BHUSD representatives and members of the school community cut the ribbon on Nov. 8 for the new BulldogAid Wellness Center on the Beverly Vista Middle School campus. (photo by Colby Gilardian)

Beverly Vista Middle School hosted a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on Nov. 8 for its BulldogAid Wellness Center. The BHUSD Board of Education has made safety and wellness a priority at each school. The district’s wellness program is supported by staff and epitomized by the NormanAid Wellness Center at Beverly Hills High School, supported by Michael J Libow.

The program was previously brought to Beverly Vista Middle School and now has a physical space on the campus. BVMS is one of the only middle schools in the nation with a dedicated mental wellness center.

BVMS Principal, Dr. Kelly Skon welcomed guests after students and BulldogAid Wellness Center peer counselors Saanvi Jha and Shahrzad Dardashti led the Pledge of Allegiance. Remarks were made by BHUSD Superintendent Dr. Michael Bregy; Kristen Hartley, BulldogAid Wellness Center lead counselor; BHHS student and NormanAid Wellness Center peer counselor Sophia Manavi; Beverly Hills Mayor Dr. Julian Gold; BVMS PTA president Jenn Pedersen; BHEF president Tina Wiener; Raphael Guzman, assistant superintendent of business services for BHUSD; Will Karrat, executive director of construction services; BHUSD Board of Education clerk Mary Wells; Dr. Amanda Stern, BHUSD Board of Education vice president; and Noah Margo, president of the BHUSD Board of Education. Additional attendees included Councilmembers Lili Bosse and Sharona Nazarian, Human Relations Commission member Pam Kraushaar and Beverly Hills Fire Chief Greg Barton. For information, visit bhusd.org.