About
MISSION
Archbishop Thomas J. Murphy High School (AMHS) is a private Catholic, college preparatory school that welcomes students of all faiths. True to the spirit of the gospel, Archbishop Murphy nurtures the full development of the gifts that God has given to each student, fosters service as an outgrowth of faith, and values diversity. Working with parents as partners in the educational ministry, we strive for academic excellence, spiritual enrichment, and Christlike leadership for the transformation of the world.
THE BEGINNING
To this day, they are still fondly referred to as our "kitchen table families." One spring evening in 1981, a couple of families gathered around a kitchen table to discuss the possibility of a Catholic high school in Snohomish County. The reality that it might be too late for their own children to attend this school didn't deter them. Soon, dozens of local families partnered with them, and the Northsound Association for Catholic Education was formed.
1988
While money was being raised to build a permanent school on the current south Everett property, Holy Cross High School opens its door in September at former Our Lady of Perpetual Help grade school. The class includes 15 freshmen and eight sophomores that first year.
1991
The first graduating class receives their diplomas from Holy Cross High School. The graduating class includes one National Merit finalist.
1995
The first fully staged musical, Oklahoma, by the Performing Arts Department is presented at the historic Everett Theater.
1999
Holy Cross is renamed to honor the late Archbishop Thomas J. Murphy, who was instrumental in ensuring the school's success. In October of this year, 254 students and 20 faculty members move to the new campus which includes one building, Old Main, and some portables.
2003
The second building, Grace Hall, is built housing the school's cafeteria, library, and weight room. The lower field is installed with bleacher seating and a press box, and a five-acre athletics complex is developed.
2007
Heath Hall, the third major building, is built. At more than 40,000 square feet, the building includes classrooms, state-of-the-art science labs, offices, a student life and counseling center and performing arts space.
2013
In April, Archbishop Murphy High School celebrates its 25th anniversary, renaming Old Main to Holy Cross Hall in honor of the school's beginnings — a nod to the past and a celebration of the years to come.
2017
In the summer of 2017, the St. Thomas Chapel and bell tower are completed and opened to the public. On October 30, Archbishop J. Peter Sartain dedicates the St. Thomas Chapel in front of a crowd of students, staff, alumni parents, alumni and community members.
TODAY
Because of the kitchen table families' vision, Archbishop Murphy High School is still the only college preparatory Catholic high school serving students and families from North Seattle to Canada. AMHS is a 2A school offering 500+ students challenging and exciting opportunities in academics, athletics, performing arts, co-curricular programs, and so much more.
FOUNDER'S AWARD RECIPIENTS
About: The Founder’s Award was instituted in 2008 to express gratitude to those individuals who were instrumental in the founding of Archbishop Murphy High School. The success of our school today is due to their vision, contribution of time and financial resources, plus their undaunted belief in the value of a Catholic high school in Snohomish County.
Past Recipients
2009: James W. Bride
2010: Mark and Brenda Simons & Jim and Jo Ann Mulligan
2011: Don and Millie DeMers
2012: Celebrated our 25th Anniversary
2013: Jim Leonard
2015: Roman Miller
2016: Jack and Shirley Serwold
2017: Shawn and Kathie Hoban & Tom and Margaret Hoban
2017: Lon and Joan Carlson
2018: The Heath Family
2019: Duane and Mary Schireman
2020: Jeff and Jodie Cymbaluk, Marshall and Katherine Cymbaluk, Gary and Carolyn Weikel
2021: Shannon and Tyra O'Kelley
2022: Talia Manke '96 and Jen Bowman '00
BOARD OF TRUSTEES AWARD
About: The Board of Trustees Award was established at the 2019 DREAM Auction to recognize board members who have devoted their time and talent to AMHS through their commitment to board and board committee work.
Past Recipients
2019: Mark and Carolyne Howley
2020: Millie and Tim Judge
2021: Sue and Jeff Adams
2022: Larry and Kristin Moore