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In the early 1980's,
two families gathered in an Everett home. The availability of a good Catholic
education for their children was the primary topic. The closest Catholic high
school was located in Seattle. "Why can't we have a Catholic school in our own
community?" they asked themselves.
In the beginning,
community support for a new high school was uncertain. However, over time the
need for a school became clear and the community, Snohomish County pastors and
Archbishop Hunthausen were in support of the project. Northsound Association for
Catholic Education was formed and board members were selected. Between 1983 and
1985 the Association began the search for a location to house the school. No
existing structure or facility was deemed a viable option, and it became clear
that property would have to be secured on which to build the new school.
Through the enormous
generosity of 20 donors, property was purchased in South Everett. Fundraising
began to secure funds for the actual building of the school. While funds were
being raised to build a permanent school on the South Everett property, Holy
Cross High School opened in September 1988 at the former Our Lady of Perpetual
Help grade school. There were fifteen freshmen and eight sophomores that first
year. For most of a decade, the number of students increased gradually,
eventually outgrowing an inadequate facility.
In early 1999, the
school was re-named to honor the late Archbishop Thomas J. Murphy and prepared
to move to the twenty-two acre permanent campus at the South Everett location.
In October 1999, 254 students and twenty faculty moved to the new campus, which
consisted of a two-story building housing the gymnasium, administrative offices,
a library, computer room and seven classrooms. Six additional modular classrooms
were located adjacent to the main building.
Growth of Archbishop
Murphy High School, both in facilities and enrollment, has been tremendous. A
second building, Grace Hall, was built in 2003. A football/soccer field was
installed with bleacher seating and a press box, and a five-acre athletic
complex was developed in 2003.
Heath Hall, our third
building, was completed in September of 2007. The 40,000 square feet building
includes classrooms, state-of-the-art science labs, office space, a student
life and counseling center and performing arts space. Enrollment has increased
steadily over the years, to approximately 540 for the 2010-2011 school year. A larger,
free-standing chapel is in our future plans.
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Archbishop Thomas J. Murphy High School is a
Catholic, college preparatory school that welcomes students of all faiths.
True to the spirit of the Gospel, Archbishop Murphy nurtures the full
development of the gifts that God has given to each student, fosters service
as an outgrowth of faith, and values diversity. Working with parents as
partners in this educational ministry, we strive for academic excellence,
spiritual enrichment, and Christlike leadership for the transformation of the
world.
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AMHS achieves this
mission by emphasizing faith formation, academic excellence focusing on college
preparation, active student involvement through community service, quality
performing arts programs, and exceptional athletic programs.
At AMHS, we are proud
of our Catholic traditions. We strive to foster within our students a deeper
understanding and appreciation of their own faith lives through participation in
liturgies, prayer services and class retreats. Daily prayer is a regular
part of the school day. Students also enrich their understanding of the Catholic
faith by completing four years of Theology. Students live out their faith within
their own communities by performing community service as part of their Theology
requirements. Our students are required to complete over one hundred hours of
community service during their four years at AMHS, and in 2009-2010 over 19,000
hours of service were provided to over 100 organizations in our community.
Academically, students
at AMHS excel. Class of 2010 graduates include three National Merit
Commended students. 100% of the class
is pursuing higher education -- 89% are going on to four year universities; 23%
will attend a Catholic university. Collectively, the class was offered merit
scholarships and awards totaling over $10.2 million
dollars. 76% of the class graduated with academic honors.
AMHS was the winner of the
2009-2010 WIAA 2A Scholastic Cup, including four 2009-2010 WIAA 2A State
Academic Champions (Girls’ Swimming, Choir, Softball and Boys’ Golf). In the
2009-2010 athletic arena, AMHS teams won six league championships, five district
championships, two state championships, and three teams placed within the top
four at state competitions.
Students have many opportunities to become involved at
AMHS, including a wide range of performing arts programs, clubs and activities.
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