The Pinnacle Award is the highest honor bestowed by the Murray City School District, reserved for those whose dedication transcends the classroom and transforms the community. This year’s theme, "Together We’re Unlimited," perfectly captures the collective spirit of our eight honorees. From veteran administrators to tireless volunteers, these individuals prove that when we lead with heart, the potential of our students is truly boundless.

The Pillars of Leadership and Vision At the heart of our secondary schools, Amy Knox and Earl Kauffman have provided decades of steady guidance. Amy, the Head Counselor at Murray High, has built a 37-year legacy of "generational trust," often counseling the children of students she helped decades ago. Similarly, Riverview Junior High Principal Earl Kauffman is celebrated as the "calm in the storm," a leader who prioritizes human connection and treats every parent and staff member as a vital partner in student success.

The Architects of Belonging Creating a sense of home is a hallmark of this year’s winners. Cris Westerfield, the District’s Title III & Refugee Coordinator, acts as the "connective tissue" for our international families, building life-saving bridges between refugee communities and local resources. At McMillan Elementary, Angela Thompson creates literal magic in her Disneyland-themed classroom, advocating fiercely for neurodivergent learners and ensuring every child feels they belong in "the happiest place on earth."

The Champions of Support Our support professionals ensure no student falls through the cracks. Becky Powell, a Speech-Language Pathologist at Longview Elementary, uses her "calm and generous spirit" to give every child a voice, often sacrificing her own space and time to support students with the most complex needs. At Viewmont Elementary, Vangee Watts models resilience for her first graders, teaching the power of "yet" and showing through her own life that challenges are simply opportunities for a growth mindset.

The Spirit of Lifelong Service The 2026 awards also highlight a deep-rooted love for the Murray community. Lisa Pearson at Murray High School is recognized for her "quiet, fierce grace," mentoring both students and fellow teachers with a focus on empathy and literature. Finally, Denise McDougal reminds us that service has no expiration date; after a 25-year career in HR, she returned to Horizon Elementary as a daily volunteer, braving every kind of weather to ensure students have a safe and happy recess.

Fueling the Future of Murray Classrooms While the Pinnacle Awards Gala is a night of celebration, it is also a vital engine for our schools. The proceeds from event sponsorships and community donations do more than just fund this evening; they directly power the Murray Education Foundation’s classroom grants program. Every fall, these funds are distributed to teachers across the district to create innovative, hands-on learning experiences that the standard budget simply cannot cover.

You can read more about each of our recipients on the home page of Murray Education Foundation.

By supporting this event, you are ensuring that the spirit of excellence modeled by our eight winners continues to thrive in every classroom. If you would like to make a donation in honor of one of these incredible Pinnacle recipients to support our teacher grants, you may do so at: MEF Pinnacle Awards Donation Page.