H-E-B Reveals Winners For Excellence In Education Awards

H-E-B announced the statewide winners May 4 for the 2025 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards during a ceremony in Austin with hundreds of educators and community leaders.

Admiral William H. McRaven, a retired four-star admiral and former Chancellor of the University of the Texas System, gave the keynote address and helped distribute awards to the 68 outstanding finalists.

During the ceremony, $480,000 in cash and grants were awarded to six teachers, two counselors, two principals, one early childhood facility, one public school board and two school districts. Since 2002, the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards program has awarded more than $14 million in funding to educators who go the extra mile to serve their students and their communities.

“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,” said Winell Herron, H-E-B SVP of public affairs, diversity and environmental affairs.

“We heard remarkable stories of dedication, resilience and impact during the awards selection process. While it’s difficult to pick one winner in each category, all our finalists represent the very best of what it means to be an educator in Texas.”

Six winning teachers, including one elementary and one secondary teacher, were selected in each of the following three categories:

• The Rising Star Award honors promising teachers with less than 10 years of experience. These winners received a $5,000 check for themselves and a $5,000 grant for their schools.
  • Recipients
    • Elementary Rising Star – Cindy Gonzalez from J.P. LeNoir Elementary School;
    • Secondary Rising Star – Aaron Peralez from Abernathy High School.
• The Leadership Award honors teachers with 10-20 years in the classroom. These winners received a $10,000 check for themselves and a $10,000 grant for their schools.
  • Recipients
    • Elementary Leadership – Matthew Trevino from Roan Forest Elementary School;
    • Secondary Leadership – Alicia Adkins from I.H. Kempner High School.
• The Lifetime Achievement Award salutes teachers with more than 20 years of experience. These teachers received $25,000 in cash for themselves and a $25,000 grant for their schools.
  • Recipients
    • Elementary Lifetime Achievement – Abigail Eliezer from Klentzman Intermediate School;
    • Secondary Lifetime Achievement – Vicki Rowe from Taylor High School.
• Two counselors – one elementary and one secondary – received $10,000 in cash for themselves and a $15,000 grant for their school.
  • Recipients:
    • Elementary School Counselor – Verlene Wallace from Hunt School;
    • Secondary School Counselor – Rubina Sanchez from Byron P. Steele II High School.
• Two principals – one elementary and one secondary – received $10,000 in cash for themselves and a $25,000 grant for their schools.
  • Recipients:
    • Elementary School Principal – Anabel Ruiz from Carolyn G. Bukhair Elementary School;
    • Secondary School Principal – Sheree Bogany from A.C. Jones High School.
• Two school districts – one small and one large – received awards. The winning small school district received $50,000, and the winning large school district received $100,000.
  • Recipients:
    • Small School District – Lubbock-Cooper Independent School District;
    • Large School District – Prosper Independent School District.
• One winning early childhood facility received $25,000.
  • Recipient: Dr. Sarah K. Jandrucko Academy for Early Learners.
• One winning school board received $25,000.
  • Recipient: Lamar Consolidated Independent School District.

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