APS Community Members Honored in 250 Flags Celebration

Posted August 17, 2026, 10:35 AM. Updated August 20, 2026, 12:31 PM.

APS students, alumni, educators and community leaders recognized for their service, leadership, perseverance and impact on New Mexico.

Albuquerque Public Schools is proud to celebrate a remarkable group of students, alumni, educators and community leaders who were recognized this summer as part of KKOB, KOAT, and The Albuquerque Journal’s 250 Flags Celebration, honoring the people who make New Mexico stronger every day during the nation’s 250th birthday.

The celebration recognizes New Mexicans whose service, leadership, perseverance and contributions have made a lasting impact across the state. Each honoree received a commemorative flag and certificate during the celebration.

The honorees connected to APS include:

Janet Kahn, whose transformative leadership helped revive and expand fine arts education for thousands of students across New Mexico.
Jack Vermillion, one of APS' longtime and respected school leaders who served as principal of S.Y. Jackson Elementary School for 24 years, along with leadership roles at several other APS schools.
Paula Maes, a former APS Board of Education member and longtime advocate for students, families and public education.
Brad Winter, who spent more than 20 years with APS as a teacher, coach, dean of students, assistant principal, chief operations officer and interim superintendent.
Jami Ramos, a dedicated advocate for students and families experiencing housing instability through APS' McKinney-Vento Program.
Kay Osborn, who spent more than 30 years with APS teaching students with severe disabilities and helping students reach their fullest potential.
Miskee Blatner, Education Professions Career Pathway and Work-based Learning Coordinator at APS' Career Enrichment Center, who helps prepare the next generation of educators through Educators Rising.
Marie Johnson, APS Executive Director of Food & Nutrition Services, whose leadership is helping advance healthier, high-quality meals for students across the district.
Jackson Simpkins, an Eldorado High School junior and marching band trumpet player whose perseverance and determination have inspired his school community after an unexpected diagnosis with Functional Neurological Disorder required him to begin using a wheelchair.
Bob Gerding, a Highland High School graduate known as “New Mexico's Ambassador to the Outdoors” for his decades of work promoting fly fishing, conservation and outdoor recreation.
Greg Brown, longtime Volcano Vista High School boys basketball coach, who has built a record-setting program and guided the Hawks to five consecutive Class 5A state championships.
Eder Ortiz, principal of East San Jose Elementary, whose focus on building relationships and belonging has helped create a welcoming school community and support student academic growth.
Camilla Feibelman, a graduate of Albuquerque High School and longtime environmental advocate who serves as director of the Sierra Club Rio Grande Chapter.
Todd Patino, a retired Air Force Master Sergeant and Sandia High School JROTC instructor who mentors students in leadership, service, discipline and character.
Jane Jernigan, an Eldorado High School graduate and longtime business and community leader who has advocated for infrastructure, first responders and New Mexico communities.
Lawrence “Larry” Rhee, an Albuquerque High School graduate, U.S. Army veteran and military intelligence officer who served at the Nuremberg Trials after fleeing Nazi persecution as a young man.
Kenny Thomas, an Albuquerque High School graduate, University of New Mexico basketball standout and former NBA player who returned home committed to investing in the next generation.
William “Bill” Payne, a Del Norte High School graduate and retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral whose career has spanned military service, public leadership, education and economic development.

Together, these honorees reflect the far-reaching impact of the APS community. Some have dedicated their careers to educating and supporting students. Others have carried lessons and experiences from their APS years into careers in athletics, military service, environmental advocacy, business, public service and community leadership.

Their stories are a reminder that the impact of a public education extends well beyond the classroom and that the people who make up the APS community continue to strengthen New Mexico in countless ways.

APS is proud to celebrate each of these honorees and the contributions they have made to our state.

Read more about the honorees and others recognized by KKOB, KOAT, and The Albuquerque Journal here.