Aldine ISD Spring 2024

feature AISD NEWS EISENHOWER SCIENCE TEACHER ARPINO NAMED H-E-B EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AWARD FINALIST

Eisenhower High School science teach er Remelia Arpino received a pleasant surprise on Jan. 30 when represen tatives from H-E-B and the school dropped into her classroom to let her know that she has been selected as one of five state finalists for the H-E-B Ex cellence in Education Lifetime Achieve ment 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 im pressed with Arpino’s dedication to her students for more than 15 years. He said she was very deserving of this honor. “Remelia is a highly passionate second ary educator who believes that every one 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 in search of the best oppor tunities that she can offer her students through professional advancement and networking with universities, institu tions and the community.” Arpino was also nominated for the award by Eisenhower High School As sistant Principal Kesha Bolton. 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 Teach er 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 was also the mentor to a group of Eisenhower students who won the METRO Bus Shel ter Design competition in 2022. Arpino received her Bachelor of Sci ence Degree in Biology and a Master

of Arts in Science from the University of Southeastern Philippines. Arpino also dedi cates her time to many worth causes inside and outside of education. She has served as the head curriculum writer for Environ mental Systems

and AP Environ ment for Aldine

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, the importance of qual ity education becomes paramount in shaping individual lives and contribut ing to the well-being of society. Having highly dedicated educators is a gift to society.” She added she was thankful to work with such a wonderful staff of fellow dedicated educators at Eisenhower. “I am deeply grateful for the unwaver ing support and trust of my colleagues and administrators at Eisenhower High School, without whom many of my initiatives would not have been pos sible. Additionally, I extend my heart felt 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 pro fessionals and to thank them for their dedication and commitment. Through this program, H E B seeks to pay tribute to those educators who go the extra mile each and every day to serve their students and their communities and who inspire others to do the same.

ISD, served as head facilitator for sci ences during district staff development, served as a team leader over Biology at Eisenhower and has served as lead sponsor for the International Culture Club at Eisenhower. She also volunteers with the Red Cross Disaster Assess ment Team, she’s a member of the St. Matthew’s Catholic Church Music and Dance Ministry, volunteers with the Houston Food Bank, the International Culture Club and served as a volunteer at George R . Brown Convention Center during Hurricane Harvey. Arpino said she was greatly honored to be named a H-E-B Excellence in Educa tion 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 serves as a reminder that the flame of passion for nurturing students doesn’t diminish with ex perience. Instead, it emphasizes the responsibility of experienced educators to set the stage for those entering the profession, 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