For most people, retirement is a time to slow down, but for Denise McDougal, it was simply a transition from one kind of service to another. After a distinguished 25-year career as the Human Resources Administrative Assistant for the Murray City School District, Denise traded her office desk for a whistle and a high-visibility vest at Horizon Elementary.

Denise’s journey in Murray began in 1999 when she answered a newspaper ad for an HR position—a role she truly loved and excelled in for over two decades. But as her retirement approached, her focus shifted toward her grandchildren, Oliver and Elena. Knowing how difficult it is for schools to find dedicated playground supervisors, Denise volunteered to step into the gap.

Today, she is a fixture at Horizon, where she ensures that recess is a safe and joyful time for every student. "I underestimated how much I would come to love this volunteer work," Denise shared. "The kids are amazing, and it has been a joy getting to know them."

Her story is a beautiful reminder that education is supported by many hands. While she spent years behind the scenes ensuring the district’s personnel operations ran smoothly, she now spends her days on the front lines, building relationships with the next generation of Murray students. Receiving the Pinnacle Award is a testament to Denise’s lifelong commitment to this community—a commitment that didn’t end with a retirement party, but simply moved to the playground.