April  2013 

Easton Murray - Class of 2013

Easton Murray is a preeminent young leader in the field of mechanical and agriculture engineering, able to elevate others and perform masterfully on her own terms. In addition to “hands-on,” working skills, she is a brilliant student and enthusiastic participant in extra-curricular activities.

Easton ranks 6th in the senior class, with a 94.47 average. She has taken six courses that are either Advanced Placement or are college credit-bearing classes offered at GCS. In relation to her intended college major and career, Easton has taken three years of Agriculture Engineering Mechanics, plus Physics and AP Calculus.

Easton Murray- 1st Place in Welding at NYS FFA Convention

Easton is the president of the Greenwich FFA, overseeing more than one-hundred members in regular meetings and organizing major events (e.g. the Ag Toy Show, Breakfast with Santa, and Career Development Events for new members). GCS Agriculture teachers Chris Kelly and Betsy Foote extol Easton’s contributions. Ms. Foote calls Easton “The total package- she’s intelligent, a leader, always goes above and beyond and she’s not afraid to work.” At the 2012 New York State FFA Convention, Easton won 1st place in the welding portion of the Ag Mechanics competition and was 7th overall in a competitive pool of one hundred and thirty-nine students. At the recent 2013 State FFA Convention, Easton was the Secretary of the first-place Parliamentary Procedure team, which will next compete at the National Convention next fall. Additionally, Easton earned an Empire Degree, which is the highest State-level FFA honor a student can receive. It is based upon paid work experience and leadership in the school, community and FFA. Based upon her Empire Degree application, Easton was awarded the Star Award recognizing her achievement as among the more impressive in Eastern New York. Scholarships have followed her achievement in agriculture. She has received a Freshman Merit Award from SUNY Cobleskill and a scholarship from Tractor Supply Company. Easton has also shown initiative in her field, arranging job shadowing experiences at two different manufacturing companies and working with chief engineers in testing, sales and security.

Easton is a fine athlete and member of the varsity soccer and softball teams. In these pursuits, she has demonstrated the same preparation, enthusiasm and best efforts seen in academics and FFA. Last fall, Easton helped the GCS soccer team achieve a winning season and she played in the Outstanding Senior Game at the end of the season. Coach Dave Vandewater weighs in: “Easton is so tough, she played defense for us but could have played any position. She’s a great player with a great attitude.” On this year’s defending State Championship softball team, Easton leads the team in on-base percentage and plays left field. The team is presently in 1st place in the Wasaren League and is ranked 2nd in New York State, Class C. Softball coach Greg McGuirk pays special compliments: “This is Easton’s first year as a starter and she is taking full advantage. She gives the team everything she has.” Easton is also active in the National Honor Society, Math League and her church at which she helps run day care during services and has assisted in the landscaping of the grounds.

Easton Murray is a future leader in the field of Agricultural Equipment Technology and will continue her studies at SUNY Cobleskill. Her giftedness, leadership and versatility in the theoretical and active aspects of the field set her apart. Her energy and enthusiasm for everything she does fuels her many talents.

Easton is the daughter of Barbara Skiff, of Greenwich. Her sister, Caroline Murray attends Emma Willard School.