The Public Education Foundation (PEF) hosted its annual Golden Apple Gala on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Durango Casino & Resort, bringing together nearly 400 business executives, community leaders, educators, and champions of public education for an inspiring evening celebrating excellence, impact, and community partnership. Thanks to the historic investment and collaboration of sponsors and attendees, this marks the most successful Golden Apple Gala to date.
“The Golden Apple Gala reflects what is possible when a community comes together around public education,” shared Peter Guzman, Chair of the PEF Board of Directors. “Our honorees and supporters remind us that investing in our schools is an investment in the future of Southern Nevada, and we are proud to stand alongside these partners who believe in expanding opportunity for every student.”
During the event, Clark County School District (CCSD) Superintendent Jhone Ebert reflected on the district’s academic and operational achievements over the past year and announced the launch of the CCSD Alumni Association, a new partnership with PEF designed to reconnect graduates with their roots and invest in the district’s future.
The CCSD Alumni Association builds on the CCSD Alumni of the Year awards launched by PEF in 2025. This year, PEF proudly recognized the 2026 CCSD Alumni of the Year, Kenneth Lin and Siriwan Singhasiri, graduates of Eldorado High School, and Dr. Tya Mathis-Coleman, a graduate of Cimarron-Memorial High School—honoring their leadership, service, and continued commitment to strengthening public education across Clark County. The evening also honored PEF Board Member Don Snyder as the 2026 Golden Apple Honoree, recognizing his decades-long dedication to public education, community collaboration, and philanthropic leadership that has made a lasting impact throughout Southern Nevada.
Major contributors to the gala include Siriwan Singhasiri and Kenneth Lin Foundation, NV Energy Foundation, The SIB Charitable Fund, The AEC Trust, Athletics, Switch, Alan & Christy Molasky Family Foundation, Western Alliance Bank, Wynn Resorts, Acceleration Academies, JPMorgan Chase, Caesars Entertainment, Station Casinos, Southern Glazer’s Beverage Company, The KeyState Companies, and MGM Resorts International.