Putting Murray on the map
Hometown hero: School, businesses and friends rally behind 'Idol' finalist Archuleta
"Mayor (Daniel) Snarr is such a great guy," Tom LaPoint of Murray's LaPoint Ford said of his friend, "but that handlebar mustache of his really makes us look like we are Hickville, USA," he said.
Images of the Murray mayor — complete with that handlebar mustache — as well as local businesses, the city and Murray High School were all included in a broadcast of "American Idol" this week.
"It definitely put us on the map," LaPoint said. "I think that is a cool thing."
Apparently, LaPoint is not the only one who thinks it's a "cool thing."
Several Murray businesses are displaying signs supporting Archuleta in their storefront windows, and it is hard to miss the gargantuan poster of a singing Archuleta on the east side of Murray High School. LaPoint Ford has two large signs outside its car lot displaying Archuleta's face. The dealership also loaned out some vehicles for "David's Day," including an orange Mustang, in which Archuleta rode while parading around the city. LaPoint said the company's support for Archuleta is just for fun and that it has not affected his business.
But to have an American Idol from Murray would be a huge thing for the community, LaPoint said.
"It wouldn't be a bad thing," LaPoint said, "unless Archuleta does something stupid."
That doesn't seem likely.
Archuleta's neighbor and friend Claudia Aragon moved into the teen sensation's neighborhood three years ago. She said he was one of the first people she met when he offered to help her plant her flower garden.
"What kind of teenager would offer to help plant flowers?" Aragon said. "It was the cutest thing."
Friends, fellow students and even his teachers seem to agree — Archuleta is a good guy.
Heidi Hymas, 18, a Murray High senior, said she has known Archuleta since they were in a singing and dancing group together when they were 12 years old.
"I don't remember him dancing, just singing," Hymas said. She said she was a little surprised when she found out he had tried out for "American Idol."
"He's kind of shy," Hymas said, "but I knew he would make it."
Archuleta's friend Stacey Hansen, an 18-year-old Murray senior, said she didn't expect Archuleta to try out for "American Idol" so soon.
"He used to sing for me at my birthday parties," Hansen said. She now wishes she had recorded him singing to her.
Recent comments
Anytime there is something positive in this crazy world we live in...
K Smith | May 20, 2008 at 11:07 a.m.
oh yes, David has a huge fanbase here in the Philippines. We love...
mikaila | May 18, 2008 at 9:52 a.m.
education* Irony strikes again!
Samara | May 18, 2008 at 8:44 a.m.
