Joseph Muldrew, 18, is the son of Judge Michael Muldrew, Ogeechee Judicial Circuit, and his wife Laurie Muldrew, a math instructor at Ogeechee Technical College. Being named valedictorian and STAR Student was no surprise. He’s maintained the highest average of his 200-plus graduating class since they were freshmen.
“I’m going to miss my teachers,” he said. “A lot of them have dedicated themselves to my academic success, and I’m indebted to their sacrifice.”
That success now includes a full-ride scholarship to Mercer University as a Stamps Foundation Scholar. Joseph plans to attend medical school and eventually join the ranks of academia and conduct clinical research in the field of psychiatry.
“I’m very interested in psychiatry, abnormal psychology, and mental disorders that plague people, especially depression. I believe there is no deeper nor rewarding experience than helping my fellow man.” Joseph says his life’s mission is to develop new treatments for mental disorders. He hopes to break down barriers preventing many patients from receiving care they desperately need.
Seeing a need and taking the initiative to address it is another reason he was chosen as a Stamps Scholar. The program emphasizes engaging in philanthropic efforts worldwide and demonstrating a passion for improving local communities.
Joseph has also volunteered his time and talents with Young Life, Youth Leadership Bulloch, SEBHS’s Student Council and East Georgia Regional Hospital. As a student volunteer in the emergency room, he has performed the duties of a certified technician by administering electrocardiograms and urine tests, cleaning medical equipment and transporting patients.
Joseph shared that Bulloch County is classified as a Geographic High Needs Health Professional Service Area for mental health. Due to social stigmatization, low mental health literacy, and lack of insurance coverage, many patients in need of psychiatric care continue to struggle with untreated and undiagnosed mental disorders.
“One day, I hope to return to Bulloch County trained to replenish the debilitating shortage of psychiatrists,” he said.
Until then he is eager to join his older brother, Daniel, at Mercer. Daniel is an environmental engineering major. Though Joseph is seeking service opportunities on campus he also has his eye on Mercer’s fraternity and student government options.
“Joseph is an extremely intelligent student who is highly self-motivated and put his best effort into anything he attempts," said Susan Boddiford, his STAR teacher, math instructor, math team coach and Quiz Bowl Coach. She and other Bulloch County faculty have helped prepare him for success and are eager to see his continued success.