It's Pinnacle Week! Together We’re Unlimited: Celebrating the 2026 Pinnacle Award Winners
In the Murray City School District, "education" isn't just a line item or a curriculum—it is a living, breathing tapestry of stories. It is found in the quiet encouragement of a counselor, the patience of a speech therapist, and the tireless dedication of a volunteer on a windy playground.
This year, the Murray Education Foundation is proud to present the Pinnacle Awards to eight extraordinary individuals. Their lives remind us that when we support our schools, we aren't just funding buildings; we are fueling the passions of people who change lives.
The Heart of the Classroom
For many of our winners, teaching is a family legacy. Angela Thompson (McMillan Elementary) followed a path blazed by her grandmother and her father, eventually finding the "magic" of education by teaching alongside her mother. Similarly, Lisa Pearson (Parkside Elementary), raised by two educators, transitioned from running a "basement school" as a child to becoming a champion for Special Education students, helping them find their voices through advocacy and empowerment.
Vangee Watts (Viewmont Elementary) has spent fifteen years teaching first graders the power of a "growth mindset." This year, following the loss of her husband, she found herself leaning on those very same lessons of resilience, buoyed by the community she has served so faithfully.
Bridging the Gaps
Education extends far beyond the chalkboard. Amy Knox (Murray High) has spent nearly four decades in the district, moving from Special Education to Counseling. Today, she supports the children of her former students, a testament to the deep roots she has planted in Murray.
Becky Powell (Longview Elementary) and Cris Westerfield (District Office) ensure that every child has the tools to succeed. Becky returned to her alma mater to provide vital speech therapy and assistive technology, while Cris works on the front lines as the Refugee and Immigrant Coordinator, building a sense of belonging for families navigating a new world.
Leadership and Service
Our schools thrive because of those who lead and those who show up. Earl Kauffman (Riverview Jr. High) brought a background in youth corrections and a passion for coaching to his role as Principal, creating a culture of trust and growth. And then there is Denise McDougal (Horizon Elementary)—after 25 years in the District HR office, she "retired" only to return as a volunteer playground supervisor, simply because she understood the need and was ready to fill it.
Supporting the Next Generation of Excellence
The Pinnacle Awards are a celebration of these remarkable lives, but the evening serves a dual purpose. The proceeds from sponsorships and donations do more than fund this gala; they provide the fuel for our Classroom Grants Program.
Every fall, these funds go directly back into the hands of Murray teachers. They fund innovative classroom experiences, specialized equipment, and creative projects that would otherwise be out of reach. When you support the Foundation, you are ensuring that the next Lisa Pearson or Angela Thompson has the resources they need to spark a "lightbulb moment" for a child.
How You Can Help
If you have been touched by the work of one of these incredible educators, we invite you to make a gift in their honor. Your donation helps us continue "defying gravity" for the students and teachers of Murray.