Pictured, Allen is surprised during her school day by representatives from H-E-B, faculty from the school, members of the school board and H-E-Buddy himself.

Sara Allen, a teacher at Cullen Elementary School in Kyle, was one of 50 finalists for the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards in Central Texas. According to a news release, the H-E-B Excellence in Education Award is “one of the nation’s largest monetary awards programs for educators.” Each finalist, along with their school, will receive a check ranging from $1,000-$2,500. These finalists from all across Texas then compete for “statewide awards ranging from $5,000-$25,000,” stated the news release. The winners of the award will be announced on May 4, at an event in Austin. Allen is one of three finalists from Hays County. Pictured left, Allen is surprised during her school day by representatives from H-E-B, faculty from the school, members of the school board and H-E-Buddy himself.