Teacher Sarah Honore began her day like any other morning, not knowing what was waiting for her at Eastwood Early College High School. Happening inside the cafeteria was a surprise celebration, complete with a generous $25,000 check.
![](https://blogs.houstonisd.org/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/Sarah-Honore-EECHS-Kinder-Excellence-in-Teaching-Award-676x507.png)
Teacher Sarah Honore began her day like any other morning, not knowing what was waiting for her at Eastwood Early College High School. Happening inside the cafeteria was a surprise celebration, complete with a generous $25,000 check.
Rodrigus Graham, a sixth-grade math teacher at Lanier Middle School, was named the 2021 Kinder Award winner on Thursday, which included a cash prize of $25,000.
Graham received the award during a surprise ceremony in the school’s library. He was nominated by Assistant Principal Marcus Williams and originally thought he was heading a professional development session before being surprised with the award. WWE Hall of Famer and Houston native Booker T surprised Graham with a pre-recorded video announcing the Kinder Award honor.