HEB announces local finalists for Excellence in Education Award

SAN ANTONIO

H-E-B has announced eight finalists for the 2015 Excellence in Education Award, the largest monetary awards program for educators in Texas.

H-E-B representatives surprised the finalists by visiting their classrooms with balloons, cake and flowers.

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Six of the finalists received a $1,000 check for themseles and a $1,000 check for their schools.

The teacher finalists are:

  • Anne Peppers, East Central Development Center, East Central ISD - finalist for Rising Star Award 
  • Melanie Leija, Frank Tejeda Academy, Harlandale ISD - finalist for Rising Star Award
  • Carol Anderson, Julia Newton Aue Elementary, Northside ISD - finalist for Leadership Award
  • Colin Lang, Alamo Heights High School, Alamo Heights ISD - finalist for Leadership Award 
  • Alma Gonzalez, Woodridge Elementary, Alamo Heights ISD - finalist for Lifetime Achievement Award
  • Donna Tripp, Robert G. Cole High School, Fort Sam ISD - finalist for Lifetime Achievement Award

The Rising Star Award honors exceptionally promising teachers, while the Leadership Award honors teachers with 10-20 years in the classroom. And the Lifetime Achievement Award salutes teachers who have more than 20 years of experience.

Also joining the teacher finalists are two principals:

  • Joanelda DeLeon, principal of Highland Hills Elementary, San Antonio ISD
  • Kathy Bieser, principal of International School of the Americas, North East ISD

The finalists are invited to compete on May 2-3 on a statewide level for larger cash prizes totaling $430,000.

Click here to visit the Excellence in Education Facebook page.