At the end of the year, when it's tempting to just mail it in, Chris Murray is still pushing – for that next answer, that next smile.
Inside his classroom at Lost Mountain Middle School is a world Murray has created for his special needs students. It is a world filled with acceptance and encouragement and support.
“It's a very rewarding feeling to see them being successful and happy. It's very rewarding to see and humbling.”
Principal Candace Wilkes says, “He's just a big ole' teddy bear, so kind, so sweet…and loves his kids.”
“He loves school. He loves Mister Murray.” Violet Smith is talking about her son DJ who has down syndrome. He used to hate school, making himself physically ill so his mother would bring him home from school. But after she got him moved to Lost Mountain, the change was immediate.
“A total life changer for the whole family. Unbelievable. Family and friends can see a big difference.”
Wilkes says, “He loves his kids. He is open hearted. He is calm. He is flexible. He brings his parents in, he makes them confidant that he's going to do the right thing for their kids.”
Murray's love of the special needs community extends far beyond his classroom.
He quietly explains about his other passion, The Horizon League in Acworth.”They do baseball and they do kickball in the summer. I'm lucky enough I get to go there and help out with the coaching.”
He is faithfully on the fields week after week, helping these kids see they can do so much more than most ever imagined.
As a college student, Chris Murray realized he was meant to work with those who need him most --the kids who would appreciate his soft spoken nature and his big heart.
“I get to do something that's really fun every day. These kids that I get to work with. They bless me a lot more than I bless them.”