Anna Wilson
Murray, Ky., June 8, 2021------Anna Wilson, Murray Middle School fourth grade student is the recipient of the The Clara Waldrop Humphrey Scholarship to attend the Young Author’s Camp at Murray State University June 11-15, 2021.
Established by alumni, friends and family in 2007 with the Murray Independent Foundation For Excellence honoring Humphrey’s desire to continue and inspire the love of reading and writing to future MISD students, The Clara Waldrop Humphrey Scholarship provides yearly funding for recipients to attend the annual Young Author’s Camp, where they will attend creative writing classes. Young authors will practice a variety of writing styles (poetry, fictional stories, true stories, essays, skits, etc.) under the direction of experienced teachers from the region, who will serve as writing coaches, consultants, and as traditional classroom instructors.
Wilson said she would like to be selected for the MSU Young Author’s Camp because she enjoys writing and it allows her to use her imagination when writing a fiction story. “I love sharing my stories and facts with others, and seeing their reaction.”
In a letter of recommendation from Elizabeth Forrester, Wilson’s MMS fourth grade teacher, she described Wilson as a hard working student who will flourish in a camp setting. “This scholarship is a perfect match for Anna. She is creative and articulate who takes pride in her writing, and has a way with words.”
An educational pioneer who was instrumental in securing Murray’s first Bookmobile, Humphrey’s longtime educational presence was recognized with her namesake (Clara Waldrop Griffin Humphrey Library) being placed on the MMS library as a tribute to commemorate Humphrey’s 25-year dedication to the MISD students. A 1939 Murray High School graduate selected as “Best All Around Girl,” a member of the National Honor Society and editor of the school newspaper, Humphrey is the 1975 Kentucky Teacher of the Year. A former MHS English teacher Humphrey received her journalism degree from the University of Missouri in 1943 and later received her master’s from Murray State University in 1964. She also pursued graduate work studies at the University of Minnesota, in Minneapolis. Humphrey’s career with the MISD began in 1956 after the late W.Z. Carter (former MISD superintendent) asked her to teach part-time remedial classes to elementary-age students in the MMS building.
A member of Kentucky Education Association, National Education Association, Kentucky Council Teachers of English and National Council Teachers of English, Humphrey is also past president of the English Section, First District Education Association. The former vice-chairman of the Kentucky Teachers of Journalism organization, Humphrey has served on the evaluation team of the Southern Association of Secondary Schools and Colleges. Humphrey will celebrate her 98th birthday this summer.
To apply, students submit an application for the scholarship with two letters of recommendation and include an example of their best writing. One letter of recommendation should be included from a teacher or of teacher team.
Recipients will be selected by a committee comprised of the MISD writing cluster leaders, two community representatives, and the assistant superintendent of instruction. For more information on the Clara Waldrop Griffin Humphrey scholarship, or to contribute, contact Angel Renick c/o MISD Foundation at P.O. Box 1417, Murray, Ky., 42071.
Wilson is the daughter of John and Jamie Wilson, Murray.
The following poem was submitted by Wilson with her application:
Art
Free-Verse Poem
Sitting on the hard wood stool
The blank canvas
Just waiting to be painted on
Styles of art racing through my mind
Simple art, Intricate art
Landscapes and portraits
I hear the soft noise
Of my paintbrush gliding
Across my canvas like an eagle
I feel the hard, cold wood
Of my paintbrush
I smell the of smell of fresh paint
Just waiting to be used
I sit for hours
I make my last stroke
I sit back and admire
What I have created