BHHS Students Shine at 2026 SkillsUSA State Competition, Advancing to Nationals and Earning Top Hono

Beverly Hills, CA (April 18, 2026) – Beverly Hills Unified School District (BHUSD) proudly celebrates the outstanding achievements of Beverly Hills High School (BHHS) students at the 2026 SkillsUSA State Competition, held this past weekend in Ontario, California. Competing among more than 4,000 students across 120 events, BHHS students demonstrated exceptional talent, professionalism, and skill, earning top honors and representing the very best of Career Technical Education in California.

Thirteen BHHS students competed across seven competition areas, with seven students earning podium finishes at the Toyota Arena in front of thousands of attendees. Two seniors earned gold medals and will advance to represent the State of California at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.

Sara Orpelli earned Gold in “Restaurant Service,” showcasing advanced culinary and hospitality skills through live food preparation, menu presentation, table service, and a comprehensive evaluation that included a written exam and professional portfolio.

Izzy Zahabian earned Gold in “Facilities Management (Facilithon),” a competitive facility management event requiring critical thinking, emergency response simulations, and strong communication skills. Her calm, strategic approach distinguished her among top competitors statewide.

Naomi Yasui earned Silver in “Job Interview,” demonstrating poise, confidence, and professionalism through a live mock interview and portfolio presentation.

In “Video News Production,” the team of Perry Gilardian, Jason Maybaum, Mathias Ramirez, and Gunnar Walmsley earned Bronze, producing a complete three-minute news broadcast under tight deadlines, including scripting, filming, editing, and technical assessments.

Additional top performers included:

Zach Hasson and Jacob Perelmutter, who placed 4th in “Audio Production,” creating an NPR-style segment within a 36-hour production window.

Piotr Brozda and Oliver Reeb, who placed 4th in “Robotics,” designing and operating a robot through a complex course while completing technical evaluations.

Lior Pouravrahim (6th place) and Aidan Kleyman (10th place), who both placed in the Top 10 for the “20-Second Elevator Pitch,” an event highlighting communication and presentation skills for first-time competitors.

“These accomplishments reflect not only the dedication and talent of our students, but the strength of our Career Technical Education pathways,” said BHUSD Superintendent Dr. Alex Cherniss. “Our students are gaining real-world skills, confidence, and experience that prepare them to lead in a complex and evolving world.”

This success reflects a true team effort across the BHUSD community. The district extends its gratitude to dedicated educators Rick Leece, Tessema Garedew, Kyle Newman, and John Castle, and Career Technical Education Coordinator Cindy Dubin, whose leadership and commitment make these opportunities possible.

As BHUSD continues to expand pathways that connect classroom learning to real-world application, these achievements stand as a powerful example of Educational Excellence in action. The district looks forward to cheering on Sara Orpelli and Izzy Zahabian as they represent California on the national stage this summer.

View Photos

Beverly Hills High School students participating in the 2026 SkillsUSA State Competition gather outside the competition arena in Ontario, California, representing BHUSD across multiple career technical education pathways.

Photo Credit: The Beverly Hills Unified School District

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For Immediate Release 
April 18, 2026

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