For families across Comal ISD, the impact of a classroom grant often shows up in small but meaningful ways — a new robotics kit, hands-on science tools, or an innovative project that sparks a student’s curiosity. On Saturday, April 18, the Comal Education Foundation (CEF) will celebrate 25 years of making those moments possible at its annual ‘Prost to Education’ Gala, held at Wursthalle in New Braunfels.

The 7 p.m. event marks a milestone anniversary for the nonprofit organization that has quietly become a powerful force behind educational innovation in one of Texas’ fastest-growing school districts. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now available through the Comal ISD website.

Celebrating 25 Years of Educational Impact in Comal ISD

Since its founding, the Comal Education Foundation has focused on one mission: championing teachers and students across Comal ISD. Over the past 25 years, that commitment has translated into more than $1.8 million in grants supporting classroom innovation, new teacher grants, scholarships, student-focused programs, and districtwide initiatives.

With Comal ISD now serving approximately 30,000 students and continuing to grow, the need for educational support continues to expand alongside it.

“Since our founding, CEF has proudly championed teachers and students across Comal ISD,” says Steve Lyons, president of CEF. “As one of Texas’ fastest growing school districts, the need for educational support continues to rise, and we need everyone’s help to meet it.”

For residents in New Braunfels, Garden Ridge, Bulverde, and surrounding Comal County communities, the gala is more than a fundraiser — it’s a direct investment in local classrooms and the educators shaping the next generation.

Why Wursthalle? Honoring Community Traditions

This year’s 25th anniversary celebration will take place at Wursthalle, a venue chosen intentionally. Just as Wurstfest has long symbolized community pride and philanthropy in New Braunfels, CEF leaders see the foundation’s history as rooted in the same spirit of generosity and tradition.

The evening will feature both silent and live auctions, including several commemorative 25th anniversary pieces, creating opportunities for attendees to contribute while celebrating the legacy of educational support in Comal ISD.

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Grants That Change Classrooms — and Students’ Futures

Behind the numbers are real classrooms and real students. Tina Flores, a gifted and talented teacher at Indian Springs Elementary School, has been a three-time recipient of CEF grants. Over her 23-year teaching career, she has seen firsthand how grant-funded resources can reshape learning experiences.

“These grants have truly changed the trajectory of my teaching and provided my students with access to technology that would not have been possible otherwise,” says Flores who has been teaching for 23 years. “They have opened the door to meaningful hands-on learning and rich critical-thinking opportunities. As a GT teacher, I am always seeking innovative ways to expand my students’ learning, and CEF grants have made that possible.”

Through CEF funding, Flores has been able to purchase Lego Education Spike Essential and Spike Prime sets, Makey Makey invention kits, Snap Circuits kits, and Sphero coding robots — tools that bring STEM learning to life and prepare students for an increasingly technology-driven world.

For many families, these classroom enhancements would not be possible through traditional school budgets alone. Community-driven education foundations like CEF help bridge that gap.

Building the Future of Education in Comal County

The 25th ‘Prost to Education’ Gala is designed not only as a celebration of the past but as a vision-setting moment for the future of Comal ISD education. Organizers describe the evening as a chance to reflect on two and a half decades of impact while committing to continued growth and opportunity for future generations.

The foundation is encouraging community members to participate as sponsors, donors, or community champions — reinforcing the idea that public education in Comal County is strengthened when the broader community steps forward in support.

“We are inviting the entire community to join us in making this the biggest and best event in our history,” says Lyons. “Together, we can raise the bar for education and toast to 25 years of success.”

Event Details: 25th ‘Prost to Education’ Gala

• What: Comal Education Foundation 25th ‘Prost to Education’ Gala
• When: 7 p.m., Saturday, April 18
• Where: Wursthalle, 178 Landa Park Dr, New Braunfels, TX 78130
• Tickets & Sponsorships: Available through the Comal ISD website

As Comal ISD continues to grow, so does the responsibility to support its teachers and students in meaningful ways. For many in the community, this gala represents more than a celebration — it’s a reminder that local investment in education shapes the strength, opportunity, and future of Comal County itself.

For updates on more community initiatives supporting local schools in Comal ISD, stay connected with My Neighborhood News.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.