SAN ANTONIO, TX (October 20, 2026) – Firstmark Credit Union is pleased to announce the first-ever recipient of the Firstmark Influencer of Tomorrow Award, Jennifer Grimes, a librarian at Valley Hi Elementary in Northside ISD.
Throughout her 10 years in NISD, Grimes has gone above and beyond to create a warm, inviting, and invigorating learning experience for her students. By investing almost $12,000 of her own money into the library and enlisting the help of her loving husband and nominator, Grimes transformed the Valley Hi library into more than just a place that holds books. Each corner is filled with seasonal decorations, uplifting quotes, and colorful paintings that promote literacy and curiosity in the young minds at the Title I school.
Grimes’ commitment to ensuring children have access to books, regardless of their financial status, reaches beyond her own school. She frequently works with businesses to provide free books for students and even hosts three Little Libraries in the surrounding community.
“Mrs. Grimes’ extraordinary care for her students was what made her stand out,” said Marisa Pérez-Díaz, Vice President of Community & Public Relations at Firstmark Credit Union. “Her impact across the community is exactly the kind of education influencer we were dreaming of honoring when we created this award. We’re delighted to give our very first Firstmark Influencer of Tomorrow Award to an outstanding, compassionate educator like Mrs. Grimes.”
This monthly initiative celebrates one outstanding education professional making a meaningful difference in early childhood through 12th-grade public, private, or charter schools and communities across San Antonio and surrounding counties. Each selected educator receives a $1,000 monetary award, a personalized trophy, and official Firstmark Credit Union recognition across all digital platforms.
“I’m always trying to make sure our kids don’t have limits to their access to the world!” said Grimes. “This is the best place that connects them to the world.”
Here is a folder of photos and video clips you can use courtesy of Firstmark Credit Union.
Firstmark is accepting nominations from August 1, 2026 through May 1, 2027. Parents, students, colleagues, and community members can nominate an outstanding educator through the Firstmark Credit Union website.
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About Firstmark Credit Union:
Firstmark Credit Union is a member-owned financial institution established in 1932. Founded by a group of teachers almost 95 years ago, today, Firstmark has grown to over $1 billion in assets with almost 100,000 members. Firstmark’s member-first philosophy extends beyond banking, empowering financial success while investing in education, supporting educators, and strengthening the communities our members call home. The Firstmark Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity, complements this commitment by making a tangible, positive impact in the education community through the collective support of its membership. For more information about Firstmark, please visit firstmarkcu.org.
