Recently, Red McCombs was recognized by Hyundai USA with its first ever Education Partnership award, acknowledging significant contributions made by a Hyundai dealer toward the advancement of education within their community.Hyundai presented Red McCombs and his daughter Marsha Shields, the dealer principal, with an oil portrait on behalf of their continued work in the community through the Red McCombs Partnership in Education (PIE) program. The Red McCombs PIE program began as a means of honoring outstanding school district employees for exceptional service in the field of education. All school district employees are encouraged to participate in nominating noteworthy colleagues whom they feel are deserving of special recognition on their campuses or in their fields. From this pool of nominations, school district personnel select the top–five candidates to contend for the Red McCombs School House Award. The McCombs family reviews these top candidates and ultimately selects one award winner, who receives the Red McCombs School House Award plaque, a photo opportunity with Red McCombs, and a set of gift certificates from participating businesses. The mission behind the PIE program is to give back to the community by acknowledging and encouraging the efforts of school district employees whose determined and unflagging commitment to education might otherwise go unnoticed. The PIE program, unlike a typical teacher recognition program, seeks to recognize excellence in the efforts of all school district employees, not just educators. It takes an entire educational system working efficiently and effectively in order to provide the requisite environment to cultivate successful students. From administrators to staff members to paraprofessionals, the school district nominees and award winners continue to be selected from various areas, positions, and segments of the educational system. The McCombs family has always been at the forefront of giving back to the San Antonio community, and they have set the precedent for leadership in the field of education. Their pragmatic attitude toward education is conveyed through the motto of the PIE program: “Our Children’s Future Depends on Our Commitment to the Educational System.” Accordingly, the PIE program continues to expand as it strives to meet the school districts’ needs on multiple levels. Local business participation has also grown, now including discounts and special benefits for school district employees at various businesses, from restaurants to retail stores. Also in attendance at the presentation of this prestigious Hyundai Education Partnership award were the PIE program founders, Speedy Gonzalez, VP of Operations for McCombs Enterprises, and his wife Dr. Jo Ann P. Gonzalez, Director of the PIE program.
