Nominations for the 2025 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards are now open to all Texas public school professionals in Texas and close on Oct. 7.
Teachers, counselors, principals, early childhood centers, school boards and districts can win cash prizes for their outstanding work.
In 2022, a Taylor High School teacher was named a finalist, the Press reported.
Since 2002, the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards program, which recognizes educators who go the extra mile to serve their students and their communities, has awarded more than $14 million in funding to finalists, winners and their schools.
All state-certified public school educators currently teaching in Texas are eligible for the awards program, as well as Texas early childhood education centers/schools.
“Educators are the backbone of our society, and they deserve recognition for going above and beyond to uplift our communities and shape the next generation of leaders,” said Jill Reynolds, H-E-B public affairs manager.
She added, “By nominating an educator, you are starting a journey that can lead to impactful benefits for not only the school but also your community.”
Anyone can nominate their favorite Texas educator at heblovesteachers.com/ nominate/. Eligibility is not dependent on proximity to H-E-B store locations.
Nomination categories include:
• Teacher
• School Counselor
• Principal
• Early Childhood Facility
• School Board
• School District Educators who are nominated will receive an invitation to apply before Dec. 2, 2024.
While a nomination is not required to apply for an award, a nomination lets an educator know they are appreciated and encouraged to apply for the awards program.
Finalists and winners will be selected by a panel of judges composed of educators, administrators and community leaders across the state.
Ten winners — six teachers, two counselors and two principals — along with an early childhood facility, public school board and two school districts, will be announced at an awards ceremony in May 2025.
Each award recipient’s school will also receive a matching grant.
According to a press release, in 2024, the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards program distributed more than $780,000 in cash and grants to educators and schools.
“Through this program, H-E-B seeks to pay tribute to those educators who go the extra mile each day to serve their students and communities and who inspire others to do the same,” read a press release.
To nominate an educator, visit heblovesteachers.com/ nominate/.
Taylor High School English teacher and legendary Academic Decathlon coach Vicki Rowe was named a finalist for the 2022 H-E-B Excellence Award two years ago.
She was surprised with a check for $1,000 by H-E-B representatives that included H-EBuddy, district leadership, campus staff and her students.
