September 9 – Mario Morales

Girls Head Soccer Coach and Credit Recovery Teacher at Lehman H.S. in Kyle in Hays Consolidated ISD

Since 2013, Mario Morales has been dedicated to helping students succeed, both academically and personally, in the classroom and on the field. A University of Texas graduate, Mario started his career teaching AP Spanish and coaching soccer and is currently the Head Girls Soccer Coach and Recovery Teacher at Kyle Lehman High School in Kyle, Texas. 

During his career, Mario coached both boys’ and girls’ soccer, including 10 years in Austin and the past two years in Hays. In 2024, as the coach of the boys’ soccer team at Crocket Early College High School in Austin, Texas, he was honored as Austin ISD’s Coach of the Year, recognizing his dedication to years of emphasizing discipline, teamwork and a strong work ethic to his students both on and off the field. 

Early on, Mario made a commitment to building strong relationships with his students so that he could best support them on their path to graduation. By maintaining this high level of excellence for each of his students, the impact he has made is profound and benefits them far beyond graduation.

July 22 – Jesse Sosa

For 17 years, Jesse Sosa has been a part of the Round Rock Independent School District and is currently working as the Instructional Technology Specialist at Kathy Caraway Elementary. Jesse earned a B.S. in Applied Learning and Development from the University of Texas at Austin and is a proud Texan and Longhorn.

In their current capacity, Jesse empowers PreK through 5th grade students and staff to master cutting-edge tools, from robotics and 3D printing to Minecraft and coding. Using their platform and knowledge, Jesse was a SXSWEDU panelist, speaking on the benefits of using innovative classroom tools that allow students and parents to digitally connect with curriculum. As a self-proclaimed lifelong learner, Jesse recently obtained a Master of Education degree in Educational Technology and Innovation. 

When not in the classroom, Jesse is a pillar of the Austin FC Supporter community, having designed several Tifos, serving on the Los Verdes leadership board, and as a bombistaperformer in La Murga de Austin. Whether as an educator or making noise in the South End of Q2 Stadium, Jesse is an inspiration to students, fellow educators and the community, promoting the Verde and Black every they go.

May 16 – Amy Wiesenhutter

For her entire career, over 25 years, Amy Wiesenhutter has been an Adapted Physical Education Teacher at Hendrickson High School in Pflugerville, Texas. There her mission has been to create an environment where everyone, regardless of ability, has an opportunity to participate, contribute and celebrate their unique strengths. Her commitment to make Pflugerville ISD a Unified district, where every campus embraces and celebrates the abilities of everyone is not just a goal but passionate pursuit.

Early in her career, Amy was named Special Olympics Coordinator for the District and has been a Special Olympics Texas track and flag football Coach at the national level. In May of 2005, she was named Special Olympics Texas Area and State Coach of the Year, and in May of 2022 was nominated for the Special Olympics North America National Coach of the Year. Additionally, Amy was inducted into the Greater Austin Sports Foundation Hall of Honor last year.

To Amy, the unified movement is not just a program, it’s a way of life. She feels fortunate to be able to combine her love of sports and passion for working with individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities.

April 11 – Katelynn Delaplaine

Katelynn Delaplaine is in her tenth-year teaching English Language Arts and Reading at Dailey Middle School in Del Valle ISD. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Advertising from Syracuse University and a Master’s in Secondary Education from Texas State University.

On campus, Katelynn is frequently referred to as the “energizer bunny,” using her passionate teaching style to promote reading confidence and excitement, further encouraging students who already have a love for reading and instilling positivity for those students who are more reluctant. As an extension of the classroom, she is known for celebrating her class for their incredible reading growth by playing at the soccer mini pitch at the school.

In 2024, Katelynn was honored as the District’s Secondary Teacher of the Year, in part for promoting a teaching philosophy rooted in the idea that reading not only helps us understand the world better, but often ourselves.