JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas –
Dr. Isabell Clayton, principal of Robert G. Cole Middle and High School, was honored as a finalist for the 2017 H-E-B Excellence in Education Award at a surprise assembly March 7.
Representatives from H-E-B, along with the H.E.Buddy mascot, made the announcement as middle and high school students cheered while Clayton accepted a $1,000 check for herself as well as a $2,500 check for the school.
“It is a humbling experience to be recognized as a finalist for this prestigious award sponsored by our community partner, H-E-B,” Clayton said. “I was overwhelmed by the response of students, faculty and staff and consider it an honor to serve our military community.”
Joining the celebration were Army Col. Mark Lee, deputy commander for Joint Base San Antonio and vice commander of the 502nd Air Base Wing; Army Col. David Raugh, commander, 502nd Force Support Group; and the Fort Sam Houston Independent School District Board of Trustees members Dr. Eustace Lewis, Willie White, Jeanne Warren and Deborah Seabron.
“Since her arrival in our district nine years ago, Dr. Isabell Clayton has proven herself to be an advocate for our military- connected students and their families,” said Dr. Gail Siller, FSHISD superintendent. “She is an instructional leader who cares about her staff and supports their efforts to design engaging, challenging and meaningful experiences for students.”
Fort Sam Houston Elementary School principal Dr. Joseph Cerna nominated Clayton for the award, which H-E-B launched in 2002 as a way to support public education in Texas and pay tribute to those educators who go the extra mile each and every day to serve their students and their communities and who inspire others to do the same.
Nominees complete an application, responding to questions about their professional experiences, educational philosophies and achievements both in and out of the classroom. A team of judges reviews the applications, narrowing the field to semi-finalists. From that pool, regional judging panels not affiliated with H-E-B, select finalists.
Clayton will enter final competition in Austin with the state winner announced at a dinner and reception to be held May 7. A statewide panel of judges, not affiliated with H-E-B, will conduct a personal interview with each finalist. The state winner will be awarded a $10,000 check for themselves and a $25,000 check for their school.
H-E-B’s Excellence in Education is the largest monetary awards program for educators in Texas, and among the largest in the nation.