Blackshear Elementary Fine Arts Academy Principal Betty Jenkins and Bedicheck Middle School Principal Dan Diehl are finalists for the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards in the elementary and secondary principal categories, respectively.
Each winning principal will receive a $25,000 grant for their schools and $10,000 in cash for themselves.
Regional finalists in 10 categories were recently notified that they will advance to the statewide competition for the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards, the largest monetary awards program for educators in Texas.
To determine candidates, a panel of judges visits each district, early childhood facility and school board, tours campuses and talks with administration, staff, parents and community members.
A separate panel of judges chooses teacher and principal winners based on interviews held in person May 12. The statewide competition and awards banquet will be held on May 12-13 at La Cantera Hill Country Resort in San Antonio, featuring keynote speaker Neil deGrasse Tyson.
Now in its 15th year, the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards gives away $800,000 annually in cash, grants and gift cards.
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H-E-B launched the Excellence in Education Awards program in cooperation with the Texas Association of School Administrators in 2002 as a way to support public education in Texas. It has become the largest monetary program for educators in the state, spotlighting best practices and celebrating the passion and creativity of Texas educators.
Austin ISD is the largest school district in Central Texas, serving more than 83,000 students at 130 schools. Follow AISD on Twitter at @AustinISD or on Facebook at facebook.com/austinisd.