VEGAS—The Public Education Foundation (PEF) will proudly host its annual Golden Apple Gala on January 10, 2026. The highly anticipated evening will celebrate the Clark County School District (CCSD) Alumni of the Year who are transforming our community as business leaders, policymakers, and community advocates. The Golden Apple Gala brings together hundreds of donors, partners, and community leaders whose commitment to students and educators makes PEF’s mission possible.
“Each year, the Golden Apple Gala reminds us of the greatness that will come from our public schools when the community invests in their success,” said Peter Guzman, Chair of the PEF Board of Directors and President and CEO of the Latin Chamber of Commerce. “It is in that spirit that we bring together inspirational individuals and our generous donors to celebrate and support PEF’s programs that open doors for thousands of children and educators across Southern Nevada.”
PEF is honored to recognize the 2026 CCSD Alumni of the Year:
● Kenneth Lin and Siriwan Singhasiri: Kenneth (Ken) is best known as the founder of Credit Karma, a company dedicated to helping millions of people take control of their financial lives. Siriwan (Serrie) has been his steadfast partner through every chapter, balancing family, philanthropy, and shared passions for travel and personal growth.
Together, they actively participate in community engagement and initiatives that promote opportunity and upward mobility for future generations. Ken and Serrie are proud alumni of Eldorado High School.
● Dr. Tya Mathis-Coleman: A native of Las Vegas, Tya exemplifies a lifelong commitment to education, leadership, and community service. As Deputy Treasurer, she supports Nevadans in planning, saving, and paying for post-secondary education. Her belief in the transformative power of education drives her passion for helping young people achieve their dreams. Dr. Mathis-Coleman currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Leadership Institute of Nevada (L.I.O.N.), the American Cancer Society of Las Vegas, and Teach for America Nevada. She will also soon take on a new leadership role as the incoming President of the UNLV Alumni Association. Tya is a proud alumna of Cimarron-Memorial High School.
In addition to honoring these alumni, PEF will also recognize Don Snyder as the 2026 Golden Apple Honoree.
● Donald D. Snyder has had a diverse and successful professional career in banking, gaming/hospitality, and higher education. This includes service as Chairman & CEO of First Interstate Bank of Nevada (now Wells Fargo), President & Board Member of Boyd Gaming Corporation and President of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). He currently sits on the Board of Directors for a NYSE-listed company (Western Alliance Bancorporation). Including his current board service, Don has served on the boards of seven public companies and several private and subsidiary company boards. His active involvement with the community has involved service on several non-profit boards, including the chairmanship of several of those boards and commissions. He has been honored for his community leadership on numerous occasions during his more than 38 years in Nevada. In 2018, Don and his wife, Dee, were honored for their philanthropic efforts with the naming of Don and Dee Snyder Elementary School in the Clark County School District. Don and his wife, Dee, have been married for 54 years. They have three adult children and four grandchildren. Don has also completed an autobiography, “Taking the Lead”, with co-author Jack Sheehan.
Major contributors to the gala include Siriwan Singhasiri and Kenneth Lin Foundation, NV Energy Foundation, The SIB Charitable Fund, The AEC Trust, Switch, Alan & Christy Molasky Family Foundation, Acceleration Academies, JP Morgan Private Bank, Caesars Entertainment, Station Casinos, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, The KeyState Companies, and MGM Resorts International.
To secure sponsorships, tables, or tickets for The Golden Apple Gala, please visit thepef.org/golden-apple-gala-2026.
About Public Education Foundation
The Public Education Foundation (PEF) unites the community to inspire support of our public schools. In partnership with the Clark County School District (CCSD), PEF helps guide effective investments in education to meet the immediate, critical needs of our students, families, and educators. For more information about PEF, please visit www.thepef.org. Follow us on Facebook @ThePublicEducationFoundation, X/Twitter @ThePEFtoday, and Instagram @ThePEFtoday.
