In a classroom at Hughes Elementary School, resilience is taught daily, mistakes are celebrated as growth opportunities and every student walks in knowing they belong. It's the kind of environment that changes kids for the better— and H-E-B is shining a well-deserved spotlight on it.
Margo Anderson, a Gifted and Talented specialist at Hughes Elementary School, has been named one of ten finalists in the North Texas region for the 2026 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards, one of the most prestigious educator recognition programs in Texas.
As a Lifetime Achievement Award finalist, an honor that recognizes educators with 20+ years in the profession, Anderson will receive $1,000 for herself and her campus, with winners set to be announced at a ceremony in May.
"I want them to feel like this is their home, and they are safe to learn, grow and reach their greatest potential," Anderson said. "By building those skills of resilience and perseverance, they can meet those challenges — not just for the year I'm teaching them, but once they leave me and carry it with them."
Anderson isn't the only one earning Prosper ISD recognition at the state level. The district itself was named a Large District Winner of the H-E-B Excellence in Education Award in 2025 — a testament to values that champion students and cultivate a culture of excellence across every campus.
Anderson has spent the last five years in Prosper ISD serving gifted and talented students in grades K-5, crediting the district for giving her the freedom to build the program she always envisioned.
"When I came to Prosper, I was given the autonomy to create a program and an environment where I knew my students could be successful," she said. "It was the trust that was given to me that made the biggest difference."
Her approach goes beyond academics. Anderson is intentional about making sure students are emotionally grounded before the learning even begins — creating an environment and relationship where students feel safe enough to take risks, fail, and try again.
One fifth grade student shared, "Whenever I step into her class, it makes me feel loved even though I'm at school. She says she considers us all one big family. She lets us be ourselves and treats us like her best friend, not just a student."
For Anderson, being named a finalist is about more than personal recognition. It's a celebration of public education at its best.
"It's the one place where we open the doors wide to everybody," she said. "No matter where you come from or what your background or ability is, we're happy you're here. Now we're going to do our best to make sure that you are successful."