H-E-B will announce winners during a ceremony on May 3.
SAN ANTONIO — A Southside ISD school has been named as a finalist in H-E-B’s 2026 Excellence in Education Awards, which honor Texas educators and schools going above and beyond for students and their communities.
Menchaca Early Childhood Center is one of five early childhood facilities selected throughout the state, alongside schools in San Marcos, Austin, Gregory-Portland, and Fort Worth.
The recognition comes as part of a statewide program that also named five public school boards and eight school districts as finalists. Each early childhood facility, school board, and district finalist receives $5,000, with the chance to compete for larger prizes at the statewide level in May.
H-E-B will announce winners during a ceremony on May 3, awarding up to $25,000 to one early childhood facility, up to $25,000 to a school board, and up to $100,000 to one large school district. A panel of judges will visit each finalist’s campus to meet with administrators, staff, parents, and community members.
The Texas grocer will also announce 50 teacher, counselor, and principal finalists between January and March during a series of surprise visits to schools and classrooms across the state.
Nominations for the 2027 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards are now open for Texas teachers, counselors, principals, early childhood centers, school boards, and districts. Nominations close September 30, 2026.