SMCISD Teacher Named H-E-B 2020 Excellence In Education Award Recipient

Staff Reports

On Tuesday, H-E-B announced the statewide winners for the 19^th annual H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards and handed out $430,000 in cash awards and grants.

The awards went to eight educators, two school districts, an early childhood agency and a public school board in Texas.

The winners were announced during a virtual Toast to Texas Teachers organized by the #TeachersCan initiative in celebration of National Teacher Appreciation Week, and included surprise appearances from Matthew McConaughey, Eva Longoria, Matt Bonner and Kendra Scott.

“I am honored to work with Diana Garcia,” Principal Elena Villanueva of DeZavala Elementary School said. “Diana uses every learning opportunity to teach our students about how they can make the world a better place. Diana’s legacy will carry on by her students and what she has instilled in them. Teaching is a calling of the heart and Diana is an excellent example of public education.”

Diana Garcia from DeZavala Elementary School received the Lifetime Achievement Award, which salutes teachers with more than 20 years of experience. Lifetime Achievement Award recipients receive $25,000 cash rewards for themselves and a $25,000 grant for their schools.

H-E-B launched the Excellence in Education Awards program in cooperation with the Texas Association of School Administrators in 2002 as a positive way to support public education in Texas.

It has become the largest monetary program for educators in the state, spotlighting best practices, and celebrating the passion and creativity of Texas educators.