And the Award Goes to...Jessica McMullen, Principal at RJ Richey Elementary!

 
McMullen said, “I am truly overwhelmed and deeply honored to be selected as a finalist and recipient of the H-E-B Excellence in Education Principal Award. I am genuinely surprised and immensely grateful for this honor. It is truly humbling to be acknowledged in such a meaningful way for the work I am so passionate about and that would only be possible with the phenomenal team I have surrounding me. This award and recognition is not just a reflection of my efforts, but a true testament to the encouragement and guidance I have received from my mentors, colleagues, friends, and family and the support I receive daily from our students, staff, and school community in BCISD!”
 
Later this spring, an awards ceremony will be held in which the statewide winners for the 22nd annual H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards will be announced. For the principal category, a statewide panel of judges, not affiliated with H-E-B, will conduct personal interviews with each finalist to select the winner. This honor is designed to recognize principals and is based on the following criteria:
•Leadership and Campus Culture
•Instructional Leadership and Management
•Communication and Community Relations
 
Superintendent Keith McBurnett shared the following, “Making the choice over three years ago to select Mrs. McMullen as principal in Burnet CISD was an easy one for our interview committee. With 22 years of experience in education and 15 years as a principal, the depth of her experience shined through, as did her love for students, and her passion for education being the building block of a student’s future. She truly brings the complete package of what any district wants in an elementary principal, and we are proud to have her on our team.”
 
McMullen concluded, “Receiving this award motivates me even further to continue striving for excellence and serves as a reminder to always model the Spirit, Pride, and Honor that students and our schools deserve paired with the joy that a proud public educator can have in making a positive impact and difference for our students.”
 
Created in 2002, the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards are designed to honor outstanding public school professionals and to thank them for their dedication and commitment. Through this program, H-E-B seeks to pay tribute to those educators who go the extra mile each and every day to serve their students and their communities and who inspire others to do the same.