Alamo Heights High School special education teacher Monica Lopez is a state finalist in the 2026 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards.
The surprise announcement was made March 25 by H-E-B representatives and District leaders.
Lopez is one of five finalists in the “Rising Stars- Secondary” category which recognizes teachers with less than 10 years of experience. She received a $1,000 check for herself and a $1,000 grant for her school.
Lopez is in her 9th year of teaching and has been teaching at AHHS since 2023. She is currently a Special Education teacher and Business Incubator teacher. In 2024, she launched Heights Printing Co., a student-led print shop located on the Alamo Heights High School campus that provides students with disabilities the opportunity to engage in hands-on, real-world work experiences.
“This was the best surprise,” said Lopez. “I am truly honored to be recognized by HEB for all of the amazing things Heights Printing Co. has done for our campus. This recognition means that more people will learn about this incredible program and the amazing students who bring it to life every day.”
State finalists will be interviewed and grand prize winners announced in early May at an awards ceremony in Houston. The winner in the Rising Stars category will receive $5,000 for themselves and a $5,000 grant for their school.
“Monica defines success not through test scores but through transformation,” says Cory Smith, Alamo Heights High School Principal. “Her leadership in launching Heights Printing Co. speaks volumes about her initiative and vision. Beyond the products they create, the program’s true success lies in the transformation it inspires. Students who once struggled to find their voice now mentor peers, lead customer interactions, and beam with pride as they showcase their work to visitors.”
Nominations for the awards were submitted earlier this year by H-E-B customers, employees, and community members and a team of judges narrowed the field to the finalists. The program has awarded more than $14 million in cash and grants to Texas teachers and schools since 2002.