Life has a beautiful way of coming full circle for Becky Powell. A graduate of Murray High School, Becky once thought her days in Murray were a chapter of the past. However, life eventually led her back to the community to raise her five sons—all of whom followed in her footsteps through the local schools. Today, she isn’t just a resident; she is a vital lifeline for students as a Speech and Language Technician at Longview Elementary.

Becky’s professional journey began as a dedicated volunteer. Spending countless hours at Parkside Elementary alongside her youngest son, she discovered a passion for supporting student communication. That experience inspired her to return to her studies, earning her teaching license with a speech endorsement.

Now, Becky wears two essential hats within the district. She provides speech therapy at Longview and serves on the district’s Assistive Technology Team. Her work is the ultimate bridge to connection, ensuring that every student—regardless of their verbal challenges—has a way to communicate, participate, and be heard. She collaborates with speech-language pathologists and technicians to provide the scaffolding students need to succeed in and out of the classroom.

Outside of work, Becky is a lifelong learner who finds joy in watercolor painting and glass fusing. But her greatest inspiration comes from her students. "The students I serve give me hope for the future," she says. Receiving the Pinnacle Award is a tribute to Becky’s dedication to giving every child a voice and ensuring that the future of Murray is as bright as the students she serves.