Zapalac Honored at HEB Excellence in Education Banquet

Last weekend, Kylee Zapalac, a 2017 graduate of SHS, was honored at a banquet hosted by HEB Excellence in Education. As a top 5 finalist in the state (as we previously reported when she was surprised on campus with the news), she was previously awarded $1,000 for her and $1,000 for LGISD and was invited to an all expense paid weekend in Austin where she competed in an interview to vie for the number one spot. Kylee competed in the Rising Star category as an educator with less than 10 years of experience and was awarded a Tiffany plaque for her accomplishment. Part of her bio in the program at the event read: “Kylee Zapalac is an agricultural science educator who transformed La Grange High Schools agricultural program into a thriving and dynamic experience for students, She expanded the program from minimal offering to a robust department with overt 200 students, integrating floral design, livestock management, and agricultural mechanics, She is also the driving force behind her students’ success in FFA competition, leading La Grange’s first-ever Dairy Judging Team to qualify for state competition. Kylee is passionate about hands-on, career focused education that connects students to realworld agricultural practice . ... Through her dedication, leadership and innovative approach, she is preparing the next generation of agriculture professionals and leaders.”