Eisenhower Science Teacher Remelia Arpino Named H-E-B Excellence in Education Award Finalist

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Eisenhower High School science teacher Remelia Arpino, second from left, poses with the $1,000 check she received from H-E-B for being named one of five state finalists in H-E-B’s Excellence in Education Lifetime Achievement Award (secondary). Pictured with Aripno are Eisenhower High School principal James Metcalf, left, and representatives from H-E-B, including the organization’s mascot, H-E-Buddy.

Eisenhower High School science teacher Remelia Arpino received a pleasant surprise on Jan. 30 when representatives from H-E-B and the school dropped into her classroom to let her know that she had been selected as one of five state finalists for the H-E-B Excellence in Education Lifetime Achievement Award at the secondary level.

Arpino and the school each received a $1,000 check, and if she is named the overall winner (H-E-B will announce the winners in all categories in the spring), she could also receive an additional $25,000, as will Eisenhower High School.

Eisenhower High School Principal James Metcalf said he has been impressed with Arpino’s dedication to her students for over 15 years. He said she was very deserving of this honor.

“Remelia is a highly passionate secondary educator who believes that everyone deserves a quality education, and she always looks forward to making a difference in every learner’s life as well as the educational institution,” Metcalf wrote in his letter of recommendation, nominating her for the award. “She is constantly searching for the best opportunities to offer her students through professional advancement and networking with universities, institutions, and the community.”

Arpino was also nominated by Eisenhower High School Assistant Principal Kesha Bolton for the award.

During her 30-plus years in education, Arpino has earned numerous honors. She has won the Eisenhower High School Going the Extra Mile Award; she was Eisenhower’s Teacher of the Year for the 2017-18 school year, the Science and Engineering Fair of Houston Teacher of the Year in 2020, the Outstanding Texas High School Science Teacher of the Year in 2022 and earned the Yale Educator Award in 2023. She also mentored a group of Eisenhower students who won the METRO Bus Shelter Design competition in 2022.

Arpino received her bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s in science from the University of Southeastern Philippines.

Arpino also dedicates her time to many worthy causes inside and outside education. She has served as the head curriculum writer for Environmental Systems and AP Environment for Aldine ISD, as head facilitator for sciences during district staff development, as a team leader over Biology at Eisenhower, and as lead sponsor for the International Culture Club at Eisenhower. She also volunteers with the Red Cross Disaster Assessment Team, is a St. Matthew’s Catholic Church Music and Dance Ministry member, and volunteers with the Houston Food Bank and the International Culture Club. She also volunteered at the George R . Brown Convention Center during Hurricane Harvey.

Arpino said she was incredibly honored to be named a H-E-B Excellence in Education Award finalist.

“Being selected as a finalist for the H-E-B Educator Lifetime Achievement Award holds profound significance for me,” she said. “This recognition validates the importance of my daily contributions and reminds me that the flame of passion for nurturing students doesn’t diminish with experience. Instead, it emphasizes the responsibility of experienced educators to set the stage for those entering the profession and become role models of true dedication and commitment.”

Arpino, who teaches IB Biology, IB Environmental Systems & Societies, and Environmental Systems, said she is thankful she chose education as a profession.

“Teaching holds immense significance for me as it provides the opportunity to nurture young minds and impart skills that extend far beyond the confines of the classroom,” Arpino said. “The influence I have can extend across generations, as my students may go on to become future parents and leaders. Consequently, quality education becomes paramount in shaping individual lives and contributing to the well-being of society. Having highly dedicated educators is a gift to society.”

She added she was thankful to work with such an excellent staff of fellow dedicated educators at Eisenhower.

“I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support and trust of my colleagues and administrators at Eisenhower High School, without whom many of my initiatives would not have been possible. Additionally, I extend my heartfelt thanks to all my students and the organizations I sponsor, especially the Culture Club and NHS (National Honor Society), for their continuous support of my endeavors outside the classroom.”

Created in 2002, the H E B Excellence in Education Awards are designed to honor outstanding public school professionals and to thank them for their dedication and commitment. Through this program, H-E-B seeks to pay tribute to educators who go the extra mile daily to serve their students and their communities and inspire others to do the same.