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Leaders Who Inspire U: Mayla Spruill, Principal — UPA Mark Murray

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The image shows a woman with a vibrant, floral-patterned top standing against a bright red background. She has a warm, friendly expression on her face.
Leaders Who Inspire U: Mayla Spruill, Principal — UPA Mark Murray
Communications Dept

Ask Principal Mayla Spruill what UPA Mark Murray is in the business of producing, and her answer is simple — and powerful:

"We produce Good Humans."

Not just scholars. Not just graduates. Good Humans. People who are kind, capable, curious, and ready to contribute to the world around them. That's the standard at UPA Mark Murray — and everything that happens in this building is designed to meet it.

The image shows a woman with a vibrant, floral-patterned top standing against a bright red background. She has a warm, friendly expression on her face.

Champions On and Off the Floor

This spring, the UPA Mark Murray cheer squad took 1st Place in the Elementary Division at the U Prep cheer competition — bringing home the top prize with the kind of energy, precision, and heart that doesn't happen without serious dedication. Those scholars didn't just compete. They represented their school, their families, and their principal with pride.

And when those same scholars walk back into the building on Monday morning, the expectation for excellence doesn't drop. It carries right into the classroom. Good Humans show up everywhere — on the floor and in their work.

Student Voice in Full Color

UPA Mark Murray is also home to The Detroit Navigator — a full-color student newspaper created entirely by 5th graders, featuring sections on Arts & Culture, Business, Food, and Sports, all told through a Detroit lens. Produced in partnership with 826michigan, the paper is a testament to what happens when young people are given a platform and trusted to fill it.

Grab a copy at onwardrobots.com.

This is what student voice looks like under Mayla Spruill's leadership — real, published, and proud. Good Humans, telling their city's story.

A Community That Celebrates Together

From the Spring Fling Family Fun Night to open houses that open the doors wide, Spruill has created a campus culture where the community isn't just welcome — it's essential. Families aren't spectators at UPA Mark Murray. They are part of the process of producing those Good Humans.

Mayla Spruill leads with a clear purpose and a high bar — and her scholars rise to meet it every single day.

That's what leadership looks like. That's a leader who inspires U.

Join the UPA Mark Murray Family

We are enrolling scholars for the 2026–2027 school year. Come see a school that produces champions, journalists, and Good Humans — all under one roof.