Four Filipino teachers of the Grants Cibola County Schools have recently been honored by the International Association of Multicultural and Filipino-American Educators, Inc. (IAM FAME) on March 21, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois. This is in partnership with the establishment of the Western Colleges Alumni Association in the USA. The award celebrates teachers who teach from the heart while making a difference in the community.
The recipients: Michael Delim (Los Alamitos Middle School, The Golden Compass Award for Educator), Maria Lourdes Gaddi (LAMS, The Worldwide Filipino Pedagogy Award), Jayson Hernandez (LAMS, The Global Educator Excellence Award), and Agnes Mercado (Cubero Elementary, The Global Bridging Teacher Award) share a passion for teaching that prioritizes student success.
These awardees have established and maintained inclusive classrooms to support diverse learners, and their work reflects a consistent commitment to one of the noblest professions. Their recognition through IAM FAME clearly illustrates the role of teachers in inspiring lifelong learners more than providing classroom instruction.
“I am honored to be recognized alongside my colleagues,” said Ms. Gaddi. “This award is not just for me, but for the students and community we serve every day.” Similarly, Mr. Delim affirms that the award also reflects the support within their community and from their administrators. In the same light, Mr. Hernandez underscored the importance of creating fun and meaningful learning experiences in the classroom. Lastly, Ms. Mercado considers the award as motivation to continue inspiring and empowering learners each day.
While IAM FAME may be a relatively new organization, its mission to support educators across cultures continues to encourage them to always give their best. For teachers in Grants, this recognition serves as both a gratitude for their hard work and a reminder of the joy they bring into their classrooms.