The Recognition Places Three San Antonio Teachers Among 48 Finalists Statewide, with Winners to Be Announced in May
Three San Antonio Independent School District educators are being recognized at the state level after being named finalists for the 2026 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards.
District leaders, alongside representatives from H-E-B, surprised the teachers this week with the announcement, marking a major milestone in one of Texas’ most competitive education honors.
Oscar Garcia of CAST Med High School, Silvia Corado of Graebner Elementary, and Grecia Aguilera of Madison Elementary are now among 48 finalists selected from across the state. The finalists will compete for six statewide awards to be announced in May.
“At H-E-B, we are proud to recognize the educators who uplift their communities, ignite a passion for learning and show the difference one dedicated individual can make in the lives of students across the state,” said Winell Herron, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs, Diversity and Environmental Affairs. “These finalists reflect the spirit, strength and resiliency that define Texas.”
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Each teacher is competing in a specific category based on experience. Aguilera was selected as a finalist for the Rising Star Award in elementary education, recognizing educators with 10 years of experience or less. Garcia is a finalist for the Leadership Award in secondary education, which honors educators with 10 to 20 years of experience. Corado is a finalist for the Lifetime Achievement Award in elementary education, reserved for those with more than 20 years in the classroom.
As part of the recognition, each finalist received $1,000 for personal use and an additional $1,000 for their respective schools.
The H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards program, established in 2002, honors outstanding public school professionals across Texas. Since its inception, the program has awarded nearly $15 million in funding to teachers, counselors, principals, school districts, and early childhood centers.
Winners will be announced during a statewide awards gala in Houston on May 3. Learn more at H-E-B here.
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