AUSTIN (KXAN) — H-E-B named ten Central Texas educators as finalists for the 2025 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards, in a press release issued Friday.
The awards are meant to give cash prizes to educators who “go the extra mile to serve their students and their communities,” according to the press release.
“Finalists for the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards represent the very best of Texas,” said Jill Reynolds, H-E-B public affairs manager. “They embody the passion, resilience, and dedication that make our state great.”
The Central Texas finalists are:
- Sara Allen, Cullen Elementary School, Hays CISD, Rising Star Elementary
- Candace Barnes, Sunfield Elementary School, Hays CISD, School Counselor Elementary
- Monica Collins, Pearson Ranch Middle School, Round Rock ISD, Principal Secondary
- Carol Fernandez, Maria Hernandez Elementary School, San Marcos CISD, Lifetime Achievement Elementary
- Wendell Norris Marquez, Lively Middle School, Austin ISD, Leadership Secondary
- Vicki Rowe, Taylor High School, Taylor ISD, Lifetime Achievement Secondary
- Dr. Amy Sharp, River Place Elementary School, Leander ISD, Principal Elementary
- Karen Terry, Bertha Sadler Means Young Women’s Leadership Academy, Austin ISD, School Counselor Secondary
- Gloria Ramirez Vega, Pflugerville Elementary School, Pflugerville ISD, Leadership Elementary
- Kylee Zapalac, La Grange High School, La Grange ISD, Rising Star Secondary
H-E-B presented each finalist with a $1,000 check for themselves. Teachers also got a $1,000 check for their schools, while counselors and principals each received a $1,500 or $2,000 check for their schools.
The 2025 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards will be held at the Hilton Austin on May 4.
Nominations for the 2026 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards are now open online to all state-certified public school professionals currently working in Texas, according to H-E-B.
