Top in Class: Murphy reflects on high school career

Whitehall High School senior Ryan Murphy can vividly remember his first day of Kindergarten in the fall of 2005.

As he entered his classroom, Murphy would not let go of his mother Jill's leg, and said she did not want to let go of her youngest of three children either. For the next almost 13 years, he would attend schools in Whitehall with his journey coming to an end this Sunday when he will not only graduate, but will do so as the Valedictorian of the Class of 2018.

The goal of finishing first in his class has been something in the back of Murphy's mind since he was sixth grade when his mom made him a promise that if he was able to get straight A's through middle school he would be given a phone by the time he was in high school. After a 4.0 at the end of his six semesters in middle school, Murphy knew finishing top in his class would be a great honor and took upon the mentality that he could accomplish it. Murphy also thought it would be cool to do something his two older brothers Bryce and Brady came close to, but were never able to achieve.

"It is something I could brag about to them in the future," Murphy said.

Earlier this school year, he would find out that he had finished first in the class rankings and said he was very excited for achieving the goal he's had for numerous years.

During his journey through elementary school, Murphy said he had teachers that pushed him to do more once he had finished his required work. This continued into middle school and he credited Martha Farrand for being a big push in his early success and a great teacher. He also thanked his parents Chad and Jill for being a big push in his success and said that every night they would keep him on track by being responsible and making sure all of his assignments were completed on time.

A multi-sport athlete, Murphy also lauded the role that sports played in his success and how he can be a role model to younger students.

He said that being able to manage sports and school would not only help him in the future, but to set an example of how juggling both can be done successfully.

Murphy wants his younger teammates to know that with a busy life you can still find time to be a successful student, which should always come first and how hard work in the classroom can pay off with scholarships.

"I wanted to be a good example on and off the court and give them someone to look up to," he said.

Looking back at his time in high school, Murphy cites the 2017 Southern Divisional Basketball Tournament as one of his best memories. After losing their first game, the Trojans would rally with three consecutive victories to earn a spot at the State Tournament.

"I got an opportunity to play and prove what I can do. We were able to grow close. We were a tight-knit bunch," he said.

Murphy also strongly believes that a reason he's found success in high school is because he has taken part in so many different activities.

"I've been so involved in everything in the community from being student body president and president of the Interact Club that being so involved has made me part of so many activities that it's been a blast," he said. "Having an open mind and willingness to step out of my comfort zone along the way has allowed me to broaden myself and enjoy myself in high school."

There were also challenges during the four years of high school for Murphy, the first early in his freshman year.

"Coming in and not necessarily being scared, but not sure what to expect," he said.

The final week of high school has also been a difficult challenge for Murphy.

"Knowing I will never get to do this again, knowing the ride is almost over, but you have got to move on to bigger and better things," he said.

A life-long resident of Whitehall, Murphy said growing up with his classmates in a small town he has learned so much about them, could probably name every student in the school, and they have become a family.

"Being in a small town you grow pretty close to all these people. It's something you are going to miss – these people you have done so much with and made so many memories with," Murphy said.

An avid outdoorsman, he feels blessed to grow up in Whitehall and close to all the things he loves to do like hunt, fish, and play sports.

"This is a really close community where everyone has your back. You can drive around and you see people all the time and people are always happy and waving," Murphy said.

This fall, he will attend Montana Tech and study general engineering with the hopes of finding a job that will allow him to stay in Montana.

The President of the Student Body, Murphy said he is not nervous or scared about his graduation speech, but more excited about some of the memories and stories he is going to share.

Reminiscing on his first day of school over a decade ago, Murphy laughed and said that while he may not be ready to completely let go, the only thing that has changed is his mom may be ready to kick him out of the house and on to his next journey.