On Sunday, May 4, H-E-B announced statewide winners for the 23rd annual H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards during an awards ceremony in Austin, Texas. The awards ceremony brought together hundreds of educators, education officials and other leaders from across the state, including the elected members of the Lamar CISD Board of Trustees, who were named this year’s top winning school board and recipients of a $25,000 grant for the district. 
During the awards ceremony, a total of $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.  

“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,” H-E-B Senior Vice President of Public Affairs, Diversity and Environmental Affairs Winell Herron said in a statement. “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.” 

Current members of the Lamar CISD Board of Trustees include Zach Lambert, President (District 1); Jacci Hotzel, Vice President (District 4); Jon Welch, Secretary (District 5); Mandi Bronsell (District 3); Kay Danziger (District 2); Suzanne Box (District 7); and Joe Hubenak (District 6). 

“Our district is growing fast, and it takes an enormous amount of commitment and passion – both for the people who make up our district and for our shared mission to educate students – to be an effective trustee here,” said Lamar CISD Superintendent Dr. Roosevelt Nivens, who joined board members in Austin for the statewide awards ceremony. “Our Lamar CISD school board members are truly elite, and I’m so proud to see their dedication recognized and rewarded.” 

During his acceptance speech on behalf of the board, Lamar CISD Board President Zach Lambert thanked the superintendent and his fellow trustees and noted the role of the community in making schools successful. 

“This recognition for our team reflects all of us – our shared belief that when local communities come together to lead with vision, support our educators, and put students first, great things happen,” President Lambert said. 

Earlier in the spring, H-E-B awarded a total of $90,000 to this year’s 18 finalists, an award of $5,000 each. Finalists went on to compete at the statewide level, including a visit from a panel of judges who toured each finalist’s campus or district to engage with administration, staff, parents and community members. Regional judges visited Lamar CISD in mid-February.  

Additionally, 50 Texas finalists including teachers, counselors, and principals were announced between January and March during a series of surprise visits to schools and classrooms across the state. 

Since its inception in 2002, the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards program has awarded more than $14 million in funding to educators who, as the organization says, “go the extra mile to serve their students and their communities.”  

In concluding his remarks, President Lambert encouraged fellow awardees and other attendees at the ceremony to continue their efforts, and to continue believing in the future of Texas schools and those they serve. 

“We hear a lot of noise these days that public schools are failing, but that’s not our story. Look around this room. That’s not the story of Lamar CISD, and it’s not the story of so many public schools across Texas,” he said. “We are proud to serve, proud of our schools, and proud to prove every day that public education still works.” 

For more information about the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards program – including a full list of this year’s winners – click HERE.