Murphy High School History

Located on a sprawling twenty eight-acre campus at 100 South Carlen street near downtown Mobile, Murphy High School is a proud tradition of excellence. Fourteen buildings accommodate approximately 2200 students and 110 faculty and staff members. In 1982, Murphy High School was placed on the United States Department of the Interior National Register of Historic Places.

In April, 1976 Murphy celebrated its golden anniversary as the oldest school in Alabama. Originally named Mobile High School, the name of the school was changed in 1927 to Murphy High School in honor of Mr. Samuel S. Murphy, who served as superintendent of schools for Mobile County from 1900-1926.

Murphy High School is a charter member of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the official accrediting agency for the Southern states. It has recently been selected for membership on the College Entrance Examination Board and as a Model High School of the Nation.

Alma Mater

In days of old, when Spaniards bold

Were sailing Mobile Bay,

A dream was born, one early morn;

That dream's come true today.

Now colleges and high schools, too,

May have tradition old,

But none can boast the glorious birth

Of Murphy's blue and gold.

They built a shrine to knowledge fine.

They called it Murphy High

A soul was there, a soul so fair,

Whose spirit shall never die.

They took the blue of deepest hue,

The blue of southern sky,

They took the gold from sun so old,

The colors of Murphy High.

Fight Song

On ole Murphy, on ole Murphy

Run; right thru that line.

Run the ball around the goal post;

Touchdown sure this time.

RAH! RAH! RAH!

On ole Murphy, on ole Murphy,

Fighting for our fame.

Fight fellows, Fight! Fight! Fight!

We'll win this game

Murphy High School Seal

School History

Murphy High School Seal

Designed by prominent Mobile artist Roderick D. MacKenzie and presented to the school by the Barton Academy senior class of 1920, the school seal is used on all class jewelry and other formal school material.

The seal shows a Murphy student in cap and gown pursuing his studies with the world before him. Standing at his left is Truth, whose mirror reflects the light of the knowledge of his work, while at his right stands Winged Victory, prepared to crown him with a laurel wreath for successful effort. Within the design the letter "B" is superimposed by the letter "A," standing for Barton Academy, which was founded in 1852 and is the predecessor of Mobile High School, renamed Murphy High School in 1927.

Murphy High School Creed

School Creed

Let me remember that, if I am really to live, I must live my own life.

For when I pretend to be someone else, to claim someone else's ideas and knowledge, I am not actually living at all.

Let me be constantly broadening the horizons of my own understanding, my own knowledge, my own beliefs; striving to be, when each day dies, better than the morning found me.

Let me learn to be a giver in this school fellowship and not one who takes and only takes.

Let me seek to share my knowledge, my zeal, and my faith through service to those about me.

Let the light of my enthusiasm and friendship so shine that others may be guided aright.

Let me find my task and ever have the courage and persistence to do it.

Let me keep my standards on a plane that will be a credit to my home, an honor to my school, a strength to myself, and an influence for my Creator.

And, o'er all else, in the living of these high school days-let my life be a true expression of what "I" believe.

Statement of Beliefs

2010 STATEMENT OF BELIEFS

1.1)  The safety and security of its members is the chief priority of the school.

1.2)  The education of its students is the chief mission of the school.  This education must be relevant, providing students of every level the skills needed for future academic pursuits, for work, and for daily living.

1.3)  The responsibility for advancing the mission of the school rests chiefly with its

administrators, faculty, parents, and the community it serves.

2.1)  Students share in the responsibility for their own education and advancement.

2.2)  Students need to demonstrate their understanding of essential knowledge and skills and should be actively and interactively involved in problem-solving, producing work that reflects their best efforts.

3.1)  The diversity of the Murphy community is rich and unique.

3.2)  An attitude of tolerance, if not full acceptance of others, enriches the school and

is central to the collective and individual recognition of its unique diversity.

3.3) Murphy is a microcosm of the world at large, and its students must be imbued

with global awareness if they are to become conscientious and tolerant adults.

4.1)  Each student is a valued individual with a unique personality.

4.2)  Each student has unique physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs and       abilities.  Effective instruction is tailored to accommodate individual differences and to promote self-motivation.

4.3)  A student's self-esteem is enhanced by positive, respectful relationships with staff and other students, which in turn enriches the entire school community.

4.4)  Students need models of good character and venues to develop personal character.

5.1)  Students learn best when they are actively engaged in the learning process.  A competent, innovative, supportive, and enthusiastic staff promotes learning and personal achievement.

5.2)  Appropriate technology enhances active engagement and instruction to promote        learning.

5.3)  A physically comfortable environment promotes student learning.

6.1)  Amid its background of long history and well established traditions, a commitment to continuous improvement is imperative for Murphy to effectively assist its students in becoming confident, self-directed, life-long

 learners and productive citizens in the world of today and beyond.

Vision Statement

VISION STATEMENT

  We seek a safe, secure, environment in which students and faculty share in the responsibilities for learning and advancement.  We seek to provide a highly qualified, innovative and dedicated staff and the appropriate tools, materials, and technologies to support student learning.  We seek to promote a tolerant, respectful, and supportive school community that imbues its members with global awareness, provides them with opportunities to build personal character, and responds effectively to their individual personalities, abilities, and development.  We seek to provide comprehensive curricular and extra-curricular programs relevant to the needs and goals of each student and designed to assist them in becoming confident, self-directed, life-long learners and productive citizens.