Murray

WEIRD NEW JERSEY
Presents

MURRAY, THE TIN FOIL BALL

As Told By Her Guardian, George Lightcap

Murray and George Lightcap

"The middle school students treated her as a celebrity. The high school kids don't blink an eye. They're used to her and tell her hello now and then. I say 'Good morning' and 'Good night' to her daily. My colleagues don't blink either."

WNJ: How did Murray come about?
GL: On the last day of school, 1988, three eighth grade girls handed me a fist-sized ball of aluminum foil and said, "This is for you, Mr. L." The following year, I began adding recycled foil to Murray, then covering the pieces with a roll of new clean foil.

WNJ: What are Murray's dimensions and weight?
GL: Maybe three feet in diameter. Close to 350 pounds.

WNJ: How was she assembled?
GL: Murray consists of nearly thirteen years of recycled foil. As her notoriety grew, students from other grades began sending me foil. Colleagues and parents have donated to Murray as well.

WNJ: Is she, in fact, a he? The name seems to suggest this.
GL: Murray informed me she is female. I've always been too polite to check.

WNJ: How do your students react to her? Fellow teachers?
GL: Murray began in my eighth grade classroom and I continued through my years teaching sixth grade. Four years ago, I was transferred to the high school, where students were able to rekindle their relationship with Murray. The middle school students treated her as a celebrity. The high school kids don't blink an eye. They're used to her. Several will pat her and tell her hello now and then. I say 'Good morning' and 'Goodnight' to her daily. My colleagues don't blink either.

WNJ: How does she feel about being in The Book of Lists?
GL: Murray doesn't concern herself with such trivialities. She chooses to remain above the fray.

Murray on display in the classroom

WNJ: Has she become teacher's pet?
GL: She is my best friend at work, maybe the best thing that ever blessed my career. As a middle school teacher I gave out Murray Beads every week for academic/social rewards. Murray Beads became coveted items among the middle school kids. My spouse and I make the beads. I've given out maybe 30,000 by now. When I was transferred to the high school and reunited with former students, one of the first things they asked was whether I still give out beads. So, I do. My students receive a bead each week if they've met academic/behavioral expectations. It's such a kick to see the "kid" come out of my tenth graders when they get to choose a bead. It's truly a kick to see them wearing Murray Beads around the building! School is, after all, supposed to be fun. If you'd have told me 20 years ago that my career would revolve around a huge aluminum foil ball and beads...

WNJ: Is she ever unruly? If so, is there a prescribed punishment for this ball of tinfoil?
GL: Murray is perfect. Period.

WNJ: What will become of Murray in the future?
GL: Upon my retirement, perhaps in 2009, Murray will also retire to my backyard, roofed and protected with Plexiglas.

Have a question for Murray?

Since 1988, Murray has lived in middle school and high school classrooms. She’s witnessed situations between students, between students and teachers, and has experienced the spectrum of teaching styles and habits. She’s learned a lot from just watching and listening. Maybe you’re experiencing a school-related problem and could use some advice or insight from a different perspective. It just may be that a large ball of aluminum foil could be of some help to you. Ask Murray!

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