The spotlight is on San Marcos’ own elementary school teacher Carol Fernandez. Kids see her in the classroom every day but now they have been seeing her on their TV screens. HE B is running an ad which features Fernandez and other Texas teachers who were a part of the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards. This program honors nominated teachers every year, awarding donations to finalists and their classroom. The Record interviewed Fernandez about her experience earlier this year, see article link below.
“Being featured in an H-E-B commercial has been a whirlwind of joy, surprise and pure fun. As a Gifted and Talented elementary school teacher with 35 years in San Marcos CISD, I never imagined becoming a familiar face on television screens across Texas. Yet here I am, and it has been an incredible experience,” Fernandez said.
Once the commercial started to air Fernandez saw an immediate effect. Her students started to call her a celebrity and her phone lit up with messages while her social media exploded.
“The reactions have been nonstop. Friends and family have reached out to say they saw me on television while eating out at Italian Garden. I’ve even made an unexpected appearance during a UT football game. One friend mentioned she saw me twice in less than 24 hours, once on YouTube and once on Prime Video,” Fernandez said.
“My mom says she sees me every morning while having breakfast and watching the morning news on KENS 5. I have become part of her daily routine. Several parents have mentioned spotting me on television.”
The reaction has been immense, she has even been asked for her autograph.
“My friends now call me their famous friend and say I am a star. One stated that she announces it every time the commercial comes on. Complete strangers have approached me and asked, “Are you the teacher on television?” or said, “You are the teacher on television.” It has been surreal, hilarious and incredibly heartwarming,” Fernandez said.
The celebration and recognition started when H-E-B surprised her in her classroom in January to announce she was nominated for the H-E-B Excellence Awards.
“It was a moment filled with surprise and celebration. I was completely shocked to learn that I had been selected as one of five statewide finalists for the Lifetime Achievement Award. The room came alive with balloons, flowers, cameras and the arrival of H-E-Buddy,” Fernandez said.
The energy was ecstatic and her students were thrilled and full of excitement; the classroom instantly turned into a party.
“Their joy made the experience even more meaningful. I felt overwhelmed, honored and deeply touched by H-E-B’s recognition and their incredible support for educators. It was a day that will stay in our hearts forever,” Ferenadez said.
“I have had so much fun throughout this experience. I am truly amazed by H-EB’s commitment to educators and their focus on community. They did not just recognize me. They honored the heart of teaching and the joy it brings to students and families. It was a beautiful reminder of why I love what I do.”
Read more about Fernadez’s experience with the H-E-B Excellence Awards at https://www.sanmarcosrecord.com/article/ 30366,smcisd-teacheracknowledged-for-35--years-of-educational-excellence.
