Two Waukegan High School teachers were recently honored by the Association of Filipino American Teachers of America (AFTA) for their positive impact as educators.

Gina Villaruz, a teacher with Program PLACCE at Waukegan High School, and Imelda Mendoza, a Physics teacher at the WHS-Brookside Campus, each received the Crystal Apple Service Award during an AFTA award ceremony in New York City last month.

The AFTA recognized Ms. Mendoza’s and Ms. Villaruz’s 31 years of combined service as educators, as well as their contributions and enduring commitment to their profession. The award was presented by Philippine Consul General and Ambassador to the United States Claro S. Cristobal.

AFTA is a New York-based non-profit organization of Filipino Educators, whose mission is to promote the advancement of the teaching profession and education as a whole in the Philippines and the United States.