Tyler Hartom, son of Blesila and Kirk Hartom, has been a wrestler since he could barely walk. Tagging along with his dad who was a wrestling coach for Highland HS Hornets at that time, he evolved into participating exercises and practices. Tyler became a champion at the age of 4, beating all 4 year olds in New Mexico and then winning against 4 year olds in the Southwest. He is a humble kid who earned countless medals and trophies covering the walls in his room at home. At 16, he has won placements in tournaments both regional and national events from Florida to Denver to Las Vegas, not to mention within the state of New Mexico. Just most recently, December 8th 2007, he placed second in an invitational in Las Cruces, NM. Tyler attends St. Pius HS in Albuquerque. Tyler also played varsity football and soccer at St. Pius.
Jami Abdullah, a member of the FAFNM Cultural Dance Group was awarded "Outstanding Male Athlete of the Week" of Oct 15-19, 2007 by the Athletic Director, Albuquerque Public School. Eldorado High School Varsity Football won the District Championship for the 5A Division. On offense, Jami plays wide receiver and on defense, he plays corner back. He was awarded a certificate of achievement for being first as corner back in all district and third in all metro. He is currently second in the State in interceptions behind Clovis' corner back. He is the son of Jery and Ligaya White.
Krystal Fournier started to be an active participant of the Fil-Am Cultural scene when she was barely a toddler as a solo performer hula dancer with the coaching of her mom, Kate, an accomplished performer herself. Through the years she has excelled in academics through elementary and now in high school at Albuquerque's Del Norte High where she is active in sports. Here she shows comeraderie with fellow Volleyball team mates, pictured here (blue shirt)from the Albuquerque Tribune.
Fil-Am Youth Honored at the NM State Legislature Floor
Fil-Am youngsters Tyler Hartom and Joselle Bautista (pictured left) were among the Asian American Youth honored at the NM State Legislature floor last Thursday Feb 26th as part of the Asian American Heritage Day at the NM State Legilature. Joselle and Tyler represented the Filipino American Community for outstanding Asian American Youth. Also honored were young people from other Asian countries that included the Vietnamese, Lao, Chinese, Indian, and Thai communities. Tyler took State tile for 140 lb division in Wrestling on Febraury 21st
. Watch video here.
District 17 Senator Tim Keller submitted a motion, SJM 45, to declare February 26 as Asian American Day at the Legislature, which passed unanimously. He also submitted other motions to have a State Fair Asian American Center and to recognize The Highland area to new name, Albuquerque International District.
Pictured right: FAFNM Treasurer Carmenia Alfonso greets Senator Keller at the lobby of the State Capitol.
UPDATE: Tyler Hartom wins State Wrestling Championship Title Feb 21st
Fil-Am wrestler and St. Pius High School senior Tyler Hartom wins State Championship Wrestling Title in the 140 lb. weight division at Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho, NM last Feb 21st. The school takes the very first ever State Wrestling Title in its history, and this was achieved by a Filipino American. Another team mate, Lex, also took a State Title for the 130 lb. division.
The whole family, the Hartoms, the Sabays, and the Hontanosas' were there to cheer him on. This title has been Tyler's dream and goal. Last year he came to a close second and that's why this victory was an emotional triumph for him. Tyler is the son of Kirk and Blesila Hartom, and Blesila hails from Leyte, Philippines
Tyler is wearing a black singlet and his hair is bleached blonde, a tradtion among wrestlers during the State Wrestling Tournament.