(Video courtesy of H-E-B)
By: Jade Wise
Pasadena ISD Communication
South Houston Intermediate Principal Laura Gomez was recently announced as the winner of the 2019 H-E-B Excellence in Education secondary principal of the year award.
Gomez, who was named a finalist for the award earlier this year, learned of her win during the 18th annual H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards ceremony at the Fairmont Hotel in Austin this past weekend.
“When I heard them announce my school and my name during the ceremony, I was completely speechless,” said Gomez. “I am very humbled and excited, but for me, this isn’t just a recognition for one person. I am surrounded by great people both within our campus and district that work together to build trust and achieve our goals. That collaboration is priceless to me.”
Gomez was selected as the winner by a panel of judges including former winners, school administrators, and university and community leaders.
“For the judges to be able to recognize our successes in serving our community is something that means so much to me,” said Gomez. “I even had judges tell me that what we are doing at our campus is incredible because our data doesn’t reflect your campus’ demographics.”
Gomez has spent her entire 25-year educational career in Pasadena ISD and the last 13 as principal of South Houston Intermediate. She says some of her greatest pride comes from seeing former students succeed after they leave SHI.
“When you see former students going off to Stanford, MIT or even Harvard, it’s just a great feeling knowing that you got to play a tiny part in the path that they took,” said Gomez.
In addition to winning the prestigious award, Gomez received a $10,000 cash prize and a $25,000 grant for South Houston Intermediate.
She said that the grant will go towards various campus programs, technology upgrades and general needs around the school.
South Houston Intermediate Principal Laura Gomez was recently announced as the winner of 2019 H-E-B Excellence in Education secondary principal of the year award.