(from left) MHS graduates and siblings pictured with their parents: Charles Cella ’84, Managing Director of Strong Force Intellectual Capital in Boston Massachusetts area, Rachel Cella ’95, Assistant Public Defender for the Alaska Public Defender Agency, Anchorage, Alaska, Dr. Ron Cella, and wife, Doris, and Laura Cella Hampton ’86, HR Director Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP.
The Murray High School Alumni & Friends Association will present the 2025 Murray High School Alumni Service Award to Dr. Ron and Doris Cella Friday, April 25, 2025. The award will be presented to the Cellas during the Tiger Tales Ceremony at Murray Elementary School.
The MHS Alumni Service Distinguished Service Award was first awarded in 2021. The award recognizes individuals who consistently demonstrate extraordinary commitment, dedication, leadership and public service through their time, talent, and resources to the advancement of the Murray Independent School District. The award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the community, professions, or the school itself, by demonstrating leadership, service, and a commitment to making a positive impact.
Dr. Ron and Doris Cella have longstanding roles with the Murray Independent School District. Ron has been a member and officer of the MISD Foundation since 2009, and a groundbreaker for education abroad opportunities at Murray State for Murray High School alumni. Doris is a former twelve-year MISD Board of Education member, who served as chair for eight years. Her long-standing volunteer efforts include tutoring and assisting in coaching the speech team with the Murray School system.
Their children Charles, Laura, and Rachel are honor graduates of Murray High School and participated in many organizations and activities including speech, soccer, golf, band, student government, service clubs, academic teams, and foreign language programs.
Ron and Doris both led long, impactful careers at MSU, educating students in English, where Ron chaired the department for many years. For approximately three decades, Ron directed MSU student educational programs, through the Center for Cooperative Study Abroad (CCSA). Their trips to London, Edinburgh, and other destinations were life-changing for many students.
In 2021, The Cella Family Fund endowment was established by Ron and Doris to fund awards for the benefit of the MISD through the Murray Independent School District (MISD) Foundation for Excellence. The endowment fund awards assist Murray High graduates participate in Murray State's Education Abroad programs, while continuing the Cella family legacy with the MISD, and supporting educational travel opportunities for future students.
The ceremony begins at 1:15 p.m. and a reception honoring the Cellas will be held at Murray Elementary School following the presentation. All friends and community members are invited to attend.