Seven Houston educators have been named finalists for the 2019 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards, spotlighting them as some of the best educators in Texas.

H-E-B’s Excellence in Education is the largest monetary awards program for educators in Texas, and among the largest in the nation. The honor was kept a surprise from the educators, who learned they were finalists when H-E-B representatives visited their classrooms and schools with balloons, cookies, and flowers.

Five teachers were presented with a $1,000 check for themselves and a $1,000 check for their schools. Two principal received a $1,000 check for themselves and a $2,500 check for their school. The finalists are:

• Dr. Nghia Le, Booker T. Washington High School & High School for Engineering Professionals, Houston ISD (Leadership Secondary)

• Leslyn Jacks, Katy Elementary, Katy ISD (Rising Star Elementary)

• Dr. Doreen Martinez, Memorial Parkway Elementary School, Katy ISD (Principal Elementary)

• Ryan Beeler, Spring Woods High School, Spring Branch ISD (Rising Star Secondary)

• Heather Villaloboz, E.C. Mason Elementary, Alvin ISD (Leadership Elementary)

• Karen Naiser, Bay Colony Elementary, Dickinson ISD (Lifetime Achievement Elementary)

• Laura Gomez, South Houston Intermediate, Pasadena ISD (Principal Secondary)

All finalists are invited to Austin on May 4-5 to compete on a statewide level for larger cash prizes totaling $430,000.

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