Brick by Brick: Putnam Senior Wins Prestigious Construction Scholarship

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

June 10, 2025 – The John H. Murphy Memorial Scholarship Fund has awarded its second annual scholarship to a Springfield-area student pursuing a construction-related major in the fall.

This year’s recipient is Jonathan Hernandez, a graduating senior from Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy. Jonathan will attend the highly competitive architectural program at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst this fall. The scholarship provides $1,500 each year for four years, in addition to mentoring and potential internship opportunities with Springfield-based construction company City Enterprise, Inc., founded by Murphy’s eldest daughter, Wonderlyn Murphy.

“From a young age, I’ve been fascinated by how buildings come together—how walls, beams, and even the smallest details work in harmony to create something lasting,” said Hernandez. “What began with a handful of Legos and a childhood dream has grown into a passion for architectural design that is rooted in community, sustainability, and innovation.”

He added that receiving the John H. Murphy Memorial Scholarship will allow him to continue his journey with fewer financial worries and greater focus. “This support means I can spend more time learning, building, and growing as a designer. It’s not just an investment in my education—it’s an investment in the communities I hope to serve.”

In addition to excelling academically, Hernandez is a multi-year Honor Roll recipient, team captain of the indoor and outdoor varsity track teams, and a three-time league champion. He has completed internships with the Latino Economic Development Corporation, earned his OSHA 10 certification, and volunteered alongside Habitat for Humanity on a veteran’s home restoration project.

“My goal is to create spaces that are not only functional and beautiful but that tell a story and reflect the communities they’re built for,” he said. “This scholarship makes it more possible for me to step fully into that future.”

Hernandez received the award during a recent recognition ceremony hosted at City Enterprise and attended by members of the Murphy family and his own loved ones.

Wonderlyn Murphy said the scholarship honors her father’s legacy of excellence in construction and his unwavering commitment to community. In 1970, John H. Murphy founded Eastern General Contractors, Inc., a company that grew to employ more than 100 people and led numerous high-impact construction projects along the Eastern Seaboard, including hospitals, schools, fire stations, and military facilities.

Lucille Murphy, wife of the late John H. Murphy, said her husband’s legacy lives on through the dreams of young people like this year’s recipient. “He always believed that every family should have access to higher education, and this scholarship is one way we are keeping that dream alive.”

Board member Trey Cavaan said the scholarship also reflects the values his grandfather instilled in his family—values of perseverance and big dreams.

“We saw in Jonathan the same drive and determination my grandfather admired,” said board member Trey Cavaan. “He’s exactly the kind of young leader this scholarship was created for.”

Those interested in supporting the John H. Murphy Memorial Scholarship Fund or learning more can visit www.jhmscholarship.com or contact the family at jhmscholarship@gmail.com.

Pictured: Acting on behalf of the organization’s board of directors, Lucille Murphy presents scholarship recipient Jonathan Hernandez with the John H. Murphy Memorial Scholarship, with a photograph of her late husband, prominent contractor John H. Murphy, in the background.