Gregory-Portland ISD wins H-E-B education award

Gregory-Portland ISD is the H-E-B Excellence in Education 2024 small school district statewide winner.

The annual H-E-B awards competition recognizes Texas schools and educators. Finalists and winners take home thousands in winnings. The program has awarded more than $13 million since 2002.

This year's prizes totaled $480,000.

As the small school district winner, Gregory-Portland ISD won $50,000.

H-E-B customers, employees and community members can nominate teachers, counselors, principals, school districts, early childhood facilities and school boards for recognition. Nominees then complete an application. Regional judging panels interview finalists.

Gregory-Portland ISD serves close to 5,000 students in San Patricio County.

In a text Monday, Superintendent Michelle Cavazos expressed gratitude for the Excellence in Education honor, crediting employees.

"We are proud of and grateful for our employees who go above and beyond for kids daily," Cavazos wrote. "...this is their award!"

Cavazos said the district plans to use the $50,000 to support employees.

"Our team is transforming lives and shining a positive light on the true value of public education and what it can do for every student and family," Cavazos wrote.

Cavazos thanked H-E-B for "ongoing support of public education."

This year, several other Coastal Bend districts had finalists recognized. The Corpus Christi ISD Board of Trustees was one of five finalists in the school board category.

Kolda Elementary School teacher Amalia Barragan, Windsor Park Elementary School principal Kimberly Bissell, Alice ISD's William Adams Middle School principal Samantha Srp and Port Aransas ISD's Brundrett Middle School teacher Trevor Green were also finalists in leadership and principal categories.

Last year, Corpus Christi ISD was the large school district winner, earning $100,000. Menger Elementary School principal Christina Barrera was also a 2023 winner in the principal category.

Here's who will lead 11 Corpus Christi elementary schools next year

Texas Education Agency responds to Corpus Christi ISD truancy complaint

Coastal Bend school leaders seek ways to advocate for schools

This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Gregory-Portland ISD wins H-E-B education award