FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 22, 2025
CONTACT: Jennifer Valdivia
j.valdivia@lausd.net
Verdugo Hills High School Scholars Earn Top Honors in Prestigious Competition
Los Angeles, CA – Verdugo Hills High School proudly claimed the Superintendent’s Trophy, earning 45,164.4 points out of 60,000 points. Representing Verdugo Hills High school, the team of outstanding decathletes – Airin Avanesian, Bowie Perez, Anthony Morini, Charlize Dial, Gianni Fuentes, Harrison Barrett, Miles Ketchum, Lilit Khachatryan, and Stephany Gutierrez – showcased their dedication and excellence. Decathlon Coach Evae Silva and Principal Arturo Barcenas were honored with the LAUSD Decathlon Hall of Fame Plaque. Los Angeles Unified holds 23 state titles – more than any district in California – and 19 national titles.
"Congratulations to Verdugo Hills High School decathletes on winning the 44th Annual Los Angeles Unified Academic Decathlon," Los Angeles Unified Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. "We are incredibly proud of our students for their dedication, perseverance, and countless hours of hard work before and after school in preparation for this competition. Your commitment to academic excellence is truly inspiring. A heartfelt thank you to every coach, family member, school staff member, and friend who has supported our decathletes along the way. Wishing you all the best in the state championship—go shine!”
The winners were celebrated in grand fashion by hundreds of dedicated decathletes from 47 high schools, alongside family, friends, teachers and principals at East Los Angeles College. Adding to the excitement were Board President Scott M. Schmerelson, Board Vice President Dr. Rocío Rivas, Board Member Karla Griego, Chief of Transitional Programs Pia C. Sadaqatmal, and Region East Superintendent Jose Huerta who also joined in celebrating and honoring the students’ outstanding achievements.
Rounding out the top six spots were Bell High School with 43.028.2 points, Northridge Academy High School with 39,351.9 points, Abraham Lincoln High School with 38,969.7 points, Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies with 38,387.5 points, Van Nuys High School with 38,264.2 points, and The Science Academy STEM Magnet with 37,495.2 points. Verdugo Hills High School and these six top-scoring district schools are now invited to compete in the California Academic Decathlon events scheduled for March 20-23, 2025 in Santa Clara, CA.
“Los Angeles Unified continues to strive for academic excellence through programs inside and outside the classroom,” Board President Scott M. Schmerelson said. “The academic decathlon could not be possible without programs like Beyond the Bell, which organizes these events, the teachers who prepare the students, and the parents who cheer them on. I also want to give a big shoutout to my Board District 3 schools, Canoga Park High School, Cleveland High School, Kennedy High School, Lake Balboa Magnet, North Hollywood High School, Northridge Academy High School, Valley Academy of Arts and Sciences, and Van Nuys High School. I could not be more proud of our students who continue to perform and show that LAUSD provides the best of the best.”
“This competition is more than just an academic challenge—it’s a celebration of critical thinking, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence,” Board Vice President Dr. Rocío Rivas said. “We celebrate Los Angeles Unified students and their hard work, dedication, and passion for learning.”
“Congratulations to the Verdugo Hills High School Academic Decathlon team for winning the 44th Annual LAUSD Academic Decathlon!” Board Member Sherlett Hendy Newbill said. “Board District 1 wishes you continued success as you represent Los Angeles Unified at next month's California Academic Decathlon competition.”
“Congratulations to all of our Academic Decathalon-ers!,” Board Member Nick Melvoin said. “Every year, a talented group of scholars shows us what is possible in LA Unified. During this competition, these young leaders demonstrate the skill, commitment, and problem-solving capabilities that will someday help tackle the challenges facing our world. We wish them all the success at their upcoming State competition!"
“It was an honor to witness academic excellence and be a part of the historic tradition of LAUSD’s Academic Decathlon,” Board Member Karla Griego said. “Congratulations to the winners.”
“Congratulations to the winners and to all those who participated in this year’s Academic Decathlon,” Board Member Kelly Gonez said. “Your dedication and teamwork have helped you earn this achievement and will serve you well throughout your education and beyond.”
“Congratulations to all our incredible decathletes for showcasing their dedication and talent in Los Angeles Unified’s 44th Annual Academic Decathlon! A special shoutout to our seven outstanding Board District 7 teams for their hard work and perseverance,” Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said. “To every scholar who competed—this is an incredible achievement that brings immense pride to your families, schools, our district, and most importantly, yourselves!”
"I am incredibly proud of our students and their outstanding achievements this year,” LAUSD Academic Decathlon Regional Coordinator Dr. Neena Agnihotri said. “Their hard work, dedication, and passion for learning have been nothing short of inspiring. Each student has demonstrated exceptional growth and resilience, and I am excited to see how they continue to shine. This year’s success is a testament to the incredible talent, teamwork, and commitment of our students and the unwavering support from our educators and community. I look forward to celebrating their continued excellence in the years to come."
Many students were honored with scholarships, individual medals, and trophies for academic achievements. The top students who earned the highest scores district-wide include:
Airin Avanesian from Verdugo Hills High School, who took home the Super Decathlete trophy for the overall highest scoring student with 8793.5 points out of 10,000 points.
Saket Pamidipathri from The Science Academy STEM Magnet, who was honored as the overall second highest-scoring student with 8472.1 points out of 10,000 points.
Mario Martinez from Bell High School, who was recognized as the overall third highest-scoring student with 8266.5 points out of 10,000 points.
The Coach of the Year was awarded to Nathaniel Mangione, a Social Studies teacher at Northridge Academy High School. The Administrator of the Year was awarded to Xavier Chavez, Assistant Principal at North Hollywood High School. The Decathlon, made up of a 10 event competition, was centered on Our Changing Climate this year.
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