Yorktown High School History Teacher Valton Acree was surprised by HE- B last week with $1,000 as part of the company’s 2026 Excellence in Education Award.
Each year, the H-EB Excellence in Education Awards program awards cash prizes to honor outstanding public school professionals, and to thank them for their dedication and commitment. Through this program, H-E-B seeks to pay tribute to those educators who go the extra mile every day to serve their students and their communities and who inspire others to do the same.
H-E-B surprises South Texas finalist Yorktown High School History Teacher Valton Acree with $1000 for the 2026 Excellence in Education Award. Pictured Left to right HEB Representative Lynda, Lindy, award recipient Valton Acree, HEB representative Caden, and HEB Buddy Courtesy Photo
H-E-B representatives surprise outstanding teachers, counselors and principals across South Texas with the announcement that they are finalists for the 2026 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards, one of the nation’s largest monetary awards programs for educators.
Over the next few months, H-E-B will recognize 50 finalists across Texas, awarding $120,000 to educators and schools. Winners, who will receive cash prizes ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, will be announced at a ceremony in Houston on Sunday, May 3, where $480,000 will be awarded.
