H-E-B announces nine South Texas educators as finalists for their statewide awards program

HARLINGEN, Texas – H-E-B has announced nine South Texas educators as finalists for their statewide 2025 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards.

The program gives cash prizes to teachers, counselors and principals who “go the extra mile to serve their students and their communities.” 

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 recognized nine South Texas finalists, awarding $20,500 to educators and schools.

“Finalists for the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards represent the very best of Texas,” Jill Reynolds, H-E-B Public Affairs Manager, said. “They embody the passion, resilience, and dedication that make our state great. At H-E-B, we believe every person in Texas counts, and these educators exemplify the profound impact one person can have in shaping the future of our communities and beyond.”

One of the winners was Dr. Valerie Paredes of Harlingen Collegiate High School.

Here is a video recording of Paredes winning here award:

Here the nine finalists from South Texas:

Marisa Flores
Flour Bluff Elementary School, Flour Bluff ISD
Lifetime Achievement Elementary

Cindy Gonzalez
J.P. LeNoir Elementary, Donna ISD
Rising Star Elementary

Amanda Hawes
Faulk Elementary School, Aransas Pass ISD
Leadership Elementary

Mary Martin
Weslaco High School, Weslaco ISD
Lifetime Achievement Secondary

Christine Martinez
Cathey Middle School, McAllen ISD
Leadership Secondary

Vanessa Ortegon
Francisco Farias Elementary School, Laredo ISD
Principal Elementary

Dr. Valerie Paredes
Harlingen Collegiate High School, Harlingen ISD
School Counselor Secondary

Natalie Vidal
Memorial High School, McAllen ISD
Rising Star Secondary

Jessica Vigstol
Treasure Hills Elementary School, Harlingen ISD
School Counselor Elementary

Thousands of state-certified public school educators currently working in Texas were nominated across multiple categories:

• Teacher
• School Counselor
• Principal
• Early Childhood
• School Board
• School District

The complete list of statewide finalists will be announced later this spring. The winners for the 2025 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards will be announced at a ceremony at the Hilton Austin on Sunday, May 4, 2025, where $480,000 will be awarded.

The post H-E-B announces nine South Texas educators as finalists for their statewide awards program appeared first on Rio Grande Guardian.