A group of sixth-graders who attended the Academy for Leadership at Millcreek have seen their long-time efforts culminate with May declared “Isaac Murphy Month” in Lexington. About 15 children, accompanied by teacher Mackenzie Frankenburger and PSA Rachel Smith, met Mayor Jim Gray at the April 25 LFUCG council meeting, where the proclamation was read.
For much of last year, the youngsters studied the famous African-American jockey. During Black History Month, Councilman George Myers came and read Patsi Trollinger’s book “Perfect Timing,” which told of the obstacles Murphy overcame on his way to greatness. Myers, along with Principal Lorraine Williams, talked about Murphy’s contributions to horse racing and encouraged the children to find a way to promote some recognition for him.
“As a leadership school, our students know all about stepping up and making a difference so they took this charge from Councilman Myers and Mrs. Williams and ran with it,” Frankenburger said.
The students began researching Murphy in her social studies class and invited the author Trollinger to visit their school. They also arranged for every student at Millcreek to receive of copy of “Perfect Timing.”
After corresponding with Myers about what they had learned and why they felt Lexington should honor Murphy, the councilman started working on the proclamation.
“This was a remarkable opportunity for the students to experience the levels and branches of governments firsthand,” Frankenburger said.
“They wanted Isaac Murphy to be recognized not only for his achievements as the first African-American jockey, but because of his perseverance, hard work and dedication,” she noted. “Even though the students had moved on to middle school, they continued to pursue the possibility of seeing their hard work pay off.”