Stone Oak teacher Sue Kuentz was recently awarded the highest single award for teachers in the 2008 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards. She was chosen as the Lifetime Achievement winner among elementary school teachers. Along with this honor comes a cash prize of $25,000 for herself and $25,000 for her school.

"Mrs. Kuentz has unsurpassed devotion to our students and is a staff member I can always turn to when I need an assignment done," said Stone Oak Principal Terri Chidgey. "Our school is privileged to have Mrs. Kuentz as a staff member."

"This is what we do and this is what we love," said Kuentz. "I feel like I'm representing every single teacher who ever taught."

The H-E-B awards celebration took place on Sunday, May 4, 2008 in Houston, Texas. Ten awards were given that night for principals, school districts and teachers at the elementary and secondary level.

The categories recognized included: Rising Star (Elementary and Secondary), Leadership (Elementary and Secondary), Lifetime Achievement (Elementary and Secondary), Elementary School Principal, Secondary School Principal, Large School District and Small School District.

Hidden Forest teacher Lynn Balbert was also honored with a nomination in the Leadership category.  In all, more than 1,000 nominations were submitted from across the state. These North East teachers were two of only six finalists from San Antonio. Oak Meadow Elementary School kindergarten teacher Susann Belitzer achieved the semifinalist level, and received $250 in gift cards from H-E-B.

H-E-B's Excellence in Education Awards were created to celebrate and recognize the contributions of public school professionals whose leadership and dedication inspire a love of learning in students of all backgrounds and abilities. The finalists were chosen for their commitment to Texas children and their community.