Fort Bend ISD (February 5, 2025) – The 11th grade history class of Dr. Alicia “Dawn” Adkins was interrupted at Kempner High School this morning by the H-E-B Excellence in Education surprise squad.
The team had an oversized $1,000 check and the grocery chain’s mascot “Buddy” with them as they announced in front of Adkins’ class that she is one of five finalists for an H-E-B award given to secondary school teachers.
Adkins put her hands over her mouth in stunned surprise as her students cheered and one shouted, “We’re so proud of you Dr. Adkins!”
“Thank you so much, wow!” Adkins said. Adding later, “I am shocked and stunned. I wasn’t expecting it at all but it’s amazing.”
Kempner High School was also awarded $1,000 because Adkins won a finalist spot.
FBISD Board Vice President Rick Garcia, Trustee Dr. Shirley Rose-Gilliam, Trustee Angie Hanan, several of the district’s leadership team members, and Kempner Principal Dr. Danielle Jackson were all present to applaud and congratulate Adkins.
She stands to win the top prize in H-E-B’s Leadership Award category for teachers. She said it does not matter whether someone is in a factory, a Fortune 500 company, or a classroom, there is one trait that sets strong leaders apart: they listen to those they are leading.
“Ask the people who are under you,“ she said. “Listen to the people who are under you. They’re the ones who can help you the most. If my students tell me they are frustrated or having difficulty, I could push ahead or stop and listen to them and take care of what is frustrating them. Then, we as a unit will do a heck of a lot better.”
Adkins will find out if she wins her category at H-E-B’s annual Excellence in Education Awards ceremony in Austin on May 4, 2025. The company bills the event as “The Oscars for Educators.”
