Educators and staff will be recognized at a ceremony on May 21 at Beverly Canon Gardens. (photo courtesy of BHUSD)

The Beverly Hills Unified School District announced 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 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, from 5-9 p.m. at Beverly Canon Gardens, where the community will gather to recognize excellence and express collective gratitude.

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 (third grade, ER); Ellen Kwon (fourth grade, HM); Kunhee (David) Lee (history and AVID, BHHS); Kari Marlowe (program specialist, ER/BHHS); Celeste McDonald (English, BHHS); Fred Pinto (visual and performing arts, BVMS); Laura Rogers (special education, BVMS); and Vivian Minor (administrative assistant, BVMS).

“These extraordinary individuals represent the very best of who we are as a district,” Board of Education President Judy Manouchehri said. “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,” BHEF President Tina Wiener said. “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.”

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available through bhef.org.

Beverly Canon Gardens is located at 241 N. Canon Drive.