Mrs. Murrow shared that being inducted into the Central High School Hall of Fame is quite an honor. She stated, “I love Central High School. I always have and I always will. The old saying, ‘Once a Lion Always a Lion’ certainly rings true for me and my family.”
In 1967, she graduated from Central High School, as did Bobby, her husband of 54 years. Her daughters, Cathy Murrow Fontenot and Kari Murrow Fabregas both graduated from CHS as well.
Following graduation from high school, she attended West Georgia College majoring in Business Education while earning the National Business Education Association’s Award for Excellence.
She began her career as a Lion in 1973 teaching in the then Vocational/Business Department. Her first year was spent teaching Typewriting on manual typewriters, Short-hand, and Office Practice. Throughout the years, manual typewriters advanced to electric typewriters, word processors, Apple computers, and then IBM compatible computers. She was on the committee to help bring in Apple computers to the classroom. These were the first classroom computers at Central High School. She also taught a variety of Business Courses – Accounting, Career Education, Programming, and Vocational Office Training. (VOT) which later became known as Cooperative Business Education (CBE) was a Work-Study Program that was a part of today’s Work-Based Learning program. She always had excellent community partners, and together they guided students successfully in the workforce.
During her years teaching at Central High School, she earned two additional degrees. She earned a Master’s in Education in 1974 and a Specialist in Education in 1978. Also, during this time, she was honored by receiving various awards. In 1985, she was the Central High School Teacher of the Year. She was named Sixth District Business Teacher of the Year in 1986 and again in 1990. In 1994, she was inducted into the International Mu Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, an educator’s organization.
While degrees and honors are certainly nice, the memories she treasures most from teaching involve her work with her students. During her time at Central, she coached the Band’s Drill Team, was advisor of the Nike Club, and she served as advisor to freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior students. Her role as advisor for the Future Business Leaders of America holds a special place in her heart. She was an advisor for FBLA her entire time at Central and treasures the memories of working with some of the best students ever while earning awards at the district, state, and national levels.
In 2003, she officially retired from teaching at Central High School. Over the next 10 years, she continued to work in the classroom. After retirement, she was a long-term substitute at Bowdon and Villa Rica High school, as well as a part-time faculty member of West Georgia Technical College.
Since retirement, she has also become a member of the West Georgia Optimist Club and the American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoys traveling in their RV and spending time with friends and participating in church activities. She receives the most enjoyment spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchild.
Mrs. Murrow also shared that “It seems like just yesterday that I was teaching my first students how to type on a manual typewriter. It’s hard to believe that now my grandchildren are teaching me how to use my iPhone!! Again, thank you so very much for this CHS Hall of Fame honor – an honor I will never forget.”
Congratulations to Hall of Fame inductee, Mrs. Gayle Murrow.
