BHUSD Announces 2026 Apple Award Honorees as BHEF Brings Back Apple Awards Celebration

March 26th 2026

Beverly Hills, CA (March 25, 2026) – The Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) is proud to announce the 2026 Apple Award recipients, an inspiring group of educators and staff whose dedication, care, and commitment define Educational Excellence across every BHUSD campus.

This year carries special significance. For the first time in nearly a decade, the Beverly Hills Education Foundation (BHEF) is bringing back the Apple Awards with a districtwide community celebration, uniting educators, families, and supporters to honor those who make a lasting difference in the lives of students.

The celebration will take place on May 21, 2026, from 5:00 to 9:00 PM at Beverly Canon Gardens, where the community will gather to recognize excellence and express collective gratitude.

2026 Apple Award Honorees
BHUSD proudly recognizes the following exceptional individuals:

Afsaneh Tabibian (Instructional Assistant, BHHS)
Felipe Gomez (Maintenance and Operations)
Karen Garland (Program Specialist, HM/BVMS)
Candace Hemphill (3rd Grade, ER)
Ellen Kwon (4th Grade, HM)
Kunhee (David) Lee (History & AVID, BHHS)
Kari Marlowe (Program Specialist, ER/BHHS)
Celeste McDonald (English, BHHS)
Fred Pinto (Visual and Performing Arts, BVMS)
Laura Rogers (Special Education, BVMS)
Vivian Minor (Administrative Assistant, BVMS)

“These extraordinary individuals represent the very best of who we are as a district,” said Board of Education President Judy Manouchehri. “They lead with heart, inspire with purpose, and show our students what is possible through dedication and care. Their impact reaches far beyond the classroom, shaping lives, strengthening our community, and defining Educational Excellence in action. We are proud to honor them and deeply grateful for the difference they make every single day.”

“The Beverly Hills Education Foundation is absolutely thrilled to be hosting BHEF HONORS this year, which combines the opportunity to celebrate the generosity of our BHEF donors and the creativity of our Innovative Teacher Grant award winners, along with publicly honoring the remarkable educators, administrators and staff members who have earned Apple Awards in 2026. After a decade-long hiatus, we are excited to be bringing this beloved tradition back to our community. This event is a testament to the spirit of excellence that defines our district, and we’re proud to shine a spotlight on the people who make that excellence possible,” said Tina Wiener, BHEF President.

The Apple Awards reflect the strength of a district where every staff member plays a role in student success. From classrooms to campuses to district offices, these honorees represent the care, talent, and commitment that allow BHUSD students to thrive.

The return of this event is more than a celebration; it is a moment of connection for the entire community and a renewed commitment to recognizing the people who make BHUSD exceptional.

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available through BHEF.org

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