Nominations for the 2026 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards are now open
SAN ANTONIO, Texas—Today, H-E-B announced that 10 Houston-area educators have been named finalists for the 2025 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards, which awards cash prizes to educators who go the extra mile to serve their students and their communities. Teachers, counselors and principals received the news from H-E-B representatives during surprise visits to the schools this week.
Teachers were presented with a $1,000 check for themselves and a $1,000 check for their school; counselors were presented with a $1,000 check for themselves and a $1,500 check for their school; and principals received a $1,000 check for themselves and a $2,500 check for their school. H-E-B recognized 10 Houston area finalists, awarding $28,000 to educators and schools.
“Finalists for the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards represent the very best of Texas,” Jill Reynolds, H-E-B Public Affairs Manager, said. “They embody the passion, resilience, and dedication that make our state great. At H-E-B, we believe every person in Texas counts, and these educators exemplify the profound impact one person can have in shaping the future of our communities and beyond.”
The Houston-area finalists are as follows:
- Dr. Alicia Adkins, Kempner High School, Fort Bend ISD, Leadership Secondary
- Lorena Carrasco, LF Smith Elementary, Pasadena ISD, Principal Elementary
- Alyssa Cuevas, Sylvan Rodriguez Elementary School, Houston ISD, Rising Star Elementary
- Abigail Eliezer, Klentzman Intermediate School, Alief ISD, Lifetime Achievement Elementary
- Dr. Doreen Martinez, Lance Corporal Anthony Aguirre Junior High, Channelview ISD, Principal Secondary
- Nora Martinez, Shadow Creek High School, Alvin ISD, Lifetime Achievement Secondary
- Jose Muniz, Eisenhower 9th College Prep, Aldine ISD, Rising Star Secondary
- Olivia Watson, Roosevelt Alexander Elementary, Katy ISD, Leadership Elementary
- Christie Wootton, Kingwood Middle School, Humble ISD, School Counselor Secondary
- Ashley Wright, Annette Gordon-Reed Elementary, Conroe ISD, School Counselor Elementary
Thousands of state-certified public school educators currently working in Texas were nominated across multiple categories:
- Teacher
- School Counselor
- Principal
- Early Childhood
- School Board
- School District
The complete list of statewide finalists will be announced later this spring. The winners for the 2025 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards will be announced at a ceremony at the Hilton Austin on Sunday, May 4, 2025, where $480,000 will be awarded.
Call for 2026 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards Nominations
Nominations for the 2026 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards are now open to all state-certified public school professionals currently working in Texas. Teachers, counselors, principals, early childhood centers, school boards and districts can win cash prizes for their outstanding work. Nominations will close on September 30, 2025.
Nominate your favorite Texas educator at heblovesteachers.com/nominate.
About the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards
Each year, the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards program awards cash prizes to honor outstanding public school professionals, and to thank them for their dedication and commitment. Through this program, H-E-B seeks to pay tribute to those educators who go the extra mile every day to serve their students and their communities and who inspire others to do the same.
Since the program’s inception in 2002, H-E-B has awarded more than $14 million in funding to outstanding Texas teachers, principals, public schools and districts, school counselors, school boards and early childhood centers.
To learn more, visit HEBLovesTeachers.com.