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Nominations open, 25th Annual H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards to give more than $1 million in cash prizes
August 4, 2026

Nominations open, 25th Annual H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards to give more than $1 million in cash prizes

August 4, 2026

Nominations open, 25th Annual H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards to give more than $1 million in cash prizes

Anyone can nominate an outstanding Texas educator until September 30

To commemorate 25 years of excellence in education, H-E-B will award more than $1 million in cash prizes to Texas educators and their schools through the 2027 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards program. Nominations are now open, and anyone can nominate their favorite teacher, counselor, principal, school district, school board or early childhood facility and help them win their share of more than $1 million. Nominations are open until September 30, 2026 at HEBLovesTeachers.com/nominate.

Do you know an excellent educator?
Nominate them for the 2027 Excellence in Education Awards!

NOMINATE

Since the awards program began in 2002, H-E-B has awarded more than $15 million to outstanding Texas public school professionals who have gone the extra mile to serve their students and their communities.

“For 25 years, the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards have celebrated Texas educators whose commitment reaches far beyond the classroom,” said Winell Herron, H-E-B Senior Vice President of Public Affairs, Diversity and Environmental Affairs. “Their dedication to strengthening our communities and preparing the next generation of Texas leaders reflects the very best of public education. In this milestone year, H-E-B is proud to increase our investment in the people and institutions driving meaningful, long-term impact across Texas.”

The increased cash prizes for 2027 winners and their schools are:

  • The Rising Star Award—one elementary and one secondary teacher with less than 10 years of experience will receive a $10,000 check for themselves and a $10,000 check for their schools.

  • The Leadership Award—one elementary and one secondary teacher with 10 to 20 years of experience will receive a $15,000 check for themselves and a $15,000 check for their schools.

  • The Lifetime Achievement Award—one elementary and one secondary teacher with more than 20 years of experience will receive a $30,000 check for themselves and $30,000 check for their schools.

  • Two counselors—one elementary and one secondary—each will receive a $15,000 check for themselves and a $20,000 check for their school.
  • Two principals—one elementary and one secondary—each will receive a $15,000 check for themselves and a $30,000 check for their school.

  • One early childhood facility will receive $50,000.

  • One school board will receive $50,000.

  • One small school district will receive $75,000.

  • One large school district will receive $150,000.

The increased cash prizes for 2027 winners and their schools are:

  • The Rising Star Award—one elementary and one secondary teacher with less than 10 years of experience will receive a $10,000 check for themselves and a $10,000 check for their schools.

  • The Leadership Award—one elementary and one secondary teacher with 10 to 20 years of experience will receive a $15,000 check for themselves and a $15,000 check for their schools.

  • The Lifetime Achievement Award—one elementary and one secondary teacher with more than 20 years of experience will receive a $30,000 check for themselves and $30,000 check for their schools.

  • Two counselors—one elementary and one secondary—each will receive a $15,000 check for themselves and a $20,000 check for their school.
  • Two principals—one elementary and one secondary—each will receive a $15,000 check for themselves and a $30,000 check for their school.

  • One early childhood facility will receive $50,000.

  • One school board will receive $50,000.

  • One small school district will receive $75,000.

  • One large school district will receive $150,000.

All state-certified public school educators currently teaching in Texas are eligible for the awards program, as well as Texas early childhood education centers/schools. Eligibility is not dependent on proximity to H-E-B store locations.

Educators who are nominated will receive an invitation to apply before November 1, 2026. While a nomination is not required to apply for an award, a nomination lets an educator know they are appreciated and should apply for the awards program.

Finalists and winners will be selected by a panel of judges composed of educators, administrators and community leaders throughout the state. Ten winners—six teachers, two counselors and two principals—along with an early childhood facility, public school board and two school districts, will be announced at an awards ceremony in Austin in Spring 2027. Each award recipient’s school will also receive a matching grant.

About the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards

Each year, the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards program awards cash prizes to honor outstanding public school professionals, and to thank them for their dedication and commitment. Through this program, H-E-B seeks to pay tribute to those educators who go the extra mile every day to serve their students and their communities and who inspire others to do the same.

Since the program’s inception in 2002, H-E-B has awarded more than $15 million in funding to outstanding Texas teachers, counselors, principals, public schools, early childhood centers, school boards and school districts. A longtime supporter of public education, H-E-B answers the call by donating more than $12 million each year to Texas education initiatives.

To learn more, visit HEBLovesTeachers.com.

About H-E-B

H-E-B, with sales of more than $50 billion, operates over 455 stores in Texas and Mexico. Known for its innovation and community service, H-E-B has served Texans for more than 120 years. Recognized for its fresh food, quality products, convenient services, and a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, H-E-B strives to provide the best customer experience and low prices. Based in San Antonio, H-E-B employs over 175,000 Partners in Texas and Mexico and serves millions of customers in more than 300 communities. For more information, visit heb.com and the H-E-B Newsroom.

About H-E-B

H-E-B, with sales of more than $50 billion, operates over 455 stores in Texas and Mexico. Known for its innovation and community service, H-E-B has served Texans for more than 120 years. Recognized for its fresh food, quality products, convenient services, and a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, H-E-B strives to provide the best customer experience and low prices. Based in San Antonio, H-E-B employs over 175,000 Partners in Texas and Mexico and serves millions of customers in more than 300 communities. For more information, visit heb.com and the H-E-B Newsroom.

About H-E-B

H-E-B, with sales of more than $50 billion, operates over 455 stores in Texas and Mexico. Known for its innovation and community service, H-E-B has served Texans for more than 120 years. Recognized for its fresh food, quality products, convenient services, and a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, H-E-B strives to provide the best customer experience and low prices. Based in San Antonio, H-E-B employs over 175,000 Partners in Texas and Mexico and serves millions of customers in more than 300 communities. For more information, visit heb.com and the H-E-B Newsroom.

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Spicytude Spices

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Rigo’s Dairy
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Oca Foods Peanut Butter

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Long Phung Food Products
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The Lavish Goat Bath Products

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Klein Smokehaus Bacon 

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Klein Smokehaus Oak Smoked Bacon is locally made and handcrafted on Boerne’s Hill Country Mile by native Texans the old-world way. This slow process and local oak creates bacon with a unique depth of aroma and flavor. Family owned and operated since 1950; Klein Smokehaus has deep roots in the Texas Hill Country. A nod to this German heritage and tradition, Klein’s specialty meat products are a true taste of history.

Jam-In Tools Crawfish Peeler

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JAM-IN Crawfish Tool, started as a simple idea to take the hassle out of crawfish boils. It has grown into a homegrown gadget that keeps the tradition of crawfish boils fun and accessible for all, with a product that’s tough, practical, and Texas through and through. From first timers to seasoned pros,   peeling crawfish can be quick, easy, and nail friendly. Proudly based in Dickinson, founder Joann Meguess works with local partners to build and package each tool right here in Texas.

Deli Spice Cooking Spices 

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