Al Faruk Temple #145 Honors Troy Murphy’s Legacy With Scholarships to Local Students

Smith, Malone receive “Making A Difference” scholarships as program continues investment in HBCU-bound students

The legacy of the late Troy A. Murphy continues to open doors for local students pursuing higher education.

Al Faruk Temple #145 awarded its Noble Troy A. Murphy “Making A Difference” Scholarship to graduating seniors Skyy Alexandria Smith and Sidne Carolia Malone during a ceremony July 30 at the Columbus Downtown Marriott.

Each student received a $500 scholarship to help offset the cost of attending college.

The scholarship was established in memory of Murphy, who served as chief rabban of Al Faruk Temple #145 before his sudden death in 2016. Education was among Murphy’s passions, particularly supporting students attending historically Black colleges and universities.

Rather than allow that commitment to end with his death, members of Al Faruk Temple #145 established the scholarship to continue Murphy’s legacy by investing in future generations.

Since its creation, the program has awarded nine scholarships totaling $7,000 to students attending Hampton University, Tuskegee University, Spelman College, Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University.

This year’s recipients continue that tradition.

Smith, a graduate of Central High School in Phenix City, Alabama, distinguished herself as both a student and athlete. An A/B Honor Roll student and vice president of Pearls Leadership Academy, Smith completed more than 475 hours of community service while also earning USA Track & Field All-American honors.

She will attend Tuskegee University this fall to study health science. Smith was accompanied at the scholarship ceremony by her mother, Rachel Smith.

Malone, a graduate of Northside High School in Columbus, served as battalion commander of the school’s JROTC program and ranked in the top 2% of her graduating class.

A three-sport team captain and community organizer, Malone coordinated a food drive that packed more than 546 mobile pantry boxes for families in need, setting a Muscogee County School District record.

She will attend Hampton University this fall to study political science and plans to pursue a career as a Judge Advocate General’s Corps officer. Malone was accompanied at the ceremony by her father, Bobby Malone.

“Reading every application and checking every transcript is quiet work, but it carries forward Noble Murphy’s legacy,” scholarship committee members Noble Anderson and Noble Johnson said. “On behalf of the Temple and every student who has worn Tuskegee, Hampton, Spelman, Alabama A&M or Alabama State gear because of this scholarship, thank you.”

For Al Faruk Temple #145, the scholarship represents more than financial assistance. It is an effort to transform the memory of a man who valued education into opportunities for young people pursuing their own dreams.

Each scholarship recipient becomes another chapter in Murphy’s legacy — not simply through a memorial bearing his name, but through students entering classrooms, earning degrees and preparing to serve their communities.

Al Faruk Temple #145, A.E.A.O.N.M.S., said it remains committed to investing in the next generation of HBCU scholars and keeping Murphy’s commitment to education alive, one acceptance letter at a time.

The scholarship committee consists of Noble Anderson and Noble Johnson. Illustrious Potentate Noble Dwight Gadson serves as the Temple’s point of contact.