Golden Apple Gala in Vegas Honors CCSD Alumni, Celebrates Community Impact and Excellence

Three exceptional Clark County School District (CCSD) graduates received recognition at Paris Las Vegas during the first-ever Alumni of the Year Awards. The Public Education Foundation hosted the special event as part of its Golden Apple Gala on Jan. 4.

The gala received generous support from the NV Energy Foundation, Caesars Entertainment, and MGM Resorts International, who helped make the event possible, Channel 3 reports.

Bo Bernhard, Ph.D, and Alex Bybee stole the show as they received the 2025 Alumni of the Year awards. Up-and-coming talent Adrian Gonzalez took home the Emerging Alumni honor. 

Bernhard, who graduated from Bonanza High School, became known for his innovative research. His work gained attention from major media outlets. He also received the World Affairs Council's International Educator of the Year award, the program reports.

Fellow Bonanza graduate Bybee secured $25 million in public schools and climate initiatives funding and has led positive change in Nevada for over a decade. Gonzalez, a 2024 CCSD graduate, established his Country Bars soap company through his senior project at the Northwest Career and Technical Academy.

The Golden Apple Gala marked a new tradition celebrating graduates who make a difference in their communities. Peter Guzman, Chair of the PEF Board of Directors, emphasized the event's importance.

“By celebrating leaders who graduated from our local public schools, we also celebrate the excellence found throughout CCSD that has prepared some of our community's most successful business leaders, policy-makers, and community advocates,” said Guzman to New3LV.

The new awards program helps PEF create stronger connections between schools and the community while developing pride and ambition in each student.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom was initially established in 1945 by President Harry S. Truman as simply the Medal of Freedom. It was awarded to civilians for their actions in aiding the war effort during World War II.

In 1963, President John F. Kennedy reestablished the award as the highest civilian honor a U.S. President can bestow upon someone for their contributions to the country. As of 2025, nearly 700 Presidential Medals of Freedom have been awarded to a wide variety of individuals including activists, athletes, politicians, actors, scientists, and more.

When it comes to popular musicians, a handful have received this prestigious honor. Here are nine music icons who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Aretha Franklin received the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W. Bush. Her medal citation reads, in part, "Her instantly recognizable voice has captivated listeners ever since she toured with her father's gospel revue in the 1950s. She is among our Nation's greatest musical artists and has captured the hearts of millions of Americans. "

B.B. King received the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W. Bush. His medal citation reads, in part, "One of the greatest blues singers and guitarists of all time, B.B. King is an American treasure. For more than half a century, the 'King of the Blues' and his guitar 'Lucille' have thrilled audiences, influenced generations of guitarists, and helped give the blues its special place in the American musical tradition.

Bob Dylan received the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama. His medal citation reads, in part, "Bob Dylan is one of the most influential American musicians of the 20th century. Releasing his first album in 1962, his work influenced the civil rights movement of the 1960s and has had significant impact on American culture over the past five decades."

Loretta Lynn received the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama. Her medal citation reads, in part, "Loretta Lynn is a country music legend. Raised in rural Kentucky, she emerged as one of the first successful female country music vocalists in the early 1960s, courageously breaking barriers in an industry long dominated by men."

Stevie Wonder received the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama. Her medal citation reads, in part, "Stevie Wonder is one of the world’s most gifted singer-songwriters. Mr. Wonder has created a sound entirely his own, mixing rhythm and blues with genres ranging from rock and roll to reggae, and demonstrating his mastery of a range of instruments, styles, and themes."

Diana Ross received the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama. Her medal citation reads, in part, "Diana Ross has had an iconic career spanning more than 50 years within the entertainment industry in music, film, television, theater, and fashion. Diana Ross is an Academy Award nominee, inductee into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and recipient of the Grammy Awards highest honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award."

Bruce Springsteen received the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama. His medal citation reads, in part, "Bruce Springsteen is a singer, songwriter, and bandleader. More than five decades ago, he bought a guitar and learned how to make it talk. Since then, the stories he has told, in lyrics and epic live concert performances, have helped shape American music and have challenged us to realize the American dream."

Elvis Presley received the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously by President Donald Trump. His medal citation reads, in part, "Elvis Presley defined American culture to billions of adoring fans around the world. Elvis fused gospel, country, and rhythm and blues to create a sound all his own, selling more than a billion records. Elvis also served nearly 6 years in the United States Army - two years in active service, with four years in the reserves - humbly accepting the call to serve despite his fame." 

Bono received the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joe Biden. His medal citation reads, in part, "Bono is the frontman for legendary rock band U2 and a pioneering activist against AIDS and poverty. He brought together politicians from opposing parties to create the United States PEPFAR AIDS program, and is co-founder of campaigning organizations ONE and (RED)."