Editor’s Note: The video above features coverage of the 2025 award ceremony.
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Ten educators in Central Texas were listed as finalists for the 2026 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards.
The Central Texas finalists include:
Marissa Marciel – Trinity Ranch Elementary School (Elgin ISD)
Megan McCune – Chapa Middle School (Hays CISD)
Megan Vasquez – Becker Elementary School (Austin ISD)
Azucena Overman – Cedar Ridge High School (Round Rock ISD)
Alasin DeVeny – Joslin Elementary School (Austin ISD)
Carol Reese – West Ridge Middle School (Eanes ISD)
Jennifer Blum – Adelton Elementary School (Bastrop ISD)
Molly Heath – Marble Falls High School (Marble Falls ISD)
Shannon Morrison – Thorndale Elementary School (Thorndale ISD)
Daniel Garcia – John B. Connally High School (Pflugerville ISD)
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The program awards cash prizes to educators who “go the extra mile to serve their students and their communities.”
H-E-B said it awarded $24,000 to the 10 finalists.
“Teachers were presented with a $1,000 check for themselves and a $1,000 check for their school; counselors were presented with a $1,000 check for themselves and a $1,500 check for their school; and principals received a $1,000 check for themselves and a $2,500 check for their school,” H-E-B said.
The winners are expected to be announced at a ceremony in Houston on May 3.
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