June 26, 2024 - The Comal Independent School District’s esports program was presented with the first PlayVS Award for School District of the Year on June 5 in a virtual ceremony.
“We are excited to present the first PlayVS Award for School District of the Year to Comal Independent School District in Texas,” said Jon Chapman, CEO of PlayVS, the platform which hosts the national esports league which enables Comal ISD to compete against schools around Texas.
“Comal ISD ensures that every high school in the district has access to esports programs, promoting teamwork, skill development, and the growth of esports in education. Two students have already earned esports scholarships that total over $90,000 each, and we guarantee there is much more to come.
“Additionally, Sarah (King) played a key role for PlayVS as a panelist in our first-ever in-person Texas event, the PlayVS Live Texas Showdown. A huge congratulations on winning school district of the year!”
Initially, Comal ISD was notified that it was selected as one of five districts nominated for this award. All five were posted on the PlayVS social media accounts for public voting.
King, director of GT and enrichment for the district, started the esports program at Comal ISD in January of 2021, and has worked to advocate for the program throughout the state. This school year, she was interviewed by Athletic Director magazine and served as a panelist for Fiesta de Esports, a celebration of esports in the San Antonio area.
A recent 2024 graduate from Memorial Early College High School Zen Ayala became the second Comal ISD student to receive an esports scholarship at the collegiate level for $90,000. He will attend the University of Health Science and Pharmacy in St. Louis in the fall.
Photo Descriptions
-Comal ISD began offering esports in January of 2021.
-Memorial Early College High School student Zen Ayala received an esports scholarship for $90,000 to attend the University of Health Science and Pharmacy in St. Louis.