Kathleen Murphy Scholars

The Kathleen Murphy Scholars Program is designed to meet the needs of our highest performing students. Academically talented students in grades 10-12 pursue a rigorous course of study, participate in extracurricular activities, and satisfy their intellectual curiosity through cultural enrichment experiences.

The Kathleen Murphy Scholars Program honors Ms. Kathleen Murphy who served as principal of Totino-Grace High School from 1979 until 2001. During that time Ms. Murphy was instrumental in establishing an honors program for gifted students while also developing a program to offer special learning services to students most in need. Ms. Murphy worked closely with teachers to challenge them and affirm their work. She encouraged them in professional growth and worked hard to provide resources for them. This program honors Ms. Murphy for her creativity, love of literature, and commitment to academic rigor.

Students in the Murphy Scholars Program will be asked to cover the cost of seminars if tickets must be purchased or entrance fees must be paid. Financial assistance is available for students who cannot afford these expenses.

Program Goals

What is the purpose of the scholar program?

To provide an environment, curriculum and the academic expectations that will encourage Scholars to fully develop their intellectual talents.
To provide additional opportunities for students to be challenged academically and to explore various areas of interest through outside seminars.
To assist the Scholars in pursuing a specific area of interest through an independent project, guided by a mentor teacher.
To provide additional guidance to Scholars as they choose their course of study and prepare for their post-high school endeavors.

Program Requirements

What does it take to be a Kathleen Murphy Scholar?

Enroll in a minimum number of honors, AP, or CIS level courses: 10th grade - two honors courses; 11th and 12th grade - three honors, AP, or CIS courses.
Participate in a week-long summer seminar prior to sophomore year that emphasizes intellectual curiosity, academic planning, leadership training, faith development, cultural enrichment and service.
Participate in at least one extracurricular activity during the school year.
Participate in four cultural enrichment seminars during the school year.
Maintain a 3.8 cumulative GPA.
Attend one Capstone presentation done by a senior Scholar during sophomore or junior year.
Plan and execute a senior Capstone project designed by the Scholar in consultation with a mentor teacher and the Program Director. This will be done by taking a .5 credit Research Seminar course during semester 2 of junior year. (Students in the E3 program do not need to take this course. They will complete their Capstone in the Engineering 3 class during their senior year.)

Program Benefits

What will I get out of it?

Additional intellectual challenges provided by field experiences not generally available to students.
The support of a peer group committed to similar academic goals of personal excellence and intellectual growth.
Mentorship support provided by a teacher who is chosen by the Scholar (in consultation with the Program Director) who will provide guidance and counsel to the Scholar for the senior project.
Access to the Program Director who acts as an additional academic advisor while in the program.
Summer enrichment opportunities.
Designation as a Scholar at graduation commencement.
Identification of the program and its requirements on all college applications.

Application Process

How do I apply?

Students who wish to apply must attend an information meeting, complete an application and obtain 3 TG Teacher Recommendations. Students who complete these requirements will be invited to an interview.
If a 9th grader is currently in less than 2 honors courses or does not have a 3.8 GPA, they may apply for the program and may be accepted on a contingency basis. They must be at a 3.8 GPA by the end of 9th grade and be registered for at least 2 honors courses for sophomore year. If these requirements are not met, the student will not be accepted into the program.
Application deadline and more information coming soon.

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Capstone Project Examples

Scholars that are not in the E3 program as well must complete a capstone project. Some examples of project research topics are:

What are the effects of water pollution and what international treaties are in place to help aid this problem?
How does stress affect the central nervous system?
How has the portrayal of sharks by the media affected their perception and safety?
How might clothing express mental health?
How does generational poverty impact one’s health, physically and mentally?
How does hearing impairment affect the speech and language development of deaf children?
How does cultural relativism affect the protection of international human rights?

Field Trips and Experiences

Scholars are able to get hands on learning experience outside of the classroom. Some examples of off-campus learning include:

Museums
Guthrie, Orpheum, and Orchestra
Volunteering and service projects
Attending lectures and hearing from guest speakers
Art exhibitions
Apiary
News stations
Many more!

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