Resolution 170835

..Title Also naming Chelwynde Avenue, between Bialy Street and South 74th Street, "Akyra Murray Way", to honor and celebrate Akyra's life, which was tragically cut short in the shooting at Pulse Night Club in Orlando, Florida. ..Body WHEREAS, Akyra Murray was born and raised in the City of Philadelphia, to loving parents Albert and Natalie Murray. In her early years, Akyra attended Saint Cyprian Catholic School, before completing her studies at West Catholic Preparatory High School; and WHEREAS, During high school, Akyra's love and talent for basketball became apparent, as she became a leader of the women's team at West Catholic. During her four-year career, Akyra accumulated over 1,000 points, earned several All-Catholic Honors, and contributed to the team's back-to-back District 12 Championships; and WHEREAS, Akyra had a lasting impact on her coaches and teammates with her positive attitude and dedication to the team's success. To honor her memory, the team decided to retire the number 20, which Akyra wore during her time at West Catholic. "I thought about her every game. Every game," said Akyra's former coach Beula Osueke during the emotional 2017 season after Akyra's passing; and WHEREAS, Akyra was an outstanding student during her years at West Catholic High, and finished third in the Class of 2016; and WHEREAS, Due to her academic achievements and her talents on the basketball court, Akyra earned a full scholarship to Mercyhurst University, where she intended to continue her career in the sport she loved; and WHEREAS, Since Akyra's tragic passing on June 12, 2016, less than a week after her high school graduation, she has remained in the loving memories of her family, friends, and classmates whom she left behind. Those whose lives were touched by Akyra Murray will remember her youthful energy and enthusiasm for life, and will ensure that her memory lives on long after her passing; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That Chelwynde Avenue, between Bialy Street and South 74th Street, shall be named "Akyra Murray Way", to honor and celebrate Akyra's life, which was tragically cut short in the shooting at Pulse Night Club in Orlando, Florida. ..End