Four new banners hang inside and out at Murray High School. The “I Am Murray” banners show photos of students from various clubs, classes and activities, each stating why they are part of Murray High.

“We wanted to set an ideal of what Murray is about,” Principal John Goldhardt said. “We are inclusive with so many different kinds of students. Through this campaign, students recognize their unique talents and how they are accepting of each other, realizing they all contribute to this school.”

Goldhardt said the idea emerged from banners he saw at Dixie State College, but instead of putting just an individual on one banner, he liked the idea of several students on one, further uniting them as one school.

“The students who were asked to represent an area had to come up with a word to describe themselves when they said ‘I am ____.’ One ESL student filled in the name of his Somalian refugee camp. a ProStart student put in the word for ‘willpower’ in Dutch, representing his heritage. Another used ‘expressive’ for choir and they all were so broad, but still all are part of our unique student body,” he said.

Missing from the banners are sports, although some athletes were selected to represent other areas. Goldhardt said that these banners were made to complement the existing athletic banners already hanging in the school.

“People have liked the banners and say it’s a positive approach to recognizing everyone who makes up Murray High,” he said.