FAME honors 10 outstanding Filipino American teachers in Nevada
LAS VEGAS — The Filipino American Educators of Nevada (FAME) recognized 10 exceptional Filipino-American teachers during its 2025 awards ceremony held April 26 at the Celebrity Center Las Vegas.
The honored educators were cited for their leadership, dedication, and passion in shaping the minds of Nevada’s youth. This year’s awardees are:
- Aileen Laxina Angeles – Daniel Goldfarb Elementary School
- Genevie Bernardo – Cahlan Elementary School
- Dr. Toni Karla Chan Anteza – Valley High School
- Myron Joshua Capuyan Delgado – Eldorado High School
- Eden Galido – Valley High School
- Diana Faith Bandiola-Mejila – Robert L. Taylor Elementary School
- Dexter Alcaraz Moreno – B. Mahlon Brown Academy of International Studies
- John Francis G. Sembrero – Rancho High School
- Gemma Uy Shaw – John R. Hummel Elementary School
- Dr. Edeliza Ojeda Shinbaum – Robert Taylor Elementary School
Nominees were first endorsed by their school supervisors or principals. They then underwent evaluation by a panel of judges, which included document assessments and oral interviews.
Dexter Moreno, originally from Oriental Mindoro, dedicated his award to his students, peers, and family.
“This achievement is not mine alone; it belongs to my students who inspire me every day, to my fellow educators and friends who encourage my growth, and to my family, whose support is my foundation,” Moreno said. “I am also grateful to my Brown Academy family for providing me with the opportunity to share and embrace a culture that enables me to thrive in a diverse environment. I hope this recognition serves as an inspiration to other educators to continue teaching, inspiring, and leading.”
Clark County School District Superintendent Jhone Ebert, a Filipina, served as the keynote speaker.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the efforts of these amazing teachers who are making their mark in the classroom and beyond,” said FAME President Dr. Michael Sta. Juana.
“Having Superintendent Ebert as keynote speaker highlights the importance of educational quality and the vital role teachers have in shaping our future,” he added.
In a Facebook post, Sta. Juana described the event as “a significant reunion for the Nevada Filipino-American community, bringing together educators, families, and community leaders to celebrate the power of education and recognize those who are positively contributing in the lives of students.”
Philippine Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz also lauded the awardees for their perseverance and commitment.
“I commend you for your dedication to the teaching profession and for your resilience in adapting and succeeding in an entirely different environment thousands of miles away from home,” Cruz said in his message.
FAME continues its mission to empower Filipino-American educators and foster a culture of excellence and support within Nevada’s diverse educational landscape.
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.