For 22 years, Murray Education Foundation has celebrated outstanding educators, support staff and volunteers who make a significant impact on the Murray School District. 

The prestigious Pinnacle Award honors their contributions and achievements in the field of education. This February, MEF selected seven individuals from more than 119 nominations, surprising them with balloons in front of their students and colleagues.

One of the honorees, Longview third-grade teacher Jai-Dee Riches, had been volunteering in the District for years before becoming a teacher in 2010. She was wrapping up a math lesson when the door opened.

“I was expecting my son’s girlfriend to come help with preparations for parent-teacher conferences, but when I looked up, it was my entire family holding a huge bouquet of balloons,” Riches recalled. “It was such a surprise. I saw all the people I love, standing there, smiling.”

It took a moment for her to realize her daughter, who lives in Casper, Wyoming, had traveled to surprise her and her son, who had just started a new job, had taken time off to be there.

“I was confused at first. I wondered why they were all there. Then I saw the superintendent and MEF board, and it hit me. I could feel the blood rushing out of my face. I’m so grateful to everyone who took the time to nominate me,” she said.

Riches has a passion for teaching and getting to know her students.

“Teaching is my happy place. I love connecting with kids and knowing them as individuals and tailoring lessons I know will be interesting and engaging to kids. I love the sense of community I have with students I teach every day and watch them grow and figure things out,” she said.

The other recipients of the Pinnacle Award include Parkside first-grade teacher Emily Cox, who has taught in the District since 2017; McMillan fourth- and fifth-grade teacher Laura Leishman, who has taught with the District for 11 years; Riverview Junior High Spanish teacher Lara Slade, a 34-year District veteran; and Murray High art teacher Rich White, who started teaching in the District in 2000. 

Also honored were Hillcrest counseling secretary Gloria Herrera, who has worked in the District since 1991, and volunteer Katrina Harris, who has made significant contributions to multiple District schools.

Murray School District Superintendent Jennifer Covington congratulated the awardees.

“This prestigious award recognizes their exceptional dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to our students,” she said. “Their hard work makes a profound difference every day, helping students succeed and elevating our entire school community. We sincerely appreciate their excellence in education and the inspiration they provide to those around them. We celebrate their remarkable achievement.”

The award winners will be celebrated at a gala Thursday, March 20, where they will receive a statuette and a gift basket, including a $1,000 check and various donated gift cards. The evening will feature performances by secondary school students and meal preparations by Murray High’s culinary arts students. The keynote speaker for the event is Kristin Andrus, founder of Gathering for Impact and a prominent advocate for women, children and vulnerable populations in Utah.

The Murray community is encouraged to nominate educators, staff and volunteers for the Pinnacle Award. Each year, a committee of teachers, administrators and volunteers reviews the nominations.

“What we look for are strong nominations that possess specific examples that demonstrate above and beyond actions—things that go beyond routine work or expectations,” said Doug Perry, Murray Education Foundation executive director. “We like to see examples of acts that inspire co-workers, or that spark something magical in a child.”λ