January 16, 2026 - A natural conversationalist, this year’s Comal Shake Champion has never met a stranger and is never at a loss for words. However, Robert Osuna found himself momentarily speechless when his name was announced as the winner of the districtwide elementary contest.
In fact, the plaque was the perfect birthday present for the now 11-year-old fifth-grade student from Rahe Bulverde Elementary.
“I was so excited when I heard my name,” says Osuna, “and when I saw the award, I thought, ‘what did I just do!’ Seeing my principal, my parents, my brother and my grandfather standing there was awesome. They have always been by my side.
“It was even more exciting since it is my birthday. Nothing has ever topped this on my birthday.”
Osuna credits his parents for his strong handshake and ability to make eye contact and easily carry a conversation with everyone he meets. He also believes that anyone can learn these skills.
“First, just go out there and do it,” says Osuna who thrives in competition and plays basketball, baseball and football. “I know it’s scary, but just do it and you’ll get it. Next, is just to work on it at home and at restaurants, order for yourself and have a conversation. Third, just really put your mind to and you can do it.”
This year marks the 12th anniversary of the Comal Shake competition which encourages elementary students to hone their interpersonal skills, specifically, starting conversations, showing confidence and shaking hands.
The Comal Shake competition begins at the campus level with every Comal ISD elementary campus selecting two representatives to compete in the semifinals. The top six out of the 42 advance from the semifinals to the championship round which is hosted at the district office.
The six finalists are given two minutes with each of the three judges to showcase their interpersonal skills.
This year’s judges for the championship round included Comal ISD Superintendent Dr. John E. Chapman III, Comal ISD Board of Trustees President Courtney Biasatti and former Comal County Tax Assessor-Collector Kristen Hoyt.
Besides Osuna, finalists were James Alfieri from Kinder Ranch Elementary, Reagan Hall from Indian Springs Elementary, Grace Henderson from Startzville Elementary, Jordan Munoz from Arlon Seay Elementary and Brooklyn Phelps from Bill Brown Elementary.
Congratulations!
Photo descriptions
-Robert Osuna, a fifth-grade student from Rahe Bulverde Elementary, is this year’s Comal Shake champion.
-Comal Shake finalists pictured front row from left James Alfieri, Jordan Munoz and Grace Henderson; back from left is Reagan Hall, Brooklyn Phelps and champion Robert Osuna.
-This year’s Comal Shake Champion Robert Osuna is pictured with judges from left Comal ISD Superintendent John E. Chapman III, Comal ISD Board of Trustee President Courtney Biasatti and former Comal County Tax Assessor-Collector Kristen Hoyt.