Gabby Murnan: Class of 2012

Most fun role for PHS theatre: Elle Woods in "Legally Blonde."
Most meaningful and challenging role: Vi Moore in "Footloose."​
Distinction: qualified for National Forensics in original oratory.

Gabby Murnan, a PHS graduate who was active in PHS Performing Arts, has had a front row seat to policy work at our nation's capital this year as an intern for the White House Council on Environmental Quality's Energy and Climate Team.

"My team works with a few other departments within the Executive Office of the President to coordinate and implement the President's actions on climate change, including his Climate Action Plan," Gabby says. "While here, I've provided support as we work domestically and internationally to implement our commitments outlined in the Paris Agreement (COP-21)."

She also volunteered at the White House Easter Egg Roll as a designated "egg replacement" girl in the egg hunt chorale. While talking with a friend, she turned around and was face to face with Jay-Z...then Blu Ivy... then the Queen herself, Beyonce.

"It was pretty surreal," she said.

Prior to her work in D.C., Gabby served for two years as the student assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs at KU, where she graduated in May. She had the honor of carrying the 150-year-old KU flag to lead the procession down the hill. She also returned to Pittsburg to serve as the emcee for the USD 250's annual Feast & Follies, a fundraiser for teacher mini-grants and scholarships.

This summer, Gabby will intern at two tribally owned and focused (respectively) consulting firms in Kansas City. In August she will head to Florida to join AmeriCorps where she will volunteer with a literacy program. Following that, she plans on attending grad school for a masters in public policy/MBA. 

"Although I haven't been active on the stage in several years, the experiences and skills I gained as a member of PHS theatre and forensics have helped me time and time again as I navigate the academic and professional world," Gabby says. "I am a confident communicator and relentless worker thanks to the countless rehearsals, long car rides to and from forensics tournaments, and endless performances in front of small and large crowds. I approach every meeting knowing what the outcome should be and how to work as a team to get there."