SAN ANTONIO — At South San Antonio ISD, David Padilla encourages his students to shoot for the stars.
KENS 5's Sarah Forgany presented Padilla with the KENS 5 Excel Award.
The Dwight Middle School STEM elective teacher is a first-generation U.S.-born immigrant. He comes from a small town in the Rio Grande Valley. Padilla’s love for teaching stems from his childhood teachers who set a great example.
The dedicated educator is known by his colleagues and students as a passionate teacher who makes learning fun and hands-on. You’ll see his students using paper airplanes as they learn about space and flight.
Padilla said he’s grateful for the recognition. It also makes him think of those around him who deserve the same.
"I’m honored, humbled, blessed at that,” Padilla said. “It’s not just for me, it’s on behalf of all the teachers that have been able to survive and still continue coming in on a day-to-day basis to do what we do.”