Hamilton Murrah: Senior Spotlight

At what grade level did you start at The First Academy?

5th grade

What were the reasons you or your parents chose The First Academy?

My parents wanted me to be in a more Christ-centered environment.

Are you involved in extracurricular activities? If so, what are they and have you received awards in these activities? (These can be affiliated with TFA or outside of school)

I have played Varsity Tennis for all four years of high school and have been the team captain for the past three years. I received the most improved player award sophomore year and the leadership award junior year. I am also a camp counselor during the summer in North Carolina at Camp Sea Gull. I have also participated in student government all of high school; I was the class president freshman year, class president sophomore year, Athanasius house junior representative junior year, and student body president senior year.

Which colleges have you applied to and which ones have you be accepted to thus far? (Please include if you have made a decision to attend a certain college next year)

I applied to the University of Florida, Auburn University, and Duke University and was accepted to all three. I will be attending Duke University next year.

What do you plan to study in college and what are your long-term career goals?

Right now I plan on double majoring in Economics and Computer Science but that could very well change. My long-term goal is to either own my own company or to be the CEO of a major company.

Have you received any college scholarships? If so, which ones? (Or, which ones are your currently nominated for)

I applied for the Robertson Scholarship at Duke but was not selected for it. I also qualified for the highest level of the Florida Bright Futures scholarship.

Who is/are your favorite TFA teacher(s), and why? (Teachers can be K4-12)

Mr. Harrison was probably the best and smartest teacher I’ve ever had and he always made his class interesting and made the information easier to understand. Mr. Harvey never failed to brighten my day by making his class entertaining and fun. Dr. Toenges has taught me a lot about how to defend my faith but still always keeps his class light and loves to joke around with us. I’ve really never had a bad teacher at TFA, all of them have been great.

How has TFA made a difference in, or impacted your life?

If I hadn’t come to TFA when I was young, I’m not sure if I would be a Christian today. Having attended a school that places such an emphasis on their students’ spiritual life has been crucial to me becoming a Christian. Before I came to TFA I was very uninterested in God and just saw Christianity as an annoying set of rules. TFA has helped me understand that it is so much more than that.

How do you feel that The First Academy has prepared you for life after graduation?

I think TFA has thoroughly prepared me for college both academically and spiritually. They provided many different AP courses that I could take to help prepare me for college classes and get credit for courses in college. They have also taught me to be confident in my faith and how to defend my faith against non-believers.

What does it mean to you to be a The First Academy alumni?

It is an honor to graduate from TFA. I’ve made 8 years worth of memories that I will never forget.

To read our previous spotlight on Grace Galloway, please click HERE