The Arrow Fall 2023

Craig Brian Murray Scholarship Fund

Craig Brian Murray was born April 2, 1993. At an early age it was apparent to his parents, his athletic ability was above average. Craig began playing golf at the age of two, shortly before he was diagnosed with ALL Leukemia. Despite all the chemo and radiation he endured, Craig won three parent/child championships, the last one being two months out of bone marrow transplant at Duke University. Craig exemplified the true can-do spirit, always with a positive attitude. While living in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, Craig became active in Boy Scouts, participating in grueling hikes in the desert. While never the first to finish, finish he did, earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Craig never complained about his physical disability as a result of his transplant, and always just wanted to be a participant with his peers. When he became unable to play little league baseball, for fear of being hit by a wild pitch, Craig applied for and was selected to be a student umpire in the same league he had been playing; he was on the field. One of the highlights of Craig’s life was being selected to attend Oak Hill Academy. He came home from the middle east for the summer and interviewed with Mrs. Groves for a position at the school. While his grades were not strong, Mrs. Groves saw in Craig an inspiration and positive attitude she knew would contribute to the student body at Oak Hill. Craig loved sports and immediately applied to be the manager for the junior varsity basketball team. He attended practice each and every day, attended games with the team, and was able to occasionally travel for away games. Craig’s experience at Oak Hill and the warmth and nurturing nature of the staff helped Craig to excel in his studies, where he was accepted into seven different colleges prior to graduation. At the age of 21 Craig was diagnosed with Adenocarcinoma of the small bowel, most likely a result of all the treatment his body had been subject to at a young age. He endured more chemotherapy, put up a good fight, but his body was unable to fight off the return of cancer. During his 27 years with his parents, Craig never complained, loved them dearly, worshiped his older brother, and loved life to it’s fullest; Craig Brian Murray never met a person or stranger he didn’t embrace. Craig’s parents started this fund in his memory to help Oak Hill students reach their full potential and live life to the fullest as did Craig.