Jaron Johnson
Staff Writer
Broadcasting teacher Cheryl Murgia has made the decision to retire from teaching at Spring-Ford Area High School after 35 years as an educator.
Murg, as she is fondly referred, has been with Spring-Ford long enough to oversee the creation of the broadcasting class as well as the creation of the school’s beloved Ram Country TV (RCTV), also known as the Ram Show, in 2005. Despite being the broadcasting teacher for over two decades, Murg was originally a Spanish and English teacher for about 10 years.
“I can’t say that I’ve always wanted to be a Broadcast teacher,” Murg stated. “But I’ve always been interested in film and TV.”
Despite being a language teacher, Murg still felt that the field was a little too linear, believing the field of media to be far more creative, fun, and free.
Murg has contemplated retirement for a while, with several classes asking her to wait until their senior year to graduate. However, what cemented the decision for her retirement this school year is her resolve to leave while she still loves the job.
“I never wanted to get to the point where I couldn’t stand coming into work every day,” Murg said. “I’m definitely going to really miss it next year, but I think it’s better to leave a little bit before I’m ready than to leave too late.”
Although Murg is content with leaving teaching at Spring-Ford, she has some events from her career that she will sorely miss, such as the behind-the-scenes jobs at sports events that include working the clock and doing graphics in the RCTV trailer. Alongside the events, Murg will miss some of her favorite lessons to teach, such as continuity, music videos, and movies.
Although Murg is leaving, she departs with an impact on countless students. One of those is Major 1 student Reese Weingarten, who is part of both RCTV and the director of Film Club this year. Like many students Murg has taught, Weingarten has applauded her as a teacher and a person, and – like many of her students – is upset to see her go.
“I’m incredibly sad due to the fact that she has definitely changed me and what I want to do in so many ways,” Weingarten reflected. “She’s an amazing teacher and is super down-to-earth [and] kind, and I’m going to miss her lots.”
Murg may have decided on retirement, but none of her plans afterwards have been set in stone yet. Despite no concrete plans, she has some ideas for her post-retirement adventures. She has stated that she would love to travel, which includes a visit to every Pennsylvania state park as well as 20-plus countries, with nations like Thailand and the Netherlands high on the bucket list. She has also expressed interest in getting a small job at the Colonial Theater in Phoenixville.
“That would be fun to watch all the movies I want and socialize with people as I take their tickets,” Murg said.
No matter what path she pursues, Murg won’t have any trouble succeeding with her kindness, quick wit, and knowledge of film that has defined her career at Spring-Ford.
