Town of Webb senior Melissa Murphy, 17, moved to Old Forge from Florida when she was in ninth grade.
Melissa has been exploring several colleges and universities, but her top two are Hamilton and Colgate.
“I’m not totally decided on a major yet, but I’m leaning toward Liberal Arts or Forensics,” she said.
“Forensics is very interesting to me. I would prefer a job that gets me away from the desk. I want a career that I know will be intriguing every day,” she said.
Melissa’s favorite classes are Band and Chorus. “I’m a huge fan of music. It’s definitely a big part of my life,” she said.
She plays the euphonium in Band. For Stage Band she plays the valve trombone.
Melissa said she can’t wait for the student stage production in the spring.
“I love being part of the plays every year,” she said.
Previously she had been involved with ‘Anything Goes,’ ‘Bye, Bye Birdie,’ and ‘Annie Get Your Gun.’
“Anything Goes was probably my favorite. It included some tap dancing on stage. That particular play was a ton of fun,” she said.
Melissa said her favorite teacher is Mr. Cunningham. “He’s super funny,” she said.
She has participated on the Varsity Golf team. “I’m busy with my senior year this year; but if I have enough time in my schedule, I will play again this year,” she said.
Melissa is a member of National Honor Society and the Yearbook Staff.
She is also a member of Key Club, where she serves as secretary.
Outside of school she enjoys reading and writing.
“I’ve watched so many movies; that’s another hobby of mine,” she said.
Melissa has acted in the Musical Theatre at the Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts. But this school year, she said she has been too busy with college things.
“I do plan on joining again in the summer, though,” she said.
Melissa’s parents are Don and Lisa Murphy. Lisa owns and operates the 46 Sky Bar and Lounge, 46 Deli and Tony Harper’s in Old Forge. “She’s opening up a gym in Old Forge, too,” Melissa said.
Don owns and operates D. Murphy Construction out of Old Forge and Florida.
Melissa has two older brothers, Chris, 23, and Brian, 27. Chris is a part-time paramedic. Both work in the family businesses.
Melissa said her mother has influenced her the most. “We were together twenty-four-seven when she home-schooled me. We definitely grew close during those years,” she said.
Melissa has two dogs, Max and Lily, and two parrots. “We also have five chickens and two ducks… I think I would consider them pets, too,” she said.
Melissa plans to spend next summer rejoining the theatre, working at the gym, and preparing for college.
She said she is going to miss being with her family and friends when she leaves Old Forge.
“I’m not going that far away, but I’m going to be alone without my family. It’s going to be weird,” she said.
“I’m really excited to move on to bigger things; get out there and explore the real world,” she said.