In a Viewmont classroom, first-graders were wrapping up calendar time and preparing to visit the Eagle store before going on a science field trip to Riverview Junior High when an announcement crackled over the intercom.

“It said, ‘we need everyone to come down for this quick assembly,’” teacher Vangee Watts said. “So we pivoted; we lined up and headed to the gym. We’ve had other impromptu assemblies before so I thought a student earned an award, but when we got down there, I saw some other students from the junior high. And I'm like, ‘What are they doing here?’ But after that, I didn't think anything of it.”

Those older students were her former students, not just in recent years, but spanning the 15 years she has been teaching.

In that moment, however, Watts didn’t give it another thought until the curtains opened to reveal her family on stage alongside Murray School District Supt. Jen Covington, Murray Education Foundation members and others.

“When they said, ‘we have a special honor,’ I started crying because I knew what it was. It was very tender,” she said.

Watts, a Murray High alumna, was one of several honorees throughout Murray School District to receive the 2026 Pinnacle Awards for Excellence in Education, where honorees were recognized for embodying the theme, "Together We’re Unlimited."

Along with Watts, other educators were surprised with the honor, often with their families and friends joining in the celebration. They include Amy Knox of Murray High, known as a “trusted, supportive listener” in her role as head counselor while giving students 37 years of support; Lisa Pearson, a Parkside Elementary teacher recognized for advocating for her special education students; Becky Powell, Longview Elementary’s speech and language technician who helps each student communicate effectively; and Angie Thompson, McMillan Elementary’s fifth-grade teacher dedicated to the district’s gifted and talented program.

Cris Westerfield was honored as the education support professional for her 18 years supporting multi-language learners and educators as the district’s refugee and alterative language services coordinator; and Denise McDougal, who, after 25 years retired from the school district’s human resources office to continue her service as a volunteer playground supervisor at Horizon Elementary.

While Watts was given the rest of the day off to celebrate with her family, she worried about the time taken away from the field trip. Organizers had already accounted for that. At Riverview Junior High, there was a gathering as well to honor Earl Kauffman as the top administrator, recognizing his calm, steady leadership over 22 years of service to students.

Each honoree received $1,000, a signature bronze statuette, an invitation to a recent gala dinner and other prizes and recognitions from the community.

This year saw a record 180 nominations from the community.

“Each one (is) a touching testament to the dedication found within our schools,” said Doug Perry, Murray Education Foundation executive director. “Reading through them made one thing clear: every single nominee is a hero in their own right. These stories remind us why Murray is such a truly special place for students to learn and teachers to thrive.”