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Beverly Hills, CA (August 1, 2025) – With the first day of school quickly approaching, the Beverly Hills Unified School District gathered on August 8 for its annual Opening Day celebration at the El Rodeo Elementary Auditorium. Staff from every school site and department came together for the first time since summer, filling the space with energy, anticipation, and a shared commitment to the year ahead.
Opening Day was more than a kickoff to the school year. It was a celebration of the people who make BHUSD a place where students can thrive. Joined by the Beverly Hills City Council, Mayor Sharona Nazarian, and other community leaders, we welcomed new staff members, celebrated our returning team, and strengthened the connection between our schools and the City of Beverly Hills.
Recognizing Years of Dedication
Continuing a valued tradition, BHUSD honored staff members for their years of dedicated service, recognizing those who have made a lasting difference in the lives of students.
10 Years of Service
Maria Perez, Jimmie Sanford, Darren Sargent, Sabrina Slaughter, Nicole Snijdewind, Henry Steiman, Eric Telles, Denise Witherspoon, Thomas Zoeschg, Amy Bell, Raymond Bennette III, Nell Boucher, Robert Croll, Rio Gibson, David Hewitt, Emily Hurst, Kerry Mazor, Shemia Moore
15 Years of Service
Lisa Block, Elisa Ibarra, Fred Pinto, Njeri Snyder
20 Years of Service
Phillip Babcock, Edwina Casiano, Teresa Cortes, Afarin Delijani, Alejandro Garduno, Sherry Haimoff, Irma Honore, Jeanette Honore, Ellen Kwon, Brenda Lopez-Parker, Rodney Mitchell, Dan Moroaica, Zohreh Partovi, Elaina Reilly, Marcy Scholer, Michelle Stradford, Heather Woodring
25 Years of Service
Nicole Ewing, Michael Federman, Kathleen Greenleaf, Heather Godin, Kevin Painter, Gabrielle Radonsky, Sharon Ringo
30 Years of Service
Kelly Kertesz, Celeste McDonald, Jennifer Reilly, A. Gregg Riesenberg
35 Years of Service
Vivian Minor
40 Years of Service
Howard Edelman, Marla Weiss
Apple Awards for Excellence
The prestigious Apple Awards recognized staff members who went above and beyond during the 2024–2025 school year:
- Beverly Hills High School: Ted Yoo, Roel Hinojosa
- Beverly Vista Middle School: Elizabeth Schultz, Vergine Aiazian
- El Rodeo Elementary School: Liat Canes
- Horace Mann Elementary School: Tiffany Graham
- District Office: Marilu De Arcos, Reiona Smith
Superintendent Dr. Alex Cherniss shared:
“The true measure of our success will never be found in test scores alone, but in the connections we make with our students. When a child knows they are cared for and seen, they will remember you decades from now. That is the legacy we build together, and it is why this is the greatest district and the greatest city in the world.”
As the district prepares for the first day of school, BHUSD moves forward united across all campuses and departments, supported by a community dedicated to the success of every student.
Watch Dr. Cherniss' Superintendent Remarks
Contact: Colby Gilardian
Public Information Officer
[email protected]
(310) 871-8246 Mobile
