Inaugural Maura Murray Scholarship Award Presented to Whitman-Hanson High School Senior
Hanson, Mass. - The Murray Family will join Whitman-Hanson High School Faculty to present the inaugural Maura Murray Scholarship Award on May 31, 2023 to a high school senior who demonstrates outstanding academic and athletic achievement. The scholarship recognizes a scholar-athlete who embodies Maura’s enduring legacy of determination, leadership, and work ethic.
Whitman-Hanson Head Cross Country and Track Coach Mr. Steve George selected this year’s recipient, from a pool of competitive candidates based on the following criteria:
A Cross Country Athlete
3.0 GPA or higher
Display dedication and spirit of Maura in her 26 year old unbroken record at the Catholic Memorial Invitational
“There is no more deserving candidate than this year’s recipient, one of the top Seniors in the classroom and in athletics,” said Whitman-Hanson Cross Country Coach Steve George. “She is similar to Maura: a tough and determined competitor with a cheerful disposition before and after her race.” Maura Murray was a 2000 graduate of Whitman-Hanson High School and Captain of the Cross Country Team. During her tenure she was a perennial powerhouse in both cross country and track, setting multiple school records lasting more than a decade, a Boston Globe All-Scholastic in cross country, and US Nationals qualifier in the two mile. Maura also dominated in the classroom, graduating fourth in her class, a National Honor Society member with astronomical SAT scores.
“My family is proud to present the inaugural Maura Murray Scholarship Award,” said Whitman-Hanson Alumna Julie Murray. “We are thankful to Whitman-Hanson and Coach Steve George for keeping Maura’s legacy alive while supporting and recognizing young athletes who display the spirit and drive Maura did throughout her life in pursuit of academic and athletic achievement.”
The Murray family, in partnership with Whitman-Hanson High School and advocate Ms. Janina Horan, created the Maura Murray Scholarship Award to empower young students who excel both academically and athletically while displaying Maura’s fierce competitive spirit. Ms. Horan was inspired by Maura’s achievements during her own disability journey stating “to gain strength, I looked to her amazing ability.”
The Murray’s will be presented with a citation from Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey’s office commemorating the event.
Individuals can learn more about Maura Murray who disappeared in 2004 and the Murray family’s efforts to find Maura while honoring her memory at www.mauramurraymissing.org.