In the Murray City School District, community isn’t just a location—it’s a feeling of safety, and for Cris Westerfield, it is a lifelong project. As the district’s Refugee and Alternative Language Services Coordinator, Cris has spent the last 18 years proving that the strongest communities are built intentionally through trust, consistency, and a deep willingness to listen.

Cris joined the district in 2008, and while her title has evolved, her mission has remained singular: putting people first. Her daily work rarely fits into a standard job description. One morning might find her helping a newly arrived family navigate the complexities of a foreign school system; the next, she is collaborating with her team to solve high-stakes challenges or simply sitting in silence with a parent, providing the rare gift of truly being heard.

For Cris, the work is often heavy, but it is always hopeful. She supports multilingual learners and their educators, ensuring that "belonging" isn't just a buzzword but a lived reality. "Belonging is built intentionally," she notes, a philosophy that has helped countless families find stability and students gain the confidence to pursue their dreams.

Outside the office, Cris finds her grounding in her family—her husband, three children, and two grandchildren. They have stood by her through the long evenings and the emotional weight that comes with such a vital role. Receiving the Pinnacle Award is a recognition of nearly two decades of service, but for Cris, the real reward is the enduring strength of the families she serves.