May 14, 2026 - A second-grade elementary teacher and a middle school math teacher were crowned this year’s District Teachers of the Year during Comal Independent School District’s annual Night of Stars banquet on May 7. Becky Clinton from Arlon Seay Elementary and Kayce Davis from Pieper Ranch Middle School were named the 2025-2026 elementary and secondary district teachers of the year.
“I was completely shocked,” says Davis, who is completing her 16th year in public education and her fourth year at PRMS. “It was beyond humbling and overwhelming, in the best way!”
Clinton feels the same.
“I was in in shock, and more than anything, I am honored and grateful,” says Clinton, who is completing her 19th year in public education and 12th year in Comal ISD. “I am happy to share this honor with my family. They have been my strength and inspiration through the years. I will never forget the look on my husband’s face when my name was announced. He was so proud of me. Our children grew up in Comal ISD, so every day I think of the teachers who gave their best to my kids and then pay it forward to the families I serve.”
As the daughter of coaches and teachers, Davis says she grew up watching her parents work tirelessly with or without recognition. Being honored in this way was not something she had ever considered.
“To be able to honor their legacies and for people to see even a piece of my mother in me, means everything to me. I could name dozens of educators who deserve an award like this. Every day, teachers across the nation show up to work and give it everything they have. We place our battles outside of our classrooms and enter with a smile, ready to teach.”
For Clinton, the key to connecting with her students is building a classroom culture where relationships thrive. After spending five summers as a camp counselor honing her teaching skills, students today attend school at ‘Camp Clinton,’ which she has affectionately dubbed her classroom.
“In this environment, my students become risk takers and deep thinkers. They become aware of themselves and more importantly, others,” Clinton says. “We get to spend each day together learning and loving each other in a way that is both meaningful and fun.
“I didn’t choose teaching. Teaching chose me.”
Clinton and Davis were each presented with a $500 check from the Comal Education Foundation.
In addition to announcing these winners, the district honored each campus teacher of the year at the banquet along with few additional awards.
Special Awards
The district surprised four teachers and staff members with special awards at the banquet including Rookie Teacher of the Year, Professional Support Staff of the Year, Educator of the Year and Assistant Principal of the Year.
This year’s Rookie Teacher of the Year award was presented to Kendall McGarity, a chemistry teacher and coach at Smithson Valley High School. Principal Dr. Stacia Snyder said this about her.
“Ms. McGarity is an exceptional first-year chemistry teacher who brings a spirit of innovation to her classroom and actively seeks out new strategies to enhance student engagement. She has also made an impact on the wrestling mat, coaching a state champion wrestler. As an SVHS alumna, she serves as role model for students, exemplifying Ranger pride, perseverance and success.”
This year’s Professional Support Staff of the Year award was presented to Alina Smith, senior associate at Canyon Middle School. Principal Chelsea Hill said this about her.
“Mrs. Smith is the definition of ‘above and beyond.’ She doesn’t just fulfill her job description; she anticipates the needs of the front office before they even arise. Her commitment to public education is seen in her unwavering focus on student success. She is the heart of the campus, both reliable and compassionate.”
This year’s Educator of the Year award was presented to Blake Pearson, librarian at Bulverde Middle School. Principal Mary Stults said this about him.
“On a daily basis, Mr. Pearson delivers highly engaging lessons that transform the library into a classroom of discovery. He has a unique ability to connect with students, sparking a genuine love of reading in even the most reluctant learners. His dedication to the community and to public education is unwavering, and his student-first mentality and tireless work ethic are unmatched. He is truly loved by all.”
This year’s Assistant Principal of the Year award was presented to Laura Adams from Goodwin Frazier Elementary School. Principal Pricelda Delgado said this about her.
“With extensive experience as a teacher and instructional coach, Mrs. Adams brings a wealth of knowledge to her role as assistant principal. She is a proactive, student-centered leader who prioritizes visibility, equity and collaboration. She consistently goes above and beyond to support campus events in the evening and on the weekends. She simply shows up.”
Comal ISD 2025-2026 Campus Teachers of the Year
Annually, each campus at Comal ISD names a Campus Teacher of the Year. The 2025-2026 Campus Teachers of the Year were honored during the Night of Stars banquet. Here is a list of those honorees.
Elementary
- Arlon Seay – Becky Clinton
- Bill Brown – Reagan Wilson
- Clear Spring – Amy Arrambide
- Comal Creek – Monica Sralla
- Farias-Spitzer – Yadira Buentello
- Freiheit – Madison Moos
- Garden Ridge – Mary Jimenez-Fischer
- Goodwin Frazier – Terri Hartman
- Hoffmann Lane – Kelly Carter
- Indian Springs – Ashley Ramirez
- Johnson Ranch – Carrie Neal
- Kinder Ranch – Brandi McKinney
- Mayfair – Keri Park
- Morningside – Clarissa Castillo
- Mountain Valley – Matt Herzog
- Oak Creek – Avri DiPiertro
- Rahe Bulverde – Kimberly Huffman
- Rebecca Creek – Jennifer Fraser
- Specht – Lisa LaLonde
- Startzville – Candace Sandon
- Timberwood Park – Hayley Boydston
Secondary
- Bulverde Middle School – Lauren Matalon
- Canyon High – JoDee Meyers
- Canyon Lake High – Ron Perry
- Canyon Middle – Samantha Hennig
- Church Hill Middle – Ivy Armitage
- Comal Discipline Center – Wendy Inman
- Danville Middle – Trevor Leslie
- Davenport High – Erica Garcia
- Hill Country College Preparatory High – Christina Varvel
- Life Bridges East – Andrea Stephens
- Life Bridges West – Brett Davis
- Memorial Early College High – Sheena Hamiter
- Mountain Valley Middle – Nydia Tijerina
- Pieper High – Luis Sosa
- Pieper Ranch Middle – Kayce Davis
- Smithson Valley High – Nikki Rudloff
- Smithson Valley Middle – Eric Clark
- Spring Branch Middle – Tricia Maynard
Night of Stars
Throughout the evening, honorees were treated to student talent including special performances by the Goodwin Frazier Elementary School Choir directed by Jessica Lopez, and welcome music by Canyon High School Pianist Daniel Vauter taught by Leticia Rodriguez. In addition, theatre students from Smithson Valley High School under the direction of Tony Henke and Judy Adams stepped in as the evening’s paparazzi as guests arrived.
Each table featured a beautiful floral arrangement created by the Smithson Valley High School floral design students under the direction of teacher Erin Brehm, and members of the district’s Student Ambassadors group helped greet guests and serve the meal.
The banquet was sponsored by the Comal ISD Council of PTAs.
Night of Stars 2026 Banquet Photo Album
-Pictured from left is Kayce Davis and Becky Clinton who were named the Secondary and Elementary District Teacher of the Year, respectively, for Comal ISD on May 7.
-Laura Adams was named Comal ISD Assistant Principal of the Year.
-Blake Pearson was named Comal ISD Educator of the Year.
-Alina Smith was named Comal ISD Professional Support Staff of the Year.
-Kendall McGarity was named Comal ISD Rookie Teacher of the Year.