Originally posted on March 27, 2025

Student's heads turned quickly as the H-E-Buddy mascot shopping bag walked through the halls of Comanche Springs Elementary School on Thursday. The real surprise, though, was waiting inside one of the school's classrooms. 

Cameras were already focused on Kelly Taylor, the school's counselor, as she taught a lesson.

She thought it was for a promotional video for EMS ISD.

Her mouth dropped when H-E-Buddy, along with representatives from H-E-B and EMS ISD, and her husband, entered the room with balloons, cookies and excitement.

As the first-grade students cheered, Taylor learned she was a finalist for the statewide H-E-B Excellence in Education School Counselor award.

Nominated by Destiny Womack, the school's assistant principal, as a finalist, Taylor receives $1,000 and the school receives $1,500.

Taylor and the other four state finalists will be together at the H-E-B Excellence in Education Gala in May in Austin when the winner is announced.

We are #EMSproud of Kelly Taylor, who is also the EMS ISD Elementary Lead Counselor, for this well-deserved, prestigious recognition.

Read More about Kelly Taylor

Comanche Springs Counselor Named Regional Counselor of the Month, February 2023: www.emsisd.com/CSEScounselor

Read More about the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards

heblovesteachers.com