Trinity Prize in Teaching Excellence Honors 16 Area Educators

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 District

Braden Cain

East Central Independent School District

Lindsey Pollok

Edgewood Independent School District

Brielle Morgan

Fort Sam Houston Independent School District

Jodie Koth

Harlandale Independent School District

Alexander Olivarez

Judson Independent School District

Cristina Holland

Lackland Independent School District

Domini Joseph

North East Independent School District

McKenzie Kah ’13, M’16

Northside Independent School District

Angela Detlaff

Randolph Field Independent School District

Daniel Carmean

San Antonio Independent School District

Miryam Gonzalez

Somerset Independent School District

Zochil Jaime

South San Antonio Independent School District

Cynthia Perez

Southside Independent School District

Priscilla Ortegon

Southwest Independent School District

Carlos Gilberto Perez

Winston School San Antonio

Carrie Clewett