The Texas-based grocery store chain will award the district $25,000 in recognition of the board of trustees’ leadership and commitment to student achievement, according to a May 4 H-E-B news release.
Per the release, $480,000 in cash awards and grants is awarded to six teachers, two counselors, two principals, one early childhood facility, a public school board and two school districts.
The gist
The H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards is one of the largest monetary programs for educators in the state, according to the release. The annual awards recognize those who go above and beyond to make a lasting impact on the future of Texas education.
“As part of a hypergrowth district facing the incredible range of opportunities and challenges that go along with that growth, our [LCISD] trustees are in a unique position to impact the lives of young people as well as the future of public education in Texas,” LCISD Superintendent Roosevelt Nivens said in a Feb. 27 news release after finalists were announced. “They are a group of dedicated volunteers who always keep the needs of our students first, and we are so proud of all that they’ve accomplished while serving our community.”
Leading up to the award event in Austin, three judging panels selected five finalists in the following four categories:
- Early childhood facility
- School board
- Small school district with less than 10,000 students
- Large school district with more than 10,000 students
Another thing
Alongside district awards, 50 teachers, principals and counselors were named finalists earlier this year for individual awards. This included 10 finalists from Houston-area districts such as Katy, Fort Bend, Humble, Conroe and Houston ISDs.
The finalists were surprised by a visit from H-E-B representatives at their schools earlier this year. A statewide panel interviewed them May 3, and the winners were also notified at the May 4 event, according to the release.
“At a time when public school educators face many challenges, it’s critically important that we honor the extraordinary individuals who are inspiring the next generation of Texans. Their work not only changes lives—it defines the future of our state,” Winell Herron, H-E-B senior vice president of public affairs, diversity and environmental Affairs, said in the release.
Houston-area educators in FBISD and Alief ISD were among six teachers who won the award, according to the release. The following teachers were recognized:
- Alicia Adkins of FBISD's Kempner High School was recognized for the Leadership Award, which honors teachers with 10 to 20 years in the classroom. She received $10,000 for herself and a $10,000 grant for her school.
- Abigail Eliezer of AISD's Klentzman Intermediate School was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award, which honors teachers with more than 20 years of experience. She received $25,000 for herself and a $25,000 grant for her school.
