Beverly Hills High School Students Graduate from Teen CERT Program, Strengthening Community Prepared

Beverly Hills, CA (April 8, 2026) – On April 7th, Beverly Hills High School proudly celebrated the graduation of 36 students from the Teen Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program, recognizing their commitment to service, safety, and leadership after completing 21 hours of intensive emergency preparedness training.

The students, all seniors in the Medical Science Academy’s capstone Biomedical Innovation course, completed the program through Just in Case BH. The experience reflects the strong connection between the City of Beverly Hills and its schools, with a shared focus on preparing students with real-world skills that support both individual growth and community resilience.

Throughout the course, students engaged in hands-on instruction focused on disaster response, fire safety, triage, and coordinated emergency support, gaining the knowledge and confidence to act in critical situations before professional responders arrive.

The graduation ceremony brought together city and district leadership, including City of Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian, Beverly Hills Fire Chief Greg Barton, and BHUSD Board of Education Member Russell Stuart, who joined in celebrating the students’ dedication and achievement. Medical Science Academy teacher Colleen Lynch and firefighter Gabriel Mier, who served as a lead instructor for the program, were instrumental in guiding students through the rigorous training experience.

“This is what Educational Excellence looks like in action,” said Beverly Hills Unified School District Board of Education President Judy Manouchehri. “Our students have committed themselves to learning skills that extend far beyond the classroom. They are prepared to lead, to serve, and to step forward with confidence when their community needs them most.”

“Our high school seniors have shown extraordinary commitment over the past 11 weeks, stepping forward to become trained CERT volunteers and future leaders in public safety. They are not waiting for a moment of need, they are preparing for it. In times of emergency or natural disaster, we know our police and fire cannot be everywhere at once, and now these students have the tools and training to step in, support, and assist their community until first responders arrive. That spirit of readiness and responsibility is what makes our community stronger, safer, and united. Our future is bright with these students leading the way!”

The Teen CERT program empowers students to become active contributors to public safety and community preparedness. For these Beverly Hills High School seniors, the experience represents not only the completion of a rigorous and meaningful program, but also the beginning of a lifelong commitment to civic responsibility and service.

Through programs like the Medical Science Academy, Beverly Hills High School continues to provide meaningful, future-focused learning opportunities that prepare students to thrive with integrity in a complex world, living out its guiding principle: Today Well Lived.

View Photos

Beverly Hills High School Medical Science Academy seniors celebrate their Teen CERT graduation outside Beverly Hills City Hall on April 7, 2026, after completing 21 hours of emergency preparedness training with city and district leaders.

Photo Credit: The Beverly Hills Unified School District

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For Immediate Release 
April 8, 2026

Contact: Colby Gilardian
Public Information Officer
[email protected] 
(310) 871-8246 Mobile