SOUTH HUNTINGTON, NY — Walt Whitman High School Principal Dr. John Murphy was recognized for his leadership and commitment to equity in education, receiving the Community Service Award from the Town of Huntington’s Hispanic Advisory Task Force during the town’s 31st annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration on Oct. 15.
The ceremony also included the presentation of the Hispanic Advisory Task Force’s annual scholarships to more than two dozen students from Huntington-area high schools, including Walt Whitman, Cold Spring Harbor, Harborfields, Half Hollow Hills, Huntington and John Glenn.
The event, hosted at Whitman’s Performing Arts Center, featured student performances of music, song, and dance celebrating the culture, language, and traditions of Huntington’s Hispanic and Latino community.
“Hispanic Heritage Month is not just about celebrations—it’s about recognition,” Task Force Board Member Maria Carballude said. “It’s about acknowledging the hard work, creativity, and resilience of generations who have helped shape our neighborhoods, our schools, our businesses, and our future.”
The Task Force cited Murphy’s “outstanding leadership and dedication” to students, staff, and the broader community, particularly his efforts to foster inclusion and support success among Spanish-speaking students.
As principal since the 2015-2016 school year, Murphy has emphasized expanding Advanced Placement (AP) opportunities and closing equity gaps in enrollment. His initiatives have helped increase access and success for underrepresented students in AP and college preparatory courses.
Under his leadership, 50 percent of Walt Whitman students take AP exams during their four years, with an 86 percent success rate on the June 2025 administration. Murphy has presented nationally at College Board conferences in Baltimore, San Antonio, and Seattle, sharing strategies for increasing diversity in advanced coursework.
In accepting the award, Murphy thanked the South Huntington Board of Education, faculty, and staff for their shared commitment to equity.
“Their constant support and undying efforts have created an environment where equity and inclusion are not just words—they are lived values,” Murphy said. “Every student, regardless of background, culture, or circumstance, is given the chance to learn, to grow, and to dream.”
