Educators from Austin ISD have been recognized as finalists in the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards, a program that honors exceptional school professionals. Karen Terry, a counselor at Bertha Sadler Means Young Women’s Leadership Academy, and Wendall Norris, a Spanish teacher at Lively Middle School, were surprised by H-E-B staff and Superintendent Matias Segura on January 30 when they were announced as finalists.
Terry is competing in the School Counselor category and received $1,000 personally along with $1,500 for her campus. Norris is a finalist in the Teacher category and also received $1,000 personally along with $1,000 for his campus.
The awards aim to highlight the dedication of educators who consistently support students and families. The finalists will compete for statewide awards ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. Winners will be announced at a ceremony scheduled for May 4 at the Hilton Austin. A total of $480,000 will be distributed statewide.