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Murphy and ___ show "Stingers Up" on October 25, 2024 during the home football game against Donna North. Photo By: Shannon Murphy
When it comes to hard work and dedication, Connor Murphy is no stranger to pushing himself beyond his limits, either academically, athletically, or musically. As a senior at Flour Bluff, his days start early with swim practice before school, a routine that has taught him discipline throughout his 9 years in the sport.
“We swim about 48 weeks out of the whole year, practically every weekday in 2 hour sessions,” Murphy said. “It is definitely the most challenging thing I participate in, but it has shaped who I am and given me the dedication and work ethic I have today.”
Swimming is only one part of his busy schedule. He is also involved in other extracurriculars, and is a passionate trumpet player of the school’s band.
“I have a passion for music and love listening to classical and Christian music at home,” Murphy said. “Being a part of the marching band in the fall and concert band in the spring can be rewarding and enjoyable.”
NHS members (left to right) Connor Murphy, Owen Aggus, ____, and ____ volunteer together during Fish Fest on August 12, 2024 Photo by: Connor Murphy
In addition to swimming and band, his academic achievements shine through his involvement as a member of the UIL Academics team, specifically Math. The team has been state champions for almost 40 years at Flour Bluff Junior High, and he is proud to say he has contributed to their wins.
“I continued my love for math as part of the team here at the high school, taking the Number Sense, Calculator, and Mathematics tests,” Murphy said. “Nathaniel Puumala, as well as past graduates of the class of 2024, Samuel Zhang, Kyle Xu, and Jessica Hu, have motivated me to continue.”
As the president of the National Honor Society, he leads the group in various community service activities. They have helped teachers around the high school campus, assisted at community events, and taken care of the wetlands owned by the school district.
(left to right) Connor Murphy, Corey Lichtenburger, ____, and _____ prepare for the UIL State Ensembe, the trumpet quartet performance on May 27, 2024. Photo by: Shannon Murphy
“I believe it is important for everyone to find a way to help out their community in one way or another,” Murphy said. “It has been a great experience working with the other NHS officers and members; I am honored to have the trust of my peers.”
The Flour Bluff Community is known for being close-knit, traditional, and faith based. Having the support around him has been the key to the encouragement of his successes.
“Our teachers and staff here at school and the people in the community are very friendly and welcoming,” Murphy said.
His journey hasn’t been easy, especially holding the Valedictorian title. However, he views this as a friendly competition with his closest friends who are also among the top 10 of the class, as they challenge each other to do better.
“I just focus on doing the best I can with my grades and don’t put pressure on myself to maintain my rank at all,” Murphy said. “[Nathaniel Puumula, Tristen Corpuz, and I] have all known each other since being on the math team at the junior high, so it means a lot to have this connection between us.”
He has officially been accepted into the College of Engineering at Texas A&M College Station for Mechanical Engineering. When he closes this chapter at Flour Bluff High School, he hopes to leave behind a humble example for others.
“As a Christian, everything I do should be an example for others of how to act and live,” Murphy said. “It is a hard calling, but through this I hope that others notice the difference in my attitude and character, knowing that this life isn’t all there is, and they would want that joy and freedom for themselves.”
The Murphy family visits Kyle Field at Texas A&M University on April 15, 2024. Photo by: Wayne Murphy
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