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ALAMOGORDO, NM — Alamogordo High School science teacher Mr. Russel Juntilla Hortilano has been named a recipient of the prestigious 2025–2026 Outstanding Project Lead The Way (PLTW) National Teacher Award, placing him among the top STEM educators in the United States. Selected from a pool of over 116,000 PLTW instructors nationwide, Hortilano’s recognition highlights his unwavering dedication to student success, career readiness, and hands-on learning.
PLTW is a nationally recognized PreK–12 curriculum focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), with a strong emphasis on project-based instruction and real-world applications. Hortilano has taught Principles of Biomedical Science (PBS) and Human Anatomy and Physiology at Alamogordo High School since 2021, and has served as a certified PLTW instructor for five years.
“This honor is not about personal accolades,” Hortilano shared. “It’s a testament to prayer, perseverance, and the power of community. I’m grateful to HOSA–Future Health Professionals, my mentor Mrs. Darlene Hayman Mellen, my fellow J1 teachers, and especially my wife Alodeah, who inspires me daily.”
Originally from the Philippines, Hortilano holds multiple degrees including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Arts in Nursing (Maternal and Child Health), and a Master of Arts in Education (Science Education). He is currently completing his dissertation toward a Ph.D. in Science Education with a focus in Biology. He is a licensed Biology teacher, a registered nurse, and a Level 3 educator in New Mexico.
Beyond the classroom, Hortilano serves as advisor to AHS’s HOSA chapter, a Basic Life Support instructor for the American Heart Association, and a member of numerous professional organizations including NEA, ASHA, NMACTE, and AFTEA. He has judged state competitions for FCCLA, TSA, FFA, and MESA, and was invited to judge the 2025 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in Ohio. His national and international engagements include speaking roles at the 2024 Regeneron Research Teachers Conference in Washington, D.C. and the 4th International Research and Education Conference in New York.
Alamogordo Public Schools administrators praised Hortilano’s achievement as a reflection of the district’s commitment to excellence in Career and Technical Education. His story stands as an inspiration to educators and students alike—proof that dedication, faith, and community support can lead to extraordinary impact.
For more stories celebrating educators and student success, follow 2nd Life Media and AlamogordoTownNews.org.
New sidewalks for some neighborhoods. What about the Walker area that is also in her district. Seeing is believing, Walker area has always been ignored.
Have you ever messaged her about it, or are you just complaining to complain? Her actions speak louder than all the other commissioners combined.
She championed and approved $12 million dollars worth of Water system upgrades for walker road and yet you choose to ignore that. It is in the design phase with contract bidding to be announed in early 2026 with work to begin in later spring. That is the largest capital investment in Walker Road in over 50 years.
Sunny, with a high of 70 and low of 38 degrees. Sunny in the morning, clear for the afternoon and evening,
Did anyone see what Senator Charles Grassley is saying about AI yesterday. What does that have to do with this? It might explain why legal systems in many cities are such a mess.
But also: Why is no one talking about the DISMAL low income housing in Alamogordo, and the need to investigate what is going on in those places, and the lack of housing for homeless???????????
three responses:
"I cannot accept your canon that we are to judge Pope and King unlike other men, with a favorable presumption that they do no wrong. If there is any presumption, it is the other way against holders of power...power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely." ~ Lord Acton
It is interesting as you delve into the family, business and indeed religious connections that are intertwined in city politics. Some folks have a whole lit of fleas scratching the dog.
Absolutely true lots of fleas itching the dog!!
I somehow got logged out without doing so since last time I was here. I wanted to view the Flickinger meeting on Facebook but cannot because my account was taken down. I do not attend these public events because of all the attempts to mess with my life already.
two observations:
Absolutely. I would say those are conservative numbers at 1 in 40. The quickest way to become wealthy in America is to enter politics. I would say Miss McDonald is 1 in a 109. The family fun center fiasco is a true memorial to what nepotism and back room dealing will get you.
PBS was relevant.
NPR and PBS were definitely relevant - which is precisely why the trump regime has scuttled them...we have truly entered the era of alternative "truth".