On Saturday, April 30, H-E-B announced the statewide winners of the 20th annual H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards during a banquet ceremony in Austin.
Out of a pool of 58 finalists, 12 recipients were selected for recognition by judges, including Ritu Gandhi, Morales Elementary science teacher who was named the Leadership Elementary winner.
The Leadership category honors teachers with 10 to 20 years in the classroom. Winners received a $10,000 check for themselves and a $10,000 grant for their school.
As Gandhi stepped up to the podium to receive her award, she shed tears of joy as she delivered her acceptance speech.
“I teach these kids because I don’t want them to miss any opportunity in this world that they can pursue,” Gandhi said. “I believe that it takes a village to raise a child to give them that protective environment. I’m grateful to be a part of this village.”
Gandhi has been teaching at Morales Elementary for 20 years as a kindergarten through fourth grade science teacher.
Pasadena ISD was also recognized this year in the Large School District category as a top five finalist.
For the full list of winners, click on the following link: https://newsroom.heb.com/winners-named-at-2022-h-e-b-excellence-in-education-awards/
Pictured from left to right: Assoc. Superintendent Dr. Troy McCarley, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Karen Hickman, Kendrick Middle School sixth grade teacher Cassandra Castillo, Pasadena Memorial H.S. Principal Jeremy Richardson, Ritu Gandhi's husband Lalit Kumar, Morales peer facilitator Pat Lozano, former Morales Principal Lisa Haws, Morales Principal Jennifer Condado, H-E-B award recipient Ritu Gandhi, Superintendent of Schools Dr. DeeAnn Powell, Sam Rayburn H.S. Principal Vanessa Reyes, School Board President Marshall Kendrick, Assoc. Superintendent Dr. Angela Stallings, Pasadena H.S. Principal Laura Gomez and Lewis C.T.H.S Principal Steve Fleming.