“Make your momma proud.”
Having lived by this motto, Tharptown High School valedictorian Mikayla Murphree has worked hard to make her momma proud.
“I want to make my mom happy,” said Murphree. “She has high expectations for me, and I want to meet them and make her smile.”
Murphree’s parents are Joel and Nancy Murphree, and she has a sister named Courtney Murphree. Her grandparents are Harold and Carolyn Cole, William and Joan Posey, and Harold and Lois Murphree.
Since she moved from Mt. Hope to Tharptown in the 7th grade, Murphree has participated in many activities at the school. She has served as President of National Honor Society, Junior Civitan Club, and the Senior Class. She was also the Treasurer of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and Editor of the Yearbook. She has been a member of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) and the Math Team.
Murphree has been awarded Who’s Who Most Intelligent, Miss THS, Highest ACT Score in her Class (31) and an All A’s Trophy.
Her favorite memories from THS involved going the Alabama Shakespeare Festival every year with National Honor Society. She has seen plays such as MacBeth and King Leer.
“I am upset that I will not be able to go next year,” Murphree said. “I do not understand Shakespeare, but I do like the plays. It is easier to see the play than just read it. Shakespeare was meant to be watched.”
After high school, Murphree will attend Mississippi State University, where she will pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. She plans to attend Veterinary School at MSU after the completion of her degree.
“I have always had a passion for animals,” said Murphree. “At 9 years old, I decided to be a vet. I would watch our vet come out and help our animals at our farm. I had been in love with MSU since I found out it had a vet school. I also think the bulldog is so cool.”
In her free time, Murphree volunteers at the Russellville Animal Clinic. She has been helping at the clinic for 7 months, where she works in the back with the kennels and holds animals for the vet.
Murphree has received several scholarships such as MSU Academic and Valedictorian Scholarships, ALCARH Scholarship, Matt Hester Scholarship, DHR Scholarship, Franklin County Soil and Water Conservation Scholarship and “There’s a Way” Scholarship.
Although she has great plans for her future, she will miss her time at THS.
“THS is a family, not just a school,” said Murphree. “I made lifelong friends here. The faculty is great and is here for you. It will help me succeed knowing that they are cheering for me.”
Murphree and her classmates will graduate Thursday, May 21 at 6 p.m.
