Prexy Pages
As we approach the final stretch of the school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible momentum we’ve built together. I’m especially proud to be #MarionMade — and to serve a district and community that continues to demonstrate resilience, unity, and a commitment to our shared future.
This month’s newsletter is dedicated to Community Connections, one of the core pillars of our Strategic Plan. Each of these priorities supports our mission: To Inspire a Community of Achievement — and this issue offers inspiring examples of that mission in action.
Marion has recently been named the Strongest Town in America — a distinction that reflects the deep-rooted pride, forward momentum, and collective energy that define our city. From outdoor learning to fine arts, athletics, nutrition, and workforce engagement, we are seeing how powerful community collaboration can be in building meaningful opportunities for students.
Let’s continue to finish the school year strong and celebrate the people and partnerships that make Marion City Schools such a special place.
Brian Murphy
Superintendent
Marion Named “Strongest Town in America”
Harding’s Land Lab Becomes Official WILD School Site
Harding HS is now the 214th WILD School Site in Ohio, and only the 5th in Marion County. For over 20 years, students, staff, and volunteers have transformed 33 acres into a thriving Land Lab filled with wetlands, woodlands, and prairies.
This outdoor classroom is now a cornerstone for hands-on science education and environmental stewardship — and a source of pride for our community.
Congratulations to Director of Extracurriculars & Activities, Sean Kearns, and the entire Harding High School community on an extraordinary achievement.
Athletes Inducted into Harding Athletic Hall of Fame
At the 31st Annual Harding Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony, we honored a remarkable group of inductees whose contributions have made a lasting impact on Harding athletics and school culture.
Congratulations to the 2025 Inductees:
Bryson Faggs (Class of 2007)
L.J. Scott (Class of 2014)\
J.C. Church (Class of 1980)
John C. Wright IV (Class of 1980)
Danita Snow (Class of 1988)
Garry Williams (Class of 1975)
Mike McCreary (Coach, 1974–2010)
1984 Harding Boys’ Baseball Team
Athletic Recognition
Coach Jamie Pearson was recognized with a Proclamation for becoming the second-winningest coach in MCS Boys' Basketball history, marking his 150th career victory this season.
His son, Boston Pearson, received a Certificate of Outstanding Achievement for his performance in Harding Boys’ Basketball and for being named MOAC Player of the Year.
Additional athletic honorees include:
Aniya Mitchell – 1st Team MOAC, Girls’ Basketball
Allan Eaches – 1st Team MOAC, Bowling
Mark King – 106# MOAC Champion, Boys’ Wrestling
Kile Sentieri – 175# MOAC Champion, Boys’ Wrestling
Logan Thrapp – 1st Team MOAC, Boys’ Basketball
Divine Reynolds, a freshman, earned a Gold Proclamation for winning the State Championship on Balance Beam and being named to the All-Ohio Team in three gymnastics events.
Supporting Students Over Spring Break
Spring Break was a powerful reminder of what makes the Marion community so special. Thanks to a shared commitment to student well-being, more than 3,500 meals were distributed to Prexies across the district.
With support from the Marion Community Foundation and the hard work of our Nutrition Services Team and volunteers at Grant Middle School, this effort ensured that students had what they needed—even when school was out. We are Prexies, and we take care of each other.
