Surprised on campus: Comal ISD teachers get $500 grants and 2026 Alamo Bowl tickets

Surprised on campus: Comal ISD teachers get $500 grants and 2026 Alamo Bowl tickets by Jessica Warner Mon, November 9, 2026 at 2:54 PM 3 VIEW ALL PHOTOS Three Comal Independent School District teachers were surprised on their campuses with $500 grants as part of a program that recognizes educators for their impact in the classroom and community. (SBG San Antonio) Comment on this story 0 Comment Share story Share topics: Extra Yard for Teachers Comal ISD Valero Alamo Bowl College Football Playoff Foundation Teacher Grants PNC Bank New Braunfels Bulverde NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas - Three Comal Independent School District teachers were surprised on their campuses with $500 grants as part of a program that recognizes educators for their impact in the classroom and community. The Valero Alamo Bowl and PNC Bank awarded the grants through the College Football Playoff Foundation’s Extra Yard for Teachers program. Comal ISD said the three teachers are among 30 San Antonio-area educators being recognized this year. The honorees are Lauren Matalon of Bulverde Middle School, Brandi McKinney of Kinder Ranch Elementary School and Ashley Ramirez of Indian Springs Elementary School. Comal ISD said students and colleagues joined the celebrations as the teachers were surprised at their campuses. “There are very few moments in life when I have been truly surprised, and this award was definitely one of them,” Ramirez said. “An award of any kind always feels shared in large part with my team, our administration and our staff. “I began teaching because I wanted to be part of something greater than myself. As a mother and educator, I believe in the power of what we do and in the impact we are creating together within Comal ISD.” Ramirez has been teaching for 16 years and currently teaches fourth grade, according to the district. In addition to the $500 grant for classroom resources, each teacher will receive tickets to the 2026 Valero Alamo Bowl and special recognition at the game, Comal ISD said. This year’s game is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 29. “I love football and sports in general,” McKinney said. “I am excited to attend the Alamo Bowl, and I am truly honored to be included. It will be wonderful to watch other teachers be recognized and celebrated as well.” McKinney has been teaching for 16 years and currently teaches prekindergarten, Comal ISD said. The district said education is a second career for McKinney, who spent 14 years in the U.S. Air Force and credits her military experience for her success in the classroom. “I teach because I truly love what I do. I love watching kids grow and knowing that I was just a small part of their journey. I don’t think there is a better career than one where you know you can make a difference in the lives of children,” McKinney said. Matalon, a seventh-grade science teacher who has been teaching for seven years, said the recognition is validating. “It makes me feel like I am making a positive impact and that my hard work is being recognized,” Matalon said. “I teach to help students find things they are interested in, make science engaging and build connections with my students. I am honored to be honored.” The Extra Yard for Teachers program is part of a national initiative by the College Football Playoff Foundation. The Valero Alamo Bowl began offering the program locally in 2021, according to Comal ISD. Trending Family of five killed after SUV leaves wet IH-10 overpass in Seguin, parents identified Rain-slicked IH-10 in Seguin turned deadly when a Chevrolet Tahoe left an overpass near FM 725, killing a Porter family of five, including three children. FM 725 was shut for hours as police investigate. 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