Two Newark High School seniors Ian Murphy and Julian Webber were the 2024 recipients the Outstanding Youth Awards given by the Greater Newark Chamber of Commerce March 12th at the Newark Elks Lodge.
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The awards are given annually by the Chamber to high school or college students who generously devote his or her time and effort to religious, charitable and/or community organizations and events that have made an improvement in Newark’s quality of life.
Danielle Ohlson, NHS English and Multicultural Studies teacher, nominated Murphy for the award. Before he received it March 12th, Ohlson spoke about why she nominated him and included a quote from a student who has been involved with him in performing arts at NHS.
"Ian is a constant light for everyone he interacts with, no matter how stressed he is. He is an enthusiastic actor who steals every scene he is in and never fails to bring a vibrant energy to the stage. He is also a role model to everyone around him and I feel honored to watch him grow into who he has become."
“I couldn't have said it better myself as I have observed the same,” Ohlson said. “Again and again, Ian's interactions with his cross-country teammates, his peers in the classroom, and his performing arts family demonstrate what love and community look like.”
The son of John Murphy Sr. and Tere Murphy, Ian Murphy has been involved in numerous vocal, instrumental and performing arts activities at NHS including: Drama Club for 3 years, Film Club for 2 years, Wind Ensemble for 4 years, Jazz Band for 4 years, All-County Band for 4 years. Newark FUSION for 2 years, Chamber Choir for 3 years; the RPO Festival High School Chorale for 2 years, All County Choir for 2 years, Vocal Jazz for 2 years and the Barbershop Quartet for 1 year.
Additionally, he has been involved in NHS sports including: Golf for 4 years, Cross Country for 2 years, swimming for 3 years and tennis for 6 years.
Murphy works with his father at Paul L. Murphy & Sons Funeral Home in Newark.
NHS Special Education teacher Matt Groot nominated Webber, the son of Jason and Joni Webber, for the award and spoke about him before he received it March 12th.
“Julian is in his third year in the Functional Skills Development Program and Unified Sports teams at the High School. The goal of the Functional Skills Development Program is to develop work readiness skills so that students can be the best contributors to our community as possible upon graduation.
"As freshman, students start by learning vocational skills in the building such as running the school store, sweeping, recycling, laminating, culinary, deliveries, mail, and many more. As they get older, we are encouraging them to get their vocational skills in the community.
Julian has been working as a greeter, a teller, and counting money and deposits at the Newark branch of Lyons National Bank. Branch Manager Steve Hasseler has said he has done an excellent job there.
“He has grown tremendously and matured so much as to become a leader in our Reds Wagon program where he can work independently and other students look up to him. He has been on the school announcements and helped give the medals out at the annual Jack Fisher Wrestling Tournament.
"Julian has also represented Newark in the athletic setting through Unified Sports He was a representative for our school at the Youth Activation Summit at Nazareth University where the 28 participating Unified Schools in Section V came together to share ideas to promote inclusivity in our schools and communities. He has been a 3- year participant on our Unified Bowling, Bocce and Basketball teams and is one of the big reasons that Newark has earned the recognition of a National Unified Banner School!”
“I was excited to attend the event this year and see both Ian and Julian get their awards,” said NHS Principal Kelly A. Zielke. “They are both so deserving of this recognition and are role models for their peers. I am looking forward to what their futures will bring! I know that they will both go on do great things and represent Newark well.”