As the academic year comes to an end, our school community will soon say goodbye to Mr. Murtha. After 5 years as a dorm parent (and more recently as a teacher), Mr. Murtha is embarking on a new chapter: the Air Force JAG Corps.
The Air Force JAG Corps is the legal branch of the United States Air Force, responsible for overseeing military justice and providing legal advice and defense to Air Force personnel. When asked about his upcoming transition, Mr. Murtha shared his enthusiasm for his new role: “It’s about being part of a community and helping people,” he explained. His decision to join the JAG program was influenced by his passion for service and community.
Reflecting on his tenure at our school, Mr. Murtha recounted the evolution of his roles, from a dorm parent to stepping into the classroom as a substitute teacher and eventually taking on full responsibilities when the need arose. He never expected to be a teacher, but once he stepped into the classroom, there was no going back. “It’s the best job I’ve ever had,” he said while recalling the numerous activities, from basketball games to chess club meetings, that enriched his experience here at Prep. His eyes lit up when discussing school life as he stated, “There is always something going on,” emphasizing how much he will miss the dynamic environment and the opportunity to impact young lives.
When asked about where his new job would be, he said it was unknown yet. Despite the uncertainties ahead, including potential placements as distant as Japan, Mr. Murtha remains excited and ready to serve wherever needed. Beyond the school, Mr. Murtha has also volunteered time as an EMT with the local fire department. An Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) is a trained healthcare professional who provides emergency medical services and care to patients before they reach a hospital. This role allows him to make a direct impact on people’s lives.
As we say goodbye, Mr. Murtha leaves us with a final thought: cherish the opportunities and the people around you. His advice to the Prep students was very clear and simple: “Treasure your time here and keep in contact with your friends.” He stresses the importance of maintaining relationships and supporting one another. The whole Prep community extends its deepest gratitude and best wishes for Mr. Murtha’s future endeavors, hopeful that one day he might return to Prep. One more thing Mr. Murtha wanted to add was his expressed gratitude and well-wishes, saying, “I just want to thank everybody for the opportunity to be a teacher and wish my C.S. guys good luck on the AP exam.”
