By Jeff Wentworth
State Senator, District 25

Educators who inspire their students should be recognized for their accomplishments and their commitment to Texas students.

Unfortunately, teachers and principals are unsung heroes who often need advocates to remind others that “teachers affect eternity,” as Mark Van Doren said. H-E-B is such an advocate, and the corporation is again looking for educators who excel as classroom teachers or ad-ministrators.

Seven years ago, the corporation established the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards, one of the largest educator-recognition programs in the state. Since the program’s inception, more than $3 million in cash and grants have been awarded to teachers, principals and school districts.

The nomination and application process for the program is under way. Parents, students and educators’ colleagues may nominate their favorite teacher, principal or school district.  Educators and districts may nominate themselves.

All public school districts and state certified full-time public school teachers and principals who are in the H-E-B service area are eligible to be nominated. Applications are available at H-E-B stores or online at www.heb.com.

Nominations will be accepted through Dec. 19.  Nomi-nees will have until Jan. 11 to submit their completed applications. The winners will be announced at an awards celebration in Houston in May.

There are three divisions for the teaching award. Nominees for the Rising Star Award should have less than 10 years of classroom experience. One elementary and one secondary teacher will receive the Rising Star Award, which consists of a $5,000 cash prize plus a $5,000 grant to each winner’s school.

The Leadership Award will be given to one elementary and one secondary teacher who have 10 to 20 years of classroom experience. The winners will each receive a $10,000 cash prize plus a $10,000 grant to each winner’s school.

More than 20 years of classroom experience is needed to be nominated for the Lifetime Achievement Award. One elementary and one secondary teacher will each receive a $25,000 cash prize plus a $25,000 grant for each winner’s school.

One elementary school and one secondary school principal will receive a $10,000 cash prize plus a $25,000 grant for each of their schools. A total of 10 regional finalists will be awarded $1,000 each plus $2,500 for each of their schools.

In addition to the cash prizes awarded to teachers and principals, one large school district (3A, 4A or 5A) will receive $100,000, and one small school district (1A or 2A) will receive $50,000. Five regional large district finalists will be awarded $5,000 each, and three regional small district finalists will be presented cash prizes of $2,500 each.

I encourage students, parents, teachers and principals throughout Senate District 25 to participate in the Excel-lence in Education Awards program by nominating their schools and deserving educators.

Texas State Sen. Jeff Wentworth (R-San Antonio) represents District 25, which includes Comal County. He can be reached via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it tx.us.