March 9, 2022 — Rolling Hills Elementary School principal Cherish Pipkins is a state finalist for the H-E-B Excellence in Education Principal Award. The H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards highlight public school educators across the state of Texas who show exemplary leadership and dedication to their students and community.
“I can’t put into words how elated I am,” said Cherish Pipkins, principal of Rolling Hills Elementary School. “I’m not only excited for myself, but for the school and the community. Every time we’re doing something, we’re all doing it together.”
H-E-B announced Mrs. Pipkins as a finalist during a surprise visit to Rolling Hills Elementary. Students, staff, district leadership, and Mrs. Pipkins’ family welcomed her with a standing ovation and loud cheers as she made her way to the stage.
During the announcement, local H-E-B Store Manager, Rebecca Bowden, recognized Mrs. Pipkins for her hard work and leadership throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The past few years have been difficult for educators and students. We thank you for sticking through it and continuing to show up every day and make a difference in your students’ lives,” said Bowden as she presented Mrs. Pipkins with an award check.
Successfully navigating obstacles through leadership is just one of the criteria needed to become a finalist for the H-E-B Excellence in Education Principal Award.
“It was a challenge bringing the students and staff back to school following our year of virtual learning. My administration team and I worked to ensure that all of the protocols were being followed,” stated Pipkins. “However, we were able to overcome those challenges with the help of dedicated students, parents, and teachers.”
Cultivating a positive campus culture is another criterion for becoming an H-E-B Excellence in Education Award finalist. Students expressed their enthusiasm about coming to school each day and interacting with Mrs. Pipkins and their teachers.
“Mrs. Pipkins is a great principal because she cares about us. She also helps the teachers make learning fun and interesting. I love being at school,” said Donald Richards Williams, a fifth-grader at Rolling Hills Elementary.
“Mrs. Pipkins influences me to come to work and give 100% every day,” declared Sierra Manning, fifth-grade teacher at Rolling Hills Elementary.
Each day, Mrs. Pipkins provides the students and staff with the tools needed to help them have a successful school year. For Lancaster ISD superintendent, Dr. Katrise Perera, Mrs. Pipkins’ selection as an H-E-B Excellence in Education finalist comes as no surprise.
“Mrs. Pipkins’ work and commitment to Rolling Hills has been extraordinary,” said Dr. Perera. “She always says, 'it's excellence all around’, and her staff and students exhibit excellence every day.”
As an H-E-B Excellence in Education award finalist, Mrs. Pipkins was awarded $1,000 and Rolling Hills Elementary was awarded $2,500. The overall winner of the Principal Award will receive $10,000 and their campus will receive $25,000.
The H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards ceremony is April 30 in Austin.
