Trinity University, in partnership with Whataburger, recognized 16 teachers from the San Antonio area for outstanding performance in public education. Each honoree received the 2025 Trinity University Prize for Excellence in Teaching at a special ceremony on Friday, May 9, 2025, in Laurie Auditorium on the University's campus. View photos from the event.
These committed educators were chosen by their school district for their commitment and passion for education. Among the criteria for inclusion on the list are outstanding classroom performance, leadership in the school and school district, leadership in the education profession, and outstanding service.
"This is a joyful celebration for us each year at Trinity when we come together to honor distinguished educators and celebrate all teachers and the essential role that they play in this community, our state, the nation, and in the world," says Angela Breidenstein '91, M'92, Ed.D., professor and chair of Trinity's Department of Education. "In the face of the day-to-day predictability of teaching and the unparalleled change and challenge of being an educator, this year’s awardees are teaching and leading in responsive, inventive, inclusive, caring, and needed ways."
Thanks to the generosity of Whataburger through its Feeding Student Success program, this year's prize winners each received a $1,000 cash prize, a $350 Amazon gift card for a student organization or effort of their choice at their school, and a Whataburger gift box, including free Whataburger for a year. Whataburger also provided the event catering, which the teachers and their guests immensely enjoyed.
The honorees also received a commemorative hand-blown glass apple designed by Garcia Art Glass, and a City of San Antonio commendation from Mayor Ron Nirenberg '99.
“I was honored to represent Whataburger along with several members of our team at the 2025 Trinity Prize for Excellence in Teaching event, celebrating the dedication and passion of 16 of our hometown educators,” says Debbie Stroud, Whataburger CEO.
Taniece Thompson-Smith, the 2024 State Teacher of the Year in Texas, served as the keynote speaker for the ceremony. “I was deeply moved by the stories of the 16 honorees—each one a testament to the resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment that educators bring to their classrooms every day,” Thompson-Smith says. “To each honoree, your passion fuels change. Your impact extends far beyond the walls of your schools.”
2025 Trinity Prize for Excellence in Teaching Honorees
Alamo Heights Independent School DistrictBraden Cain
East Central Independent School DistrictLindsey Pollok
Edgewood Independent School DistrictBrielle Morgan
Fort Sam Houston Independent School DistrictJodie Koth
Harlandale Independent School DistrictAlexander Olivarez
Judson Independent School DistrictCristina Holland
Lackland Independent School DistrictDomini Joseph
North East Independent School DistrictMcKenzie Kah ’13, M’16
Northside Independent School DistrictAngela Detlaff
Randolph Field Independent School DistrictDaniel Carmean
San Antonio Independent School DistrictMiryam Gonzalez
Somerset Independent School DistrictZochil Jaime
South San Antonio Independent School DistrictCynthia Perez
Southside Independent School DistrictPriscilla Ortegon
Southwest Independent School DistrictCarlos Gilberto Perez
Winston School San AntonioCarrie Clewett