Two HISD teachers got a big surprise this week, when they learned that they had been named finalists for H-E-B’s 2015 Excellence in Education Awards.

Michael Clark, who was named HISD’s own Secondary Teacher of the Year in 2011, was selected as a finalist in the Lifetime Achievement category at the secondary level, while Dr. Nghia Le, who was recognized by H-E-B in 2011 with the Rising Star Award, was chosen as a finalist in the Leadership category at the secondary level.

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The Lifetime Achievement Award is designed to recognize an educator with more than 20 years of experience in the classroom. Clark has been a teacher for almost a quarter century, with the last 15 of those years spent at Bellaire High School teaching Advanced Placement government and economics courses.

The Leadership Award is designed to recognize an educator with between 10 and 20 years of experience. Dr. Le has been teaching physical science and engineering now for 12 years, the last 10 of those at Booker T. Washington High School. The Rising Star award he won in 2011 was for educators with 10 years or less experience in the classroom.

H-E-B officials surprised both Clark and Dr. Le at their campuses on March 11 and 12 (respectively), with balloons, flowers, cakes, and giant checks. All finalists received $1,000 for themselves and $1,000 for their schools.

Clark and Dr. Le will compete against other finalists later this spring for the chance to win up to $25,000. The winners will be announced on May 3.

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