Amanda Peiffer
Murray, Ky., March 25, 2022-----Amanda Peiffer was selected as the Murray High School Rotary Student of the month and most recently notified she has been selected as a Murray State University Presidential Fellow recipient.
As a Presidential Fellow Peiffer will attend MSU and major in Biochemistry coupled with a Spanish minor, to pursue a career as a medical laboratory scientist and study breast cancer. The prestigious Presidential Fellow scholarship includes full tuition, housing and meals up to four years at the university. Peiffer will also have the opportunity to participate in a four-year independent research project. "I plan on studying abroad for at least one semester in Spain. Murray State has fantastic study abroad scholarships, which is just one of the many reasons why it's a perfect fit for me, she said. "I'm looking forward to getting involved on campus and meeting new people. I'm so excited for what my future holds, and I know Murray State will provide all the knowledge and experience I need to succeed."
Receiving the news Peiffer was a recipient was a momentous occasion. "I was so overcome with emotion I had tears in my eyes. I never imagined I would be able to be a normal kid in college, because of my family's financial situation. I've had to give up many experiences other kids get to enjoy. Because of this scholarship, I will have stability, a luxury I'm not often granted. Ever since I can remember one of my biggest life goals has been graduating college debt-free, and that's now a reality."
Murray is Peiffer's home, and she can't imagine attending college anywhere else. "Like many seniors, one of the biggest stressors in my life is not just college, but how I'm going to pay for it. I have worked so hard throughout high school to give myself the best chance at scholarships possible. It seems that work has finally paid off, I cannot even begin to express how relieved and grateful I am."
Peiffer's hard work began many years ago as a kindergartener in the Murray Independent School District. Today, Peiffer is a 2021 Governor Scholar recipient who attended the five-week program last summer at Morehead State last summer. Currently she is enrolled in seven college level classes, and throughout high school she has taken thirteen AP Classes, and is a National AP scholar with distinction, the highest AP award by the College Board. An ACT 30+ student, a member of Leadership Tomorrow, Student Council vice president, and Spanish Club president, Peiffer was most recently named the Kentucky district, state, and Eastern Division winner for the DAR Good Citizen Essay winner. She now advances advanced to the national level, where she will have the opportunity to win one of two $5,000 scholarships available to the 16 division winners across the nation.
As the MHS Speech Team secretary and State Humorous Interpretation honoree, Peiffer has a list of national and state awards and honors, and most recently qualified for national competitions with the National Speech and Debate Association and the National Catholic Forensic League, both held this summer. "I am incredibly honored that I get to represent my city and my school in everything I do."
A Tertulias member who practices speaking English with Ecuador students, Peiffer is the first Kentucky student awarded a scholarship to attend a two-week long research program this summer in Alaska, as part of Inspiring Girls Expeditions. The scholarship was established for women pursuing STEM who have an affinity for both art and research and provide experience prior to entering college.
Born in Texas and moving to Murray with her mother and brother when she was only four-months, Peiffer takes heed to her mother’s advice. "My mom always says that no one is an island, and I completely agree with that statement, she explained. "I have been a student at Murray since kindergarten, and I am so appreciative of the opportunities this school has given me. I would not be where I am today without the immense support I've received along the way, especially from my teachers. Growing up in the Murray school district has been such a blessing. I've received a phenomenal education from teachers whom I consider not just my mentors and role models, but also my friends. My love for science, writing, language, and art is thanks to the thoughtful and engaging teachers who cultivated my love for learning and pushed me to be my best. Before I believed in myself, my teachers knew I could do more than I ever dreamed possible, and getting to live out those dreams is so rewarding for both me and them. "
Peiffer is the daughter of Teresa Peiffer, Murray.