Reliant and the Dallas Cowboys: the power of community outreach

Class Acts: celebrating exceptional educators making an impact in North Texas

Reliant and the Cowboys recognize and honor outstanding educators across North Texas through Cowboys Class Acts, a program dedicated to spotlighting those who encourage, lead and strive for excellence in the classroom. This high‑impact program honors a deserving educator every month during the school year.

This year, two exceptional educators, Sharon Miller of Martin High School and Coach Crystal Perez of Newman Smith High School, were surprised and celebrated as 2025 Cowboys Class Acts honorees.

Shaping excellence in the arts

Sharon Miller began her education career as an art docent in Arlington ISD before becoming a middle school art teacher in Cedar Hill ISD, where she launched the district’s middle school art program and earned Teacher of the Year. She later led the visual arts program at the Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy, creating advanced curriculum for highly gifted students. Now the lead visual arts teacher at Martin High School, she is recognized statewide as a master teacher and has earned major honors, including Middle School Teacher of the Year from the Texas Art Education Association and national recognition as one of 18 Scholastic Art and Writing Teachers. Her Cowboys Class Acts recognition reflects a career dedicated to inspiring students and elevating arts education.

Championing students through athletics

Coach Crystal Perez of Newman Smith High School is also celebrated as a Cowboys Class Acts honoree for her leadership as head girls’ soccer coach and head girls’ flag football coach. A Newman Smith alum and longtime assistant athletic director, she’s known for her deep commitment to her athletes. Her surprise recognition included a custom Cowboys jersey, football and a $5,000 grant to highlight the meaningful impact she’s made over 13 years, both on and off the field.

Her athletes and colleagues describe her as a mentor who invests wholeheartedly in students’ lives.

“I want someone here to be here for them,” Perez said. “It’s all about time. It’s not just me. It takes a whole village.”

Echoing that sentiment, former Newman Smith Principal Dr. Stephanie Jimenez said, “Crystal Perez is the salt of the earth…She embraced [girls’ flag football] from the very start. She is a pillar of our Newman Smith community.”

The Cowboys also underwrote the school’s first girls’ flag football season, a milestone Perez proudly championed. With the grant from Reliant and the Cowboys, Perez plans to purchase cleats, gloves and bags for her athletes — essentials that families often struggle to provide.

A program built to honor difference‑makers

“We created this program with the Cowboys to really honor those educators who make a difference in the lives of young people,” said Alyssa Cowie, Reliant’s Community & Sponsorship Marketing Manager.

“Growing up, you have that one teacher who makes a difference. Being able to see kids react and see their teacher being recognized was truly an honor.”

“There are a lot of happy faces, a few tears — just a great event overall.”

Reliant Home Run Derby: power hitting for charity

Every spring, the Dallas Cowboys swap the gridiron for the diamond as they partner with Reliant for the annual Reliant Home Run Derby at Riders Field in Frisco. This year, the event marked a major milestone, surpassing $1 million in total charitable support since it began in 2012.

The derby is a fan favorite, offering a rare chance to see Cowboys players step up to the plate for a cause that directly impacts North Texas communities. Cowboys punter Bryan Anger took home the 2025 Reliant Home Run Derby champion title with 8 home runs, helping raise $13,200 for The Salvation Army of North Texas. In total, player swings generated $76,600 for the Salvation Army and $113,700 for 22 local nonprofits.

The event also brings meaningful moments off the field. One student from The Salvation Army’s Gene and Jerry Jones Family Youth Education Town was selected to throw out the first pitch, highlighting the positive impact the derby has on local youth.

“The Reliant Home Run Derby with the Dallas Cowboys is a fun and exciting competition that brings everyone together for a great cause,” said Andrea Russell, Senior Vice President of NRG Consumer Marketing. “This year's event was a home run in every sense, raising thousands for local charities and showcasing the incredible spirit of Cowboys fans and our community. Surpassing $1 million in total charitable support is an incredible milestone, and we're excited to keep this tradition going and continue making a positive impact here in North Texas.”