Valley Christian To Honor Jayna Murray During Invitational This Saturday

Janyna Murray (11/22/80 - 3/11/11)

 

Janyna Murray finished 4th in the discus in 1999, just a few weeks before graduating from Valley Christian High School.  Jayna was the younger sister of Professional Triathlete Hugh Murray who was also a distance coach at Atladena Middle School in the late 1990's.  While at Altadana, Hugh touched the lives of many young runners including Hayley Paul, Garrett Kelly and Chris Steele.  

 

Jayna's other brother Dirk coached the throws events at the same middle school.

 

On March 11th, Hugh and Dirk lost their younger sister when she was murdered by a co-worker.  Hugh had just been deployed to Iraq in January and returned home to be with his family.  He was very close to his sister.

 

This Saturday, Valley Christian High School will honor Jayna's memory by dedicating the discus event in her memory.  Jayna's parents will be at the stadium and will speak about their daughter and her foundation just before the discus event at 1:30 PM.

 

Jayna's Parents on Good Morning America

Hugh Murray on Good Morning America

Article about Jayna

 

From Coach Al Nelson:

 

"We are honoring the memory of Jayna Murray, whose tragic death last month in Maryland was felt deeply by all who knew her. Jayna attended Valley Christian High School for her Senior year in 1998-99. She was known as a sweet, fun-loving and adventurous person. Because of her love for life, Jayna was voted by her classmates as “most likely to become a pilot” and “most likely to join the circus.” She also participated in choir at VCHS and while performing ballet during one of the concerts, Jayna was “discovered” by the VC track coaches, and soon she was recruited to throw the discus. Although she had not previously done track & field while in high school, Jayna was able to win 4th place at the State Meet, helping her team to a State Championship. Jayna still ranks #6 in Valley Christian’s all-time discus list. She is greatly missed. We are honored to dedicate the Girls Discus event during Saturday's meet in Jayna’s memory."

 

 

The following is a statement from Jayna’s parents:

 

"Valley Christian High School is honoring Jayna’s memory today through the dedication of the Girls Discus Event.  We are deeply touched by this action and honored that Valley Christian is remembering Jayna in this way.  Words are inadequate to express our heartfelt thanks for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support that you have extended towards our family during this very difficult time. 

As we tried to accept the incomprehensible details of Jayna’s death, one thought kept reoccurring.  Evil must not prevail.  While numerous friends suggested ideas to keep the spirit of Jayna alive, candle light vigils were held across this country and Jayna’s Facebook Memorial page expanded to the thousands. 

Jayna’s brother’s  although miles apart geographically had independent but common thoughts and goals for Jayna’s legacy.  “Good” had to be represented through The Jayna Troxel Murray Foundation to promote the ideals, expectations, and values of Jayna.  While Jayna never resided in a comfort zone, she constantly took steps outside that zone in seeking personal growth, improvements, and experiences.  Therefore, the foundation will support pursuits of personal growth through academic scholarships, study and travel abroad scholarships, youth camp involvement, and support for exposure to the fine arts.  The foundation development has been a very broadening experience for our family as we follow the tedious documentation process.  The family takes great comfort in knowing that the foundation will be a perpetual force to promote Jayna’s spirit and positive influences for years to come."

For those who would like to make a contribution, the address to which donations can be sent is:

The Jayna Troxel Murray Foundation

P.O. Box 9492

The Woodlands, Texas 77387

On behalf of the Murray family, we truly appreciate your generous and thoughtful donation to The Jayna Troxel Murray Foundation.  As stated by Mark Twain, “Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”

Thank you,

 

David and Phyllis Murray