Two San Antonio area teachers were named among the finalists for the 2017 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards in the Leadership category.
Special education teacher Georgette Carrasco from Franklin Elementary School (Northside ISD) and theater teacher Michael Richard from Stacey Junior-Senior High School (Lackland ISD) were surprised in their classrooms by the H-E-B entourage on Monday.
The H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards are the largest cash prizes awarded to Texas teachers. Now in its 16th year, the program has awarded $8.5 million to Texas educators. Along with the monetary awards, teachers and principals are surprised in their schools surrounded by excited students and colleagues.
The Leadership category honors teachers with 10-20 years in the classroom. Finalists each received a check for $1,000 for their schools, and another $1,000 for themselves. Statewide winners in the category will each receive a $10,000 check for themselves and a $10,000 grant for their schools.
Other categories include Rising Stars, Lifetime Achievement, Principal, Early Childhood, and School Board.
H-E-B has announced that five more San Antonio-area finalists will be announced this week. Carrasco and Richard are invited, along with all finalists, to compete on a statewide level in Austin on May 6-7 for larger cash prizes totaling $430,000.
