COVID Safety Reminders
School Leadership
Meet our Administrative Team
Principal
Meet Angela B. Garcia, NBCT, Principal
Joined Team CCS - January 1995
Experience
I began my career in education in 1995 right here in Catawba County Schools. My journey started as an elementary English as a second language and Spanish teacher at Sweetwater Elementary School. I then taught English as a second language at St. Stephens High School for eleven years, where I earned my National Board Teacher Certification and Graduate Degrees before leaving the classroom for leadership positions. I had the pleasure of serving as an instructional coach and assistant principal at St. Stephens Elementary and then principal at Lyle Creek Elementary School prior to joining the Mustang family here at Webb A. Murray Elementary School as principal.
Education
BS - Spanish - Appalachian State University
MA - Curriculum and Instruction, School Administration - Appalachian State University
Why I Became an Educator
My high school Spanish teacher influenced my career choice to become an educator. She always challenged me and inspired me to be a lifelong learner. I wanted to be in a role where I could make a positive impact just as she did. My former principal inspired me to pursue a graduate degree and move in the direction of school leadership. Her leadership demonstrated that positive impact continues in the world of school administration.
Favorite Activities
I enjoy reading, swimming, movies, and spending quality time with my family.
I joined the team at CCS because I could immediately tell that this was a district that is both student-centered and genuinely supportive of staff members.
Assistant Principal
Meet Jamey Carter, Assistant Principal
Joined Team CCS - August 2006
Experience
I've just completed my fifteenth year in public education. My first job was as the interim Technology teacher at Webb A. Murray Elementary, where I worked for one semester. I then started full time as CTE Teacher at South Davidson High School in Denton in 2005 and held the same position at St. Stephens High School, Fred T. Foard High School and Bunker Hill High School. I also coached a combination of football, basketball and baseball during my time at each stop along the way.
In 2015 I was given the opportunity to join Mill Creek Middle School as Assistant Principal and have enjoyed the last five years working with the students, staff and community. I am excited to once again join the staff at Murray for the 2020-2021 school year.
Education
B.S. Business Administration - Catawba College (2003)
M.A. Executive Leadership - Gardner-Webb University (2016)
Why I Became an Educator
As weird as it may sound, the father of one of my little brother's friends told me for years that I should be a teacher and a coach. I fought the notion throughout college and after. Within a year of graduation, I found myself substitute teaching and volunteer coaching at Arndt Middle School, and I never looked back.
I never liked hearing someone say "I told you so," but when he did with a sly grin on his face, it certainly made me laugh. It's crazy sometimes how others see things in us that we don't see in ourselves."
Favorite Place in Catawba County
My favorite place in Catawba County is wherever my wife and kids are. Riding bikes in the street, cooking out with neighbors, or a picnic in the park. I just love spending time with my family.
As for a specific place, I really enjoy the new development in downtown Hickory. With so many locally owned restaurants and stores, the improvements they've made to Union Square, the park, the outdoor concerts and events; there's always something to do.
Favorite Activities
My favorite activity is golf. I stink at it, but man, do I love being out on the course.
As a student I went to Murray Elementary, Arndt Middle School and graduated from St. Stephens High School in 1999. CCS is almost all I've ever known from a school standpoint, and I wanted to help provide future students with the same great education that I received.
Meet our Office Staff
Secretary
Sydney Powell, Secretary
My name is Sydney Powell and I am the school secretary. I started working for Catawba County Schools in 1999 as an exceptional children's teacher assistant. My husband and I enjoy traveling and our favorite place is the beach. I enjoy spending time with friends and family. I look forward to working with and getting to know students and families as they join our Murray team!
Data Manager
Kim Allen, Data Manager
My name is Kim Allen. I am a new transplant from SC where I lived all my life in Spartanburg County. I have 2 daughters and am expecting my 5th grandchild in February. I had been divorced for 21 years when I met a gentleman who lives here in NC and he convinced me to make things permanent here with him. I moved to Granite Falls this past June and we plan to marry soon. We love to hike, canoe, and picnic in the nearby mountains. Cooking, grilling, and eating on the deck, are favorite pastimes in the evenings. I have worked 28 years in education, and now split my time between Webb Murray and Clyde Campbell as the Data Manager. I have discovered that both schools are very family-oriented and I feel extremely at home at either location.
School Nurse
Amy Phillips, Nurse
This school year will be my 15th year as a school nurse. I have a national certification in school nursing. I also serve on the School nurse association of NC executive board as state membership chair. I live in the St Stephens community with my husband Lee, 2 dogs Oreo and Coco and 2 cats Miss Kitty and Miss Hoppie. I am a graduate of CCC&TI with an ADN degree in nursing and of ASU with a BSN in Nursing. Past work history include working at a local family practice for 7 years and telephone triage nurse at a local GYN office for 3 years. I am a big fan of ASU Mountaineers!. I enjoy camping, traveling, shopping and spending time with my family and friends. I really enjoy my job as a school nurse even though it can be challenging at times but also can be very rewarding at times too. As a school nurse I have worked at the high school, middle school and elementary levels during my career. I am looking forward to working with the students, staff and families of Webb A Murray Elementary. Lets have a safe 2020-2021 school year because we all know it is going to be like no other school year.