I am considering putting this post on my school website. Rather personal, but hey, I'm 50.  

Wow.  50 years seems like such a long time.  As I look back, I think of the people that have influenced me most, and helped me along the way.

1.      Grant Henry Murphy-my Dad, who showed me what it meant to be a good husband and father, and instilled in me the freedom to never be afraid to try something new.

2.      Sidney Watson-my first biology teacher, whose love of and fascination for learning was contagious, and whose sense of humor and rapport with kids was a model for me. In a student inspired tangent discussion (hooray!), we sat captivated as Mr. Watson explained the details of a new movie in the theatre - The Exorcist, which we were all too young to see.

3.      Paul Dickler-my second biology teacher, who modeled for me a love for science, the concept of being a wise steward of the environment, and who bought my chicken eggs every week.

4.      Lonzie Rinker-my zoology professor, who helped me choose a college, where I met my future wife, and choose a career in education.  Without Mr. Rinker, things would have been VERY different.

5.      Charlie White-a true boy scout who lived out the highest ideals of scouting as well as Baden Powell. Charlie was my mentor in scouting and in much of life. Like a second father. My guide during my Vigil for the Order of the Arrow.

6.      Richard Rose-my mentor in education, who always thinks out of the box. Showed me what it means to learn by inquiry. I am thankful to have taught next to you for all those years.

7.      Carol Tomlinson-who showed me that learning and teaching are processes that never end, who gave me a desire to always want to do better, and helped me see that I will never figure it all out, and that the joy is in the journey.

8.      Lynne Murphy-my best friend and companion for life.  One of her primary desires for me has been that I be happy in my vocation - that I enjoy my work over monetary gain. My faithful friend through this journey.