Eight Central Texas area 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.

Six teachers were presented with a $1,000 check for themselves and a $1,000 check for their schools. The two Austin ISD finalists are:

* David Walker, Liberal Arts and Science Academy High School, Austin ISD (Rising Star Secondary). Walker has been with AISD for 10 years and teaches Organic Chemistry and Geo Biology/Planet Earth.

* Shamaa Lakshmanan, The Ann Richards Schools for Young Women Leaders, Austin ISD (Leadership Secondary).  Lakshmanan has been with the district for 16 years and teaches Algebra 1, Pre Calculus, and Introduction to Engineering Design.

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.

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

Here is more information about the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards.

 David Walker 

Shamaa Lakshmanan