Murray County Board honors student technology placers, librarians and state-champion girls basketball team

The Murray County Board of Education opened its meeting by recognizing student achievements and school staff.

Tyler Ellis, an instructional technology staff member, introduced two students who placed at state in the Georgia student technology competition, noting that judges emphasize competitors’ ability to explain their process. "We have two state placers this year," he said, and identified 10th grader Jillian Yates (third place, graphic design) and Mason Early (first place, digital photography).

Adrian Ellis, director of instructional technology and library media services, recognized librarians throughout the district for School Library Month and re-presented the school library media specialist of the year award to Jill Hensley of Coker Elementary. "The school library is the heart of the school," Adrian Ellis said, thanking media specialists for supporting reading, Chromebook work and digital citizenship.

The board also celebrated the Murray County High School girls basketball team after the squad won the 2026 state championship. Coach Tipter summarized the season and singled out the team’s defense and collective play, saying, "You got to see real history — they finished 27 and four on the season." He introduced assistant coaches and read the roster, noting individual honors including region MVP and statewide recognitions for several players.

Coach Tipter invited the community to a parade on Friday at 4:00 p.m. along an amended route through Gladden to celebrate the team’s title. The recognitions portion concluded with photos and applause.

The recognitions were ceremonial; no formal policy changes resulted from these presentations.