The New York-based International Association of Multicultural & Filipino-American Educators, Inc. (IAM FAME, Inc.) will hold its landmark National Assembly of Leaders and Educators 2026 on Saturday, November 28, 2026 at the Santa Fe Station Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.
Guided by the theme, “Leading with Legacy: Building Stronger Educators, Empowering Communities, and Advancing Inclusive Education Together,” the one-day gathering is co-sponsored by the IAM FAME Central and Las Vegas chapters, uniting teachers, school leaders, and advocates nationwide.
The program runs from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with an interactive Leadership Summit and collaborative team-building sessions centered on professional growth and cultural celebrations. The assembly culminates with the Legacy Awards Ceremony from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., honoring educators whose instructional excellence, mentorship, and civic contributions transform diverse learning communities.
A major highlight is the presentation of the assembly’s highest distinctions: the Golden Apple Legacy Award in Teaching to Dr. Luis G. Rile Jr., the Silver Apple Legacy Award to Dr. Patrick M. Salinas, and the Crystal Apple Legacy Award to Dr. Cherry Anne C. Biaco. These top honors recognize finalists for extraordinary pedagogy, leadership, and educational impact. Additionally, the event features The People’s Choice: Iconic Guro Award, voted by the online community.
Screened honorees for discipline-specific achievements include Science awardees Mark Vincent S. Walag (High School), Dr. Giselle S. David (Middle School), and Dr. Elvin V. Bejerano (Elementary). Early childhood honorees are Jacklyn B. Tuazon, Pearl Lorie Grail A. Balbalin, Arlene M. Bejerano, Marilyn M. Suarez, Randy D. Tungpalan, and Precila M. Albania. Teacher Leadership and Mentorship honors go to Dr. Ma. Donata D. Radaza, Mary Joy V. Nalda, and Mairi Nunag.
The STEM disciplines celebrate Evelyn E. Juntilo and Christian Dick B. Cunag (General STEM), alongside Dr. Patrick M. Salinas and Charlene S. Bernal (STEM Mathematics). Language and literacy honorees are Dr. Desirie Joy E. Laureta, Levi C. Hedderman, Bernadette A. Layosa, and Julita S. Bacarra. For Innovative Teaching and technology integration, honors go to Roderick B. Bargamento, Romel I. Revesencio, Christie Rose O. Suson, and Dr. Aris A. Bantoc.
Elementary and primary honorees include Dr. Hydie M. De Guzman (Upper Elementary), Rosemera S. Aquino (Middle Childhood), Dr. Grace A. Tumamak (Primary Level), Ryan M. Reyes, Genalyn V. Bacerdo, Ma. Theresa Labis, Mary Antonnette B. Guzon, and Allan Rogelio M. Sobrevilla Jr. Inclusive classroom leaders include Dr. Fructuoso O. Salao, Dr. Edeliza O. Shinbaum, Dr. Mylene U. Espinosa, Jenelyn L. Paguyo, and Gina E. Viernes.
Special education champions recognized for exceptional dedication include Dr. Cherry Anne C. Biaco, Janice S. Armas, Josephine V. Ramiso, Annabelle C. Dacua, Hazel C. Respicio, Prince Malic L. Abanto Jr., Rhiana Mae M. Elimanco, Shaira D. Mangawang, Tyrish A. Unger, Marciana Gabutan, and Mary Anne Garcia. Multicultural Education honors go to Ken Brian C. Alegado, Rahnee de Leon Candaza, and Gomer M. Suson.
Secondary and middle school honors go to Freddly F. Asuer (Secondary ELA), Chriselle Hope P. Ladignon (Secondary Science), Flordeliza G. Culibrina II (Middle School STEM), Heidy Y. Aranas (Middle School Social Studies), Blesilda C. Cardoza (Middle School SPED), Dr. Nora S. Aquino (Middle School Science), and Dr. Jessica Castaneda (Middle School ELA). Comprehensive teaching and community impact honors go to Dr. Luis G. Rile Jr., Jeynalyn M. Pascua, Dr. Gerald Paolo L. Patrimonio, Marjorie L. Calar, Mary Mendjill Cecilia J. Romero, Carla Mae Santos Schackow, and Chola Eleazar-De Torres.
The overall category winners for the Legacy of Excellence Awards in Teaching are Dr. Giselle S. David (Science), Precila M. Albania (Early Childhood), Mary Joy V. Nalda (Teacher Leadership and Mentorship), Evelyn E. Juntilo (STEM), Dr. Desirie Joy E. Laureta (Language and Literacy), Dr. Aris A. Bantoc (Research and Innovation), Ma. Theresa Labis (Elementary School), Dr. Edeliza O. Shinbaum (Inclusive Classroom), Prince Malic L. Abanto Jr. (Special Education), Rahnee de Leon Candaza (Multicultural), Freddly F. Asuer (Secondary School), Dr. Nora S. Aquino (Middle School), Dr. Gerald Paolo L. Patrimonio (Teaching), and Carla Mae Santos Schackow (Community Service and Education).
Together, these dedicated educators represent a vital legacy of excellence, equity, and service across classrooms and multicultural communities nationwide.