A Tradition That Honors the Best of Murray
For more than two decades, the Pinnacle Awards have quietly and consistently done something powerful for the Murray community. They pause the pace of a busy school year to shine a light on the people who give their best, often without expectation of recognition, and whose impact is felt far beyond the walls of their classrooms and offices.
Established in 2004, the Pinnacle Awards were created to celebrate exceptional Murray teachers, employees, administrators, and volunteers. Each year, five licensed teachers, one classified employee, and one volunteer are honored, with an administrator recognized every three years. Over time, this thoughtful rhythm has resulted in 155 individuals being honored, each one representing a story of dedication, service, and care that helped shape Murray schools as we know them today.
Recognized as the highest honor bestowed on educators in Murray, the Pinnacle Awards carry a sense of prestige that has only grown with time. In the early years, that distinction became so evident that the selection committee was made anonymous to protect the integrity of the process. Today, that anonymity remains, serving as a reminder that this award is rooted in fairness, reflection, and genuine admiration from the community it represents.
What makes the Pinnacle Awards especially meaningful is the way they are celebrated. Winners are surprised where they serve, in classrooms, offices, and even during school assemblies, surrounded by the students and colleagues whose lives they have touched. That surprise marks the beginning of a larger celebration that culminates in the Pinnacle Gala, where honorees are formally recognized and surrounded by words of appreciation from coworkers, students, family members, and friends.
Nominations for the Pinnacle Awards come from everywhere. Parents, students, colleagues, and community members are all encouraged to submit nominations, whether they are directly affiliated with Murray City School District or not. Recipients are chosen not only for years of service, but for consistently going above and beyond their job descriptions. Each honoree exemplifies the “We Are Murray” spirit of pride, collaboration, and commitment to excellence in education.
Stories matter deeply in this process. The committee looks for specific examples that reveal the often unseen moments of care, leadership, and creativity that define great educators and support staff. These are the everyday acts that quietly shape school culture and student success, and the Pinnacle Awards exist to make sure those moments are noticed and celebrated.
As the community awaits the announcement of the 2026 Pinnacle Award recipients, anticipation builds once again. Soon, new surprises will unfold in schools across Murray, followed by shared stories and celebrations that remind us why this award holds such a special place in our district’s history. As Doug Perry, Executive Director of the Murray Education Foundation, shared, “The MEF Pinnacle Awards are more than just a tradition; they are a testament to the collective dedication that defines our district. For over twenty years, we have had the privilege of honoring those who embody the spirit of ‘We Are Murray,’ recognizing that every role plays a meaningful part in the lives of our students and their success. These awards celebrate the extraordinary impact of individuals who turn everyday service into a pinnacle of excellence.”
As of print, the community has once again been invited to celebrate the educators and supporters who make Murray a place where students thrive. The Pinnacle Awards remind us that excellence lives in the details, in the relationships, and in the people who show up every day for our schools.
