May 21, 2025 - Two math teachers were crowned the best of the best during Comal Independent School District’s annual Night of Stars banquet on May 13. Fifth-grade math teacher MaryLou Ramirez from Comal Creek Elementary and high school math teacher Wendy Nosal from Davenport High School were named the 2024-2025 elementary and secondary district teachers of the year.
“When I heard the announcement, I was surprised, overwhelmed and emotional,” says Nosal, who has been teaching for 15 years and with Comal ISD for four. “With so many superb, amazing teachers from other schools in the district, I thought surely it wasn’t me, maybe they made a mistake.
“I feel appreciated and supported by Comal ISD. Now, my goal is to be the teacher that everyone thinks I am.”
That, of course, is not a problem for Nosal who was recently selected by two students to attend the 24th Annual Jan Heckendorn Academic Recognition banquet because if the impact she has had on their educational journey.
“I’ve had many proud moments in my life, but this recognition felt different – it reached deep in my heart,” says Ramirez who has been teaching for 11 years and is completing her first year with Comal ISD. “It wasn’t just a personal honor; it was a celebration for everyone who has been a part of my journey – my family, colleagues, fellow educators, students and friends.
“I hold this recognition with profound gratitude and see it as a reflection of the amazing people and purpose that surround me every day. This isn’t just an award; it’s a lifelong reminder of the impact we can make when we lead with heart, purpose and faith in our students.”
Ramirez and Nosal 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 given to Breana Hernandez, a biology teacher and coach at Smithson Valley High School. Principal Stacia Snyder said this about her.
“While she is only in her first year of teaching, Ms. Hernandez is committed to growing as a teacher and finding the best ways to meet the diverse needs of her students. Beyond her classroom responsibilities she coaches two sports, girls basketball and track.”
This year’s Professional Support Staff of the Year award was given to Michelle Garnica, senior associate at Pieper Ranch Middle School. Principal Lauran Knight said this about her.
“She has had a profound and lasting impact on our campus, consistently improving the efficiency and functionality of the department while supporting both staff and students. Her organizational expertise and attention to detail have made her an essential part of the daily operations, allowing the campus to function smoothly and effectively.”
This year’s Educator of the Year award was given to Tammy Toye, campus instructional coach at Oak Creek Elementary. Principal Valerie Harari said this about her.
“She brings innovative ideas to her role by collaborating with all grade level teams to introduce new approaches to critical writing. She demonstrates a strong commitment to public education. Her enthusiasm, dedication and selflessness have had a lasting impact on both the staff and students at Oak Creek.”
This year’s Assistant Principal of the Year award was given to Leah Stephenson from Startzville Elementary School. Principal Casey Calland said this about her.
“Ms. Stephenson’s leadership is marked by a genuine passion for education, a keen eye for identifying areas of improvement, and a consistent focus on the well-being of the entire school community. Her enthusiasm and willingness to serve are truly contagious, and they play a significant role in creating a positive, supportive environment at Startzville Elementary.”
Comal ISD 2024-2025 Campus Teachers of the Year
Annually, each campus at Comal ISD names a Campus Teacher of the Year. The 2024-2025 Campus Teachers of the Year were honored during the Night of Stars banquet. Here is a list of those honorees.
Elementary
- Arlon Seay – Josh Jones
- Bill Brown – Roxanne Deleon
- Clear Spring – Lauren Starkey
- Comal Creek – MaryLou Ramirez
- Farias-Spitzer – Bryan Duarte
- Freiheit – Kate Ryder
- Garden Ridge – Amber Mummert
- Goodwin Frazier – Jennifer Martinez
- Hoffmann Lane – Jessica Fairburn
- Indian Springs – Melanie Wilkes
- Johnson Ranch – Alyssa Keilers
- Kinder Ranch – Jana Smith
- Morningside – Cara Stautzenberger
- Mountain Valley – Madison Jordan
- Oak Creek – Rebecca Thummel
- Rahe Bulverde – Rebecca Johnson
- Rebecca Creek – Renee Medina
- Specht – Ashley Mathews
- Startzville – Michelle Moon
- Timberwood Park – Julie Bice
Secondary
- Bulverde Middle School - Conner Ayers
- Canyon High – Michael Saberian
- Canyon Lake High – Mary Beth Gallagher
- Canyon Middle – Christal King
- Church Hill Middle – Hillary Rubel
- Comal Discipline Center – Alishea Cuellar
- Danville Middle – Jaycee Gavlick
- Davenport High – Wendy Nosal
- Hill Country College Preparatory High – Juanita Delgado
- Life Bridges – Casey Gilbert
- Memorial Early College High – Micah Montgomery
- Mountain Valley Middle – Vivian Nguyen
- Pieper High – Heather Draker
- Pieper Ranch Middle – Cassie Perkins
- Smithson Valley High – Erika Hughey
- Smithson Valley Middle – Chris Breen
- Spring Branch Middle – Andrew Price
Night of Stars
Throughout the evening, honorees were treated to student talent including special performances by second-grade square dancers from Goodwin Frazier Elementary School directed by Jessica Lopez, Smithson Valley Middle School Jazz Band directed by James Hargreaves and the Pieper High School Pitch Piepers directed by Andrew Specht. In addition, theater students from Canyon Middle School under the direction of Melissa Warner 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 Firstmark Credit Union and the Comal ISD Council of PTAs.
Congratulations to all the honorees!
Photo descriptions
Night of Stars 2025 Banquet Photo Album
-Mary Lou Ramirez and Wendy Nosal were surprised when they were announced as the Elementary and Secondary District Teacher of the Year, respectively.
-Mary Lou Ramirez was named Comal ISD Elementary District Teacher of the Year.
-Wendy Nosal was named Comal ISD Secondary Teacher of the Year.
-Leah Stephenson was named Comal ISD Assistant Principal of the Year.
-Tammy Toye was named Comal ISD Educator of the Year.
-Michelle Garnica was named Comal ISD Professional Support Staff of the Year.
-Breana Hernandez was named Comal ISD Rookie Teacher of the Year.
-Comal ISD campus teachers of the year for 2024-2025 school year.