Representatives from H-E-B made a surprise visit this week to Ysleta ISD’s Parkland Pre-Engineering Middle School, where they announced that teacher Alejandro De La Peña is a finalist for the H-E-B Excellence in Education Award, recognizing his outstanding dedication and commitment.
De La Peña, who teaches Special Education, is among several educators across Texas who were announced as finalists in a series of surprise classroom/campus visits in February and March. As a finalist, he was presented Tuesday with a $1,000 check for himself and a $1,000 check for Parkland Pre-Engineering Middle School.
Service & Success
This is the second time De La Peña has been named a finalist for H-E-B Excellence in Education Award. His achievements also include winning a National LifeChanger of the Year Spirit Award and a $5,000 prize for helping his school raise hundreds of thousands of dollars in grant money and making a difference in the lives of students.
During his time at Parkland Pre-Engineering Middle School, De La Peña has helped showcase student and community spirit through Christmas gift giveaways and events like NspirED@thePark (where community members share inspiring stories of overcoming obstacles) and SEL@thePark awards (to celebrate community members who help build and promote a positive social-emotional learning environment).
“This recognition is a validation for my students, parents, and our community. No matter what’s happening in the world, I want to show them they can be themselves, keep doing good, and dream big—even in a city like El Paso, anything is possible."
Championing Those Who Inspire
Through its Excellence in Education, H-E-B seeks to honor educators who go the extra mile each and every day to serve their students and their communities, inspiring others to do the same. Since the program’s inception in 2002, H-E-B has awarded millions of dollars in funding to outstanding Texas teachers, counselors, principals, public schools, school districts, school boards, and early childhood facilities.
A statewide panel of judges, independent of H-E-B, conducts personal interviews with each finalist to determine the winners. Winners of the 2026 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards will be announced at a ceremony in Houston in May, where $480,000 will be awarded.