Hillcrest Junior High Principal Jennifer Covington received the Outstanding Middle Level Administrator Award March 14 at the Utah Middle Level Association Conference. 

She was nominated by many of her faculty members for her dedication to develop a positive school culture of safety, caring and academic achievement. In the nomination, they also wrote that Covington encourages parent support and community involvement by encouraging parents to attend performance assemblies and sending out a weekly newsletters highlighting school activities. She has supported faculty and staff with finding funds for classroom needs, picking up garbage on the floor and going out of her way to make things easier for those in her care.

Covington learned she received the award at a faculty breakfast when a teacher announced she had been nominated and won. 

“This recognition really is a school recognition,” Covington said. “I have an outstanding faculty and staff that truly make my job easy. I am so grateful to be working in Murray School District at Hillcrest Junior High School.”

Covington received a plaque at the award ceremony.

Assistant Superintendent Scott Bushnell said Covington deserves the recognition.

“I have worked with Jen Covington for many years and know her to be highly respected as an administrator and educator in our district,” he said. “Her dedication and commitment to the school, community and especially her students is absolutely exemplary. We were so pleased for her to be recognized with this award. It is very well-deserved.”

Covington has worked for the Murray School District for 21 years, beginning by teaching business, marketing, and computers at Murray High School for 10 years. She then became Hillcrest’s assistant principal for five years and has been principal of the school for six years.