Masaaki Tomonaga and Min Sun Oh. Utgaard is the son of John and Bentley Utgaard. Vu is the son of Binh Vu and Ngoc Bui. Mathis is the daughter of Steve and Erin Mathis. Pathak is the daughter of Manoj Pathak, and Prashansa Adhikari. Phelps is the daughter of Kelli and Eric Phelps. Castleberry is the son of William and Laura Castleberry.
(Editor's Note: An update on the 2026 MHS GSA Recipients includes our alternates)
The Kentucky Center Governor’s School for the Arts (GSA) is an arts education program of The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts. The GSA three-week summer program is for rising juniors and seniors in Kentucky.
Each spring over 1700 students audition for spots in the program. Located at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, the program is free for students to attend (full tuition, room, and board) and is funded by the state and private fundraising. Every summer, a faculty of professional artists and educators’ mentor over 200 of Kentucky’s finest young creative artists. Students are immersed in a rigorous schedule of daily seminars, master classes, lectures, hands-on workshops, field trips and performing/exhibiting at the finale Student Festival. While each student specializes in one art form, all students participate in structured, interdisciplinary arts experiences designed to familiarize them with the joys and challenges of specialties other than their own.
GSA historically takes place the last two weeks of June and has served all 120 counties in the Commonwealth through the summer program and its outreach workshops. GSA is a statewide program and encourages geographical and ethnic diversity.
Ambrosio is the son of Michael and Christina D’Ambrosio. Donnelly is the daughter of Jennifer Hughes Donnelly and Robert Donnnelly. French is the son Todd and Andrea French. Mehta is the son of Jay and Erika Mehta. Shelby is the son Ellis Shelby. Tomonaga is the is the son of Masaaki Tomonaga and Min Sun Oh. Utgaard is the son of John and Bentley Utgaard. Vu is the son of Binh Vu and Ngoc Bui. Mathis is the daughter of Steve and Erin Mathis. Pathak is the daughter of Manoj Pathak, and Prashansa Adhikari. Phelps is the daughter of Kelli and Eric Phelps. Castleberry is the son of William and Laura Castleberry.
(Editor's Note: An update on the 2026 MHS GSA Recipients includes our alternates)
Following their successful regular season, the Murray High School Quick Recall Team will represent MHS this weekend in a 154-team national competition at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare Chicago in Rosemont, Ill.at the 2026 National Academic Quiz Tournaments’ Small School National Championship Tournament.
MHS Quick Recall Team pictured: (from left): Ali Yarali, Selvam Antony, Anastasia Arkova, Adeline Pitman, Adam Pitman, Coach, and Jeremy Krug, MHS Chemistry teacher. (back row from left): Wesley Bolin, Coach, Brandon Daughaday, and Cullen Larkin.
The Murray Independent School District wishes them the best as they compete this weekend! #murrayschools
MHS Quick Recall Team pictured: (from left): Ali Yarali, Selvam Antony, Anastasia Arkova, Adeline Pitman, Adam Pitman, Coach, and Jeremy Krug, MHS Chemistry teacher. (back row from left): Wesley Bolin, Coach, Brandon Daughaday, and Cullen Larkin.
The Murray Independent School District wishes them the best as they compete this weekend! #murrayschools
Dr. David Meinschein, EdD., Murray Independent School District Superintendent, attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Murray State University Veterinary Sciences Building. Meinschein (far right) is pictured with Dr. Laura Hoffman, Murray State University Founding Dean Veterinary Technology/Pre-Veterinary Medicine, her sons, Griffin, Murray Elementary School third grade student, and Duncan, Murray Middle School fifth grade, and Kentucky Representative Steven Rudy (R).
“It was a great day to see our community, state, and region support this inaugural historic moment for Murray State University to be home to the first school of veterinary medicine in Kentucky,” Meinschein said.
“It was a great day to see our community, state, and region support this inaugural historic moment for Murray State University to be home to the first school of veterinary medicine in Kentucky,” Meinschein said.
( Photo: Rotary Club Mayfield President ,Chris Kemp, presenting check to Murray High freshman Olivia McLaughlin)
Murray High School freshman Olivia McLaughlin won the second round of the Rotary Speech Contest held at the Rotary Club of Mayfield Meeting at the WKRECC Community Room.
The sectional contest featured four contestants from across the region. McLaughlin won a $400 cash prize for her efforts. She now advances to the next round on April 30 at the Murray Rotary Club meeting.
Murray High School freshman Olivia McLaughlin won the second round of the Rotary Speech Contest held at the Rotary Club of Mayfield Meeting at the WKRECC Community Room.
The sectional contest featured four contestants from across the region. McLaughlin won a $400 cash prize for her efforts. She now advances to the next round on April 30 at the Murray Rotary Club meeting.
The BUGZ play performed by the Murray Elementary School Kindergarten students was amazing. The students performed at Murray State University's Lovett Auditorium for family, friends, and the community. The group also performed for the entire Murray Elementary School students who walked from MES to MSU's Lovett.
We applaud our students, the MES teachers and administration, and our community who helped with the production. #murrayschools
We applaud our students, the MES teachers and administration, and our community who helped with the production. #murrayschools
The Murray High School Guidance office announced the 2026 Governor's School for the Arts recipients (from left): Vincent D’Ambrosio, Amelia Donnelly, Cabot French, Benjamin Mehta, Wesley Shelby, Masanobu Tomonaga, Edward Utgaard, and Kenny Vu.
The Kentucky Center Governor’s School for the Arts (GSA) is an arts education program of The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts. The GSA three-week summer program is for rising juniors and seniors in Kentucky.
Each spring over 1700 students audition for spots in the program. Located at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, the program is free for students to attend (full tuition, room and board) and is funded by the state and private fundraising. Every summer, a faculty of professional artists and educators’ mentor over 200 of Kentucky’s finest young creative artists. Students are immersed in a rigorous schedule of daily seminars, master classes, lectures, hands-on workshops, field trips and performing/exhibiting at the finale Student Festival. While each student specializes in one art form, all students participate in structured, interdisciplinary arts experiences designed to familiarize them with the joys and challenges of specialties other than their own.
GSA historically takes place the last two weeks of June and has served all 120 counties in the Commonwealth through the summer program and its outreach workshops. GSA is a statewide program and encourages geographical and ethnic diversity.
Ambrosio is the son of Michael and Christina D’Ambrosio. Donnelly is the daughter of Jennifer Hughes Donnelly and Robert Donnnelly. French is the son Todd and Andrea French. Mehta is the son of Jay and Erika Mehta. Shelby is the son of Jason and Ellis Shelby. Tomonaga is the is the son of Masaaki Tomonaga and Min Sun Oh, Utgaard is the son of John and Bentley Utgaard. Vu is the son of Binh Vu and Ngoc Bui.
The Kentucky Center Governor’s School for the Arts (GSA) is an arts education program of The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts. The GSA three-week summer program is for rising juniors and seniors in Kentucky.
Each spring over 1700 students audition for spots in the program. Located at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, the program is free for students to attend (full tuition, room and board) and is funded by the state and private fundraising. Every summer, a faculty of professional artists and educators’ mentor over 200 of Kentucky’s finest young creative artists. Students are immersed in a rigorous schedule of daily seminars, master classes, lectures, hands-on workshops, field trips and performing/exhibiting at the finale Student Festival. While each student specializes in one art form, all students participate in structured, interdisciplinary arts experiences designed to familiarize them with the joys and challenges of specialties other than their own.
GSA historically takes place the last two weeks of June and has served all 120 counties in the Commonwealth through the summer program and its outreach workshops. GSA is a statewide program and encourages geographical and ethnic diversity.
Ambrosio is the son of Michael and Christina D’Ambrosio. Donnelly is the daughter of Jennifer Hughes Donnelly and Robert Donnnelly. French is the son Todd and Andrea French. Mehta is the son of Jay and Erika Mehta. Shelby is the son of Jason and Ellis Shelby. Tomonaga is the is the son of Masaaki Tomonaga and Min Sun Oh, Utgaard is the son of John and Bentley Utgaard. Vu is the son of Binh Vu and Ngoc Bui.
(photo from left) 2026 Murray High School Governor’s Scholars Program Recipients-Tyce Gibson, Owen Howell, Kenzie Myers, Adeline Pitman, Ava Grace Podrovitz, Joshua Sloan, Kalyn Stockdale, and Brodie Morris
Murray High School Students Selected for 2026 Governor’s Scholars Program
Murray High School juniors, Tyce Gibson, Owen Howell, Kenzie Myers, Adeline Pitman, Ava Grace Podrovitz, Joshua Sloan, Kalyn Stockdale, and Brodie Morris (alternate), are among the 1,020 Kentucky students selected as the 2026 Governor’s Scholars Program recipients.
The Governor’s Scholars Program is a competitive summer residential program for rising high school seniors across Kentucky. This year, a pool of 1,698 students applied. The Program’s mission is to enhance Kentucky’s next generation of civic and economic leaders. Students who are selected attend the Program without charge. In the spirit of partnership, the Office of the Governor, the Kentucky State Legislature, and private enterprise come together to provide financial support for the Program.
Murray High School was allowed to submit eight applications this year, and all eight students were accepted, with one as an alternate.
Participants will attend sessions hosted at Centre College, Morehead State University and Murray State University, where they will take part in academic coursework, seminars, and enrichment activities.
Program officials said the goal is to help develop the next generation of civic and economic leaders in Kentucky.
Gibson is the son of Trent and Ashley Gibson. Howell is the son of Jason and Renee Howell. Myers is the daughter of John and Beth Myers. Pitman is the daughter of Adam and Tiffany Pitman. Podrovitz is the daughter of Ryan and Beth Podrovitz. Sloan is the son of Bethany and Matthew Sloan. Stockdale is the daughter of Kristi Stockdale. Morris is the son of Micah and Abbie Morris.
Highlights from the 2026 MHS Run For The Roses Prom ---We thank everyone who assisted in making the prom a beautiful evening for our junior and senior students. #murrayschools
Congratulations to the 2026 MHS Run For The Roses Prom King and Queen Tyce Gibson and Adeline Pitman and their court: Trendon Curd, Paxton Foster-Mastera, Anderson Compton, Landon Martin, Owen Howell, and Tyce Gibson (King), Adeline Pitman (Queen), Bella Cleaver, Kalyn Stockdale, Relly Bassett, Addie Shultz, Sophie Georgiou, and Bella Anderson. #murrayschools
🐯💛 It’s Every Kid Healthy Week, Murray! 💛🐯
We recognize the importance of mental, physical, and social-emotional health for all of our Tigers. As we head into the final weeks of school—with activities, testing, and year-end events—it can be a busy and sometimes stressful time for students, staff, and families.
Take time to care for yourself. Do the things that bring you balance, calm, and joy.
Remember— if you need support, please reach out to a staff member. We are here to help.
Let’s take care of ourselves and each other as we finish the year strong—together! 🖤💛
#murrayschools #EveryKidHealthyWeek #TigerPride 🐯
We recognize the importance of mental, physical, and social-emotional health for all of our Tigers. As we head into the final weeks of school—with activities, testing, and year-end events—it can be a busy and sometimes stressful time for students, staff, and families.
Take time to care for yourself. Do the things that bring you balance, calm, and joy.
Remember— if you need support, please reach out to a staff member. We are here to help.
Let’s take care of ourselves and each other as we finish the year strong—together! 🖤💛
#murrayschools #EveryKidHealthyWeek #TigerPride 🐯
Happy Murray High School Prom Day!
Please note: The Grand March starts at 6:30 p.m. this evening inside Taylor Gymnasium.
(Go Fan says 7p.m. , this is incorrect)
In honor of April 20-24, 2026 being National Volunteer Recognition Week---the MISD will recognize our (539) 2025-2026 volunteers who will provide nearly 30,000 volunteer hours to the MISD this year.
A special reception will be held Tuesday, April 21. Murray Elementary @ 7:30 a.m., and Murray Middle School @ 8 a.m. During this time muffins, water and special volunteer appreciation pins will be given to our volunteers.
Our community businesses have partnered with us to provide giveaways at both Murray Elementary and Murray Middle schools. We encourage our volunteers to register for the giveaways when volunteering throughout the week. A drawing will be held Friday, April 24, 2026.
We invite our volunteers to be a part of our Volunteer Recognition celebration April 20-24, 2026. Our Volunteers provide their unwavering support each day. The relationships they share with our students make all the difference in the Tiger Nation!
The Murray Independent Volunteer Program is one of the most successful in Kentucky, averaging 23,000 to 30,000 volunteer hours each year. Throughout the 2024-2025 year, 509 volunteers attended the numerous volunteer trainings offered and became approved certified volunteers. This past year volunteers logged 31,600 hours through numerous programs and initiatives: Murray Elementary School (5,000), Murray Middle School (2,500), Murray Preschool-Head Start (1,950), Murray High School (650), MISD Athletics (4,000), MHS and MMS Band (13,000), Academic Clubs (2,000), and Booster Club (2,500).
A special reception will be held Tuesday, April 21. Murray Elementary @ 7:30 a.m., and Murray Middle School @ 8 a.m. During this time muffins, water and special volunteer appreciation pins will be given to our volunteers.
Our community businesses have partnered with us to provide giveaways at both Murray Elementary and Murray Middle schools. We encourage our volunteers to register for the giveaways when volunteering throughout the week. A drawing will be held Friday, April 24, 2026.
We invite our volunteers to be a part of our Volunteer Recognition celebration April 20-24, 2026. Our Volunteers provide their unwavering support each day. The relationships they share with our students make all the difference in the Tiger Nation!
The Murray Independent Volunteer Program is one of the most successful in Kentucky, averaging 23,000 to 30,000 volunteer hours each year. Throughout the 2024-2025 year, 509 volunteers attended the numerous volunteer trainings offered and became approved certified volunteers. This past year volunteers logged 31,600 hours through numerous programs and initiatives: Murray Elementary School (5,000), Murray Middle School (2,500), Murray Preschool-Head Start (1,950), Murray High School (650), MISD Athletics (4,000), MHS and MMS Band (13,000), Academic Clubs (2,000), and Booster Club (2,500).
Amazing performances today at Murray Elementary School. The first grade students performed BINGO .
Special thanks to our Arts and Humanities Teachers: Mrs. Cornelison (Music), Mrs. Hastings (ART), Coach Traylor (PE), Mrs. Vanover (STEAM), and Mrs. Munsey (Library).
These kids were amazing! #murrayschools
Special thanks to our Arts and Humanities Teachers: Mrs. Cornelison (Music), Mrs. Hastings (ART), Coach Traylor (PE), Mrs. Vanover (STEAM), and Mrs. Munsey (Library).
These kids were amazing! #murrayschools
Amazing performances today at Murray Elementary School. The second grade students performed Cookies .
Special thanks to our Arts and Humanities Teachers: Mrs. Cornelison (Music), Mrs. Hastings (ART), Coach Traylor (PE), Mrs. Vanover (STEAM), and Mrs. Munsey (Library).
These kids were amazing! #murrayschools
Special thanks to our Arts and Humanities Teachers: Mrs. Cornelison (Music), Mrs. Hastings (ART), Coach Traylor (PE), Mrs. Vanover (STEAM), and Mrs. Munsey (Library).
These kids were amazing! #murrayschools
