THE Kapuso Network, through its international channel GMA Pinoy TV, has partnered with the Association of Filipino Teachers of America (AFTA) in recognizing educators with the 2012 Ulirang Guro Award.
The award honors model educators who devote their lives and talents to the development of the youth while showing dedication and competence in the school system in the United States.
The awarding held last May 12 at the Astoria World Manor in Queens, New York, was witnessed by some 500 guests from various states like New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Maryland.
Leonicita Dionson, a Mandauehanon based in Maryland, was among the Ulirang Guro recipients.
She and another teacher Sarah Barias from Maryland were the awardees for the elementary division.
For the middle school category, the awardees were Ramil Buenaventura from New York City and Rogie Legaspi from Baltimore, Maryland.
For the high school category, the awardees were Emilina Emaas from Sacramento, California; Juanito Hingpis from Brooklyn, New York; Aristides Uy and Jo-ann Grande Pjevac of New York City and Ramona Tabang of Maryland.
Nicole Miraflores from New York City was the sole awardee for the higher education category.
The incoming AFTA officers were also inducted during the event, with New York Consul General Mario de Leon as the keynote speaker, together with AFTA overall chair Lumen Castañeda. /CORRESPONDENT NORMAN V. MENDOZA