Two San Antonio-area Educators Honored at H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards

San Antonio, Texas

Two outstanding educators from the San Antonio area were recently recognized for their exceptional work at the 22nd annual H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards in Houston. Julie Minnis, a counselor at Dr. Hector P. Garcia Middle School, and Michelle Fine, a principal at John Glenn Elementary School, both representing Northside ISD, were among the distinguished honorees at the event.

The awards ceremony, which celebrates excellence in the field of education, honored a total of seven teachers, one counselor, one principal, two school districts, one early childhood facility, and a public school board for their dedication and commitment to education in Texas.

Julie Minnis, who received the H-E-B Excellence in Education Counselor Secondary Award, expressed her gratitude for the recognition, stating, “I am extremely honored to be the first recipient of this award. H-E-B’s mission to support Texas public schools is commendable, especially during these challenging times. As a school counselor, much of our work is done behind the scenes, and I am grateful for the opportunity to shine a light on the important role counselors play in our education system.”

Michelle Fine, the principal at John Glenn Elementary School, shared her thoughts on the award, saying, “I am extremely proud of the dedication and commitment that I see on a daily basis at John Glenn. Our teachers and staff go above and beyond to ensure every student and family feel welcomed and supported. This recognition is a testament to our collective effort to provide a safe and nurturing learning environment for our students.”

Former Houston Texans star J.J. Watt delivered the keynote address at the event, praising the educators for their tireless efforts in shaping the future generation. The winners received a total of $480,000 in cash awards and grants, highlighting H-E-B’s ongoing support for educators in the state.

Since its inception in 2002, the Excellence in Education program has awarded over $13 million in cash and grants to teachers and schools in Texas, making it the largest program of its kind in the state and the nation.