TEXAS, USA — The H-E-B Excellence in Education awards is going the extra mile by holding a giveaway until May 14, aimed at giving back to teachers, principals, school districts and early childhood centers.
All Texas public school teachers, principals and school districts, as well as early childhood education centers are eligible to win.
In 2002, the program began paying tribute to educators who go the extra mile to serve their students and the community. Now in 2021, H-E-B is having a "Texas Loves Teachers Tour" to kick off the celebration for the program's 20th anniversary.
The "Texas Loves Teachers Tour" consists of traveling around Texas visiting schools, school districts and early childhood education within 50 days and giving away $20,000 in H-E-B gift cards each week. At each stop, an appreciation event will be hosted for school staff, complete with H-E-B gift card giveaways, cash prizes and more.
In addition, H-E-B Excellence in Education will be giving away $100,000 in cash prizes to educators throughout the state during a "Virtual Tribute to Texas Teachers" on May 8. All public school districts, teachers and principals within Texas will be eligible to win, along with any early childhood facility.
Teachers, principals, districts and early childhood facilities can enter throughout the duration of the tour.
Jill Reynolds, H-E-B public affairs manager, said this program is so essential because it shines a light on teachers and all they do to educate children.
“Because of what the teachers have gone through we really want to come to them and show them that we appreciate what they’re doing. We know they’ve had a rough year so showing them some appreciation. While also bringing them some lunch and goodies from H-E-B, we really want this to be all about them," Reynolds said.
Laura Dunham, a high school family and consumer science teacher in Houston, was one of last year's winners and earned $5,000 for her school and $5,000 for herself.
Unfortunately because of the COVID-19 pandemic last year, she wasn’t able to physically attend the appreciation event, but was still so grateful to win the money because it allowed her to jumpstart things for herself and assist her students with things they needed.
“I was able to buy my students more art supplies for my sewing courses and that was great because it kept things sanitary and clean. With my personal money, I got to put money down to apply for my masters degree and further my education. I wouldn't be able to do that without the help of H-E-B,” Dunham said.
To find more information about the giveaway and where to apply, visit texaslovesteachers.com.