St. Thomas More Academy

Today, 65 students, alumni, parents, and faculty participated in the Memorial Day “Murph” WOD, hosted by Chancellors CrossFit.

The workout, traditionally performed while wearing a weighted vest or body armor, and partitioned a number of ways, consists of:

• 1-mile run
• 100 pull-ups
• 200 push-ups
• 300 air squats
• 1-mile run

The “Murph” honors Lt. Michael P. Murphy, a U.S. Navy SEAL who was killed in Afghanistan during Operation Red Wings in 2005. While leading a reconnaissance mission deep behind enemy lines, Murphy knowingly exposed himself to enemy fire in order to transmit a call for help for his team. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his courage and self-sacrifice.

We would especially like to recognize the veterans of our community, as well as the many young graduates currently serving in Service Academies and ROTC programs.

This Memorial Day also marks the 8th anniversary of Chancellors CrossFit, our Academy’s official strength and conditioning program.

On our last day of classes, Lieutenant Velasquez and Gunnery Sergeant Johnson of the United States Marine Corps presented Seniors Joseph Fraticelli (‘26) and Jack White (‘26) with Marine Corps ROTC scholarships. Fraticelli will attend North Carolina State University, and White will attend the Virginia Military Institute (VMI). Congratulations, gentlemen, and thank you for your willingness to serve our country!

Tomorrow (Memorial Day Monday), beginning at 8am, Chancellor CrossFit will host the Murph in St. Sebastian Gymnasium. Scale as you need. Students, alumni, and parents are welcome.

Senior Spotlight: Todd Tran, Senior of the Class of ’26, will attend North Carolina State University, where he will study Biomedical Engineering. Congratulations, Todd!

Senior Spotlight: Lucia Mosher, Senior of the Class of ’26, will attend the Ave Maria University, where she will pursue Marine Biology. Congratulations, Lucia!

Senior Spotlight: Sophie Dear, Senior of the Class of ’26, will attend the Catholic University of America, where she will pursue Political Science. Congratulations, Sophie!

Senior Spotlight: Jonas Arens, Senior of the Class of ’26, will attend Wake Technical Community College, where he will pursue Accounting. Congratulations, Jonas!

Senior Spotlight: Seraphim Soliman, Senior of the Class of ’26, will attend the North Carolina State University. He plans to study Electrical Engineering. Congratulations, Seraphim!

Senior Spotlight: Joe Fraticelli, Senior of the Class of ’26, will attend the North Carolina State University on a full ROTC Scholarship. Congratulations, Joe!

Senior Spotlight: Hope Najm, Senior of the Class of ’26, will attend the North Carolina State University, where she plans to study Integrative Physiology & Neurobiology. Congratulations, Hope!