December 18, 2025 - Three Comal ISD teachers have been selected by the Valero Alamo Bowl and PNC Bank for the Extra Yard for Teachers program which recognizes 30 San Antonio-area educators who make a lasting impact in their classrooms and communities.
The three which include Julie Bice from Timberwood Park Elementary, Melanie Wilkes from Indian Springs Elementary and Cassie Perkins from Pieper Ranch Middle School were surprised at their campuses with students and colleagues joining the celebrations.
“I am incredibly grateful for this recognition,” says Wilkes who has been teaching for 13 years and currently teaches first grade. “Teaching is a team effort, and I feel fortunate to work in a community that values educators and celebrates the work we do. This honor reminds me why I love teaching and motivates me to continue giving my students the very best.”
Each teacher receives a $500 grant for classroom resources, tickets to the 2025 Valero Alamo Bowl and special recognition at the game. This year’s game is Dec. 30 featuring USC vs. TCU.
“Being recognized at such a large event feels surreal, and I’m grateful for the opportunity,” says Bice, who has been teaching for 22 years and currently teaches fifth grade English language arts and social studies. “It’s not every day that teachers get celebrated publicly and being honored in front of the community means so much. It’s a reminder that the work we put in matters and is seen.”
A self-proclaimed ‘huge football fan,’ Perkins remembers attending the Alamo Bowl with her family a few years ago and being proud that teachers were being recognized on the field. She never imagined she would be one of them on day.
“I am truly humbled to receive this honor,” says Perkins who has been teaching for 18 years and currently teaches seventh grade Texas history and serves as a coach for volleyball, basketball, track and softball. “I genuinely love what I do, and I am incredibly passionate about building meaningful connections with my students. I plan to use the funds from this award to purchase supplies that will allow my students to engage in hands-on activities and learning experiences outside the traditional classroom setting.”
The Extra Yard for Teachers program is part of a national initiative by the College Football Playoff Foundation. The Alamo Bowl started offering the program locally in 2021.
Congratulations!
Photo Descriptions
-Pictured from left is PNC Bank Vice President of Client and Community Relations Ashley Harris, Pieper Ranch Middle School Principal Tony Trevino, Extra Yard for Teachers honoree Cassie Perkins and President/CEO of San Antonio Bowl Association Derrick Fox.
-Pictured from left is Timberwood Park Elementary School Principal Kim Lyssy-O’Bryant, Extra Yard for Teachers honoree Melanie Bice, PNC Bank Regional President Chris Sherman and President/CEO of San Antonio Bowl Association Derrick Fox.
-Pictured from left is PNC Bank Regional President Chris Sherman, Extra Yard for Teachers honoree Melanie Wilkes, Indian Springs Elementary Principal Diadra Williams, the ISES Coyote and President/CEO of San Antonio Bowl Association Derrick Fox.