The Woodward Alumni Hall of Fame Association
Sandy Murphy Inducted 2026 - Class of 1994
Class of 1994 graduate Sandra “Sandy” Murphy was honored by the Hall of Fame as a scholarship recipient in her senior year. Now in her 27th year of teaching, Sandy has always aspired to teach in the Woodward feeder pattern.
She earned her bachelor's degree in Education from the University of Toledo in 1998 and a Master of Education in 2003. Sandy began teaching kindergarten at Glenwood Elementary and later held positions at Lincoln Academy for Boys, McKinley Elementary, and Leverette Elementary. She currently teaches first grade at Ottawa River Elementary. Sandy also serves as a Toledo Federation of Teachers Union representative and has been recognized as a Toledo Public Schools Employee of the Month.
She credits her Woodward experience—including clubs, activities, and mentorship from educators and administrators—for guiding her teaching journey and shaping her ability to build positive relationships with students.
Where did you attend grade school and/or junior high school? St. John the Baptist Elementary
In what neighborhood did you live while attending Woodward? Please describe it. I lived in Point Place. It was an area where everyone knew everyone else. Days were spent outside with friends. It felt like a small town within the city.
Who were your best friends while attending Woodward? My cousin, Bridget Murphy, Jami Hartford, Stacie Rarick. Also, my sisters Kim and Tammy. I just didn’t realize how important they were to me then.
Did any Woodward staff members have a profound effect on you? Who? In what way did they affect you? Mrs. Yenrick, Mrs. Szelagowski, Mrs. Kern-Blystone, Mr. Wilusz - They all made me feel like more than just a student. They cared more about just what I did when I was in their class or club, they were invested in me and my success.
Please share one of your favorite memories of Woodward. I have so many fantastic memories. One of my favorites was seeing how the student body came together to collect food and other items at Thanksgiving. The outpouring of help and generosity was heart warming.
Describe an important and/or humorous thing(s) that happened to you while you were at Woodward. My entire experience at Woodward helped shape me and my future. Being involved in clubs and activities with so many new and wonderful people taught me so much about myself. I felt I had a purpose there. I wasn't just a student, but a part of a school family.
Who were your favorite teachers at Woodward? Why? Mrs. Szelagowski, Mrs. Yenrick, and Mrs. Kern-Blystone (administrator). They all truly made my high school experience better. They were more than just teachers, they were mentors. I knew they truly cared about me, were interested in my life, and would do whatever they could to help me succeed. The lessons they taught me about building positive relationships with students have helped guide my own teaching journey.
Are you married? Please tell us about your family members-- children, grandchildren, etc. No
What are your present hobbies? What do you do for fun? When I am not busy with work, I like to spend time with family, hang out with my best furry buddy Boomer, and attend the events of my students, when I am able.
How did you feel when you were informed of this honor? I felt truly honored. When I attended the Hall of Fame awards banquet my senior year, as a scholarship recipient, I hoped that someday I would live up to the standard or someone who would be chosen as an inductee.