April 21, 2026 - Annually, the Comal ISD Council of PTAs hosts a Founders Day celebration to honor the legacy of PTA and its roots in Texas as well as to honor district leaders and PTA volunteers for the outstanding contributions they have made throughout the year.
This year’s celebration showcased Canyon High School with performances by the award-winning Aristocats dance team, the varsity orchestra, the varsity choir and the varsity cheer team.
Students in the automotive program shared their passion and skills for restoring cars with an original 1967 black SS Camero displayed in front of the Performing Arts Center (PAC) during the event.
Additional CHS programs and students highlighted included Robotics, Air Force JROTC cadets and senior Jayden Sirianni who served as the event’s emcee.
Comal ISD Council of PTAs President Mary Meffert presented this year’s premier awards including the PTA Endeavor Award, the Extended Service Award and the PTA Founders Day Award.
The PTA Endeavor Award was presented to the Davenport High School PTSA for demonstrating exceptional dedication, creativity and impact within its school community. With 11 committed board members, the Davenport PTSA made a remarkable difference this year through meaningful programs that supported students, teachers and its community.
The Extended Service Award was presented to Melissa Howell, a former president of the Council who has devoted her time, energy and heart to PTA for more than a decade.
“Through her guidance, countless volunteers have grown into confident leaders, continuing the work she so passionately champions,” said Mary Meffert, Council president.
The PTA Founders Day Award was presented to Superintendent Dr. John E. Chapman III for his leadership, dedication and advocacy which has made a profound and lasting impact on the district’s community.
“At his core, he is an educator. He willingly invests extra time to share vital information, helping others understand current legislation and its impact on school districts, staff, families and students. His work has touched many lives, and his impact will be felt for years to come,” Meffert said.
As always, the highlight of the annual celebration was the presentation of the year’s winners in four categories which are awarded based on nominations made by PTA members throughout the district. The categories include assistant principal, principal, volunteer and student volunteer of the year.
This year, the PTA named the following leaders as assistant principals of the year: Kody Reahm from Farias-Spitzer Elementary, Meagan Hudek from Spring Branch Middle School and Lana Harrison from Pieper High School.
Principal of the year honors were presented to Nicole Freemyer from Specht Elementary, Alexandra Higby from Mountain Valley Middle School and Dr. Stacia Snyder from Smithson Valley High School.
Volunteer of the year honors were presented to Anneke Talviste from Arlon Seay Elementary, Ashley Padilla from MVMS and Edira Schmeis from Hill Country college Preparatory High School.
Student volunteer of the year honors were presented to McKenzie Page from FSES, Zaira Segovia from Bulverde Middle School and Lylah Duffy from HCCPHS.
One of the highest honors a volunteer can receive, is the Honorary Life Membership Award. This honor recognizes unwavering commitment and outstanding service to students and the community. Annually, campus PTA units may select one or more individuals who have made a meaningful impact to receive this award. This year’s honorees are listed here.
- Arlon Seay Elementary School PTA, Anneke Talviste
- Bill Brown Elementary School PTA, Amber Smith
- Specht Elementary School PTA, Macy White and Lori Mireles
- Pieper High School PTSA, Reghan Swenson
- Rahe-Bulverde Elementary School PTA, Julie Worley
- Smithson Valley High School PTSA, Stacia Snyder and Jennifer Day
- Spring Branch Middle School PTA, Sally Bratton and Amy Kolody
The Council also awarded an Honorary Life Membership to Comal ISD’s Communications Coordinator and Facility Rentals Michelle Grell.
“She understands the heart of PTA work and meets us there, always ready to help however she can with kindness, patience and a true spirit of partnership,” Meffert said.
Learn more about becoming a member of a campus PTA and getting involved. Volunteers are always welcome.
Photo descriptions
-Photo album from Comal ISD Council of PTAs Founders Day at CHS April 2
-The Canyon High School Cougar greeted guests at this year's Council of PTAs Founders Day celebration.
-Superintendent Dr. John E. Chapman III was presented with the PTA Founders Day Award.
-The Davenport High School PTSA was presented the PTA Endeavor Award.
-Elementary Student Volunteer of the Year was McKenzie Page from Farias-Spitzer Elementary School.
-Former Council President Melissa Howell was presented the Extended Service Award.
-Communications Coordinator and Facility Rentals Michelle Grell was presented an Honorary Life Membership.
-Hill Country College Preparatory High School PTSA President Edira Schmeis was named high school volunteer of the year.
-Council PTA Treasurer Anneke Talviste was named elementary volunteer of the year through Arlon Seay Elementary.
-Ashley Padilla was named middle school volunteer of the year through her service at Mountain Valley Middle School.
-Specht Elementary Principal Nicole Freemyer was named elementary principal of the year.
-Smithson Valley High School Principal Dr. Stacia Snyder was named high school principal of the year.
-Pieper High School Assistant Principal Lana Harrison was named high school assistant principal of the year.
-Honorary Life Membership Award honorees.
-Student Volunteer of the Year nominees.
-Spring Branch Middle School Assistant Principal Meagan Hudek was named middle school assistant principal of the year.
-Mountain Valley Middle School Principal Alexandra Higby was named middle school principal of the year.