Gonzales Primary named H-E-B Excellence in Education finalist 

H-E-B has announced five early childhood facilities — including one in Gonzales — five public school boards, and eight school districts throughout Texas as finalists in the 2025 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards program.

This year, H-E-B will award $90,000 to the 18 finalists ($5,000 each). All finalists will go on to compete for even greater prizes at the statewide level in May. To determine the winners, a panel of judges will tour each finalist’s campus to engage with administration, staff, parents, and community members. Winners will be announced at the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards ceremony on Sunday, May 4 at the Hilton Austin. 

If selected, one early childhood facility will receive $25,000; one or more school boards will receive up to $25,000; one large school district will receive $100,000; and one small school district will receive $50,000.

Additionally, 50 Texas teacher, counselor, and principal finalists will be announced between January and March during a series of surprise visits to schools and classrooms across the state.

The 2025 early childhood facility, school board, and school district finalists are:

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION FACILITIES

●  Calvin Vincent Early Childhood Center (Texas City ISD, Texas City)

●  Dr. Sarah K. Jandrucko Early Learners Academy (Mansfield ISD, Arlington)

●  Early Childhood Development Center (Corpus Christi ISD, Corpus Christi)

●  Gonzales Primary Academy (Gonzales ISD, Gonzales)

●  Wylie Early Childhood Center (Wylie ISD, Abilene)

SCHOOL BOARDS

●  Clear Creek ISD

●  Gregory-Portland ISD

●  Lamar CISD

●  New Braunfels ISD

●  Plano ISD

LARGE SCHOOL DISTRICTS

●  Mansfield ISD

●  Midlothian ISD

●  Prosper ISD

●  Spring Branch ISD

●  Tomball ISD

SMALL SCHOOL DISTRICTS

●  Lubbock-Cooper ISD

●  Medina Valley ISD

●  Montgomery ISD

Call for 2026 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards Nominations

Nominations for the 2026 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards are now open to all state-certified public school professionals currently working in Texas. Teachers, counselors, principals, early childhood centers, school boards, and districts can win cash prizes for their outstanding work. Nominations will close on September 28, 2025. Nominate your favorite Texas educator at  http://heblovesteachers.com/nominate.