Murphys, CA…We are delighted to announce that Tom Eising, retired educator and coach, will serve as the Grand
Marshal for the 2026 Murphys Irish Day Parade! “On behalf of the Murphys Business Association (MBA),
it is an absolute pleasure to have Tom as our Grand Marshal this year,” says Scott Klann, President of the
MBA and Owner/Winemaker of Newsome Harlow Wines. “On a personal note, the Eising and Klann
families have been friends for 40+ years, and there is no one, in my opinion, who personifies the
commitment to our community that this family has. Tom and Lynne have always shown a thoughtful
approach to Murphys and its evolution over the years. As we honor Tom in the parade this year, we also
honor Lynne Eising and support Tom, Scott, and Todd as they carry the torch for Lynne. Murphys would
not be Murphys without this rock-solid family.”

Growing up in Independence, a small town along Route 395, Tom developed a deep appreciation for
living and raising a family in a close-knit community. When it came time to begin his career in education,
he was drawn to a teaching position in Murphys, where a single teacher covered every two grades. InIn
1971, Tom began his lifelong career in education, joining Murphys Grammar School as the last teacher
hired, where he taught for two years before moving on to Michelson Elementary School upon its
opening. He spent the next 30 years teaching seventh and eighth grade, first at Michelson, then at Avery
Middle School, when it opened in 1993.

His involvement in education continued after he retired from teaching, moving into roles as principal,
athletic director, and school board member, where his love of education and community continue to
flourish. “As a friend, a teacher, and a coach, he has given his time, his heart, and his helping hand to so
many of us —without hesitation and always with a smile,” shares Jan and Patty Schulz, retired educators
and owners of The Spice Tin. During his short time as principal at Michelson, Tom was able to work side
by side with his late wife Lynne, who was the secretary there for 14 years. Both Tom and Lynne had a
love for education and making an impact. “She always wanted a job that mattered,” Tom reflects, “when
she got into the school, that was real fulfilling for her”.

Teaching in a small town meant getting involved outside of the classroom. Tom started his coaching
career the moment he became an educator, spending 30 years and over one thousand games coaching
boys’ and girls’ basketball. In 2022, the Vallecito Union School District dedicated the Avery Middle
School Gymnasium to Tom. “That was really quite an honor,” shares Tom. Tom has stayed involved in the
youth sports programs as a referee during his retirement, and he has recently gotten back into the
coaching role, helping his youngest son, Todd.

Outside of education and coaching, Tom serves on the Ebbetts Pass Veterans Memorial District board
and the Murphys Area Community Tennis Association (MACTA) board. Fellow MACTA board member
and educator Sally Klassen shares, “I can’t think of anyone more deserving than Tom to be celebrated
for outstanding dedication to our community. He is kind, honest, wise, thoughtful, and humble. Tom has
been a champion of education and sports in our community for many years and has made a lasting
impact on so many young people. His influence has helped cultivate a community that we can all be
proud of.”

Join us on March 21st at 11 AM for the Murphys Irish Day parade, where we’ll celebrate Tom and all the
other fantastic parade participants. Learn more at visitmurphys.com/murphys-irish-day.