Max and Anousha will be recognized as this year’s Berlin High School CABE Student Leadership Awards Program recipients at the June Berlin Board of Education meeting. 

Max Ding
Max is a remarkable young man – a natural-born leader who consistently demonstrates his commitment to academic, athletic, and extracurricular excellence. Academically, Max consistently earns the highest
grades while enrolling a rigorous course load. He has achieved the CT Seal of Biliteracy for Spanish and
has been inducted into the National Honor Society and the Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor
Society. Max is intellectually curious as demonstrated by his participation in a month-long fellowship at
UConn’s Institute of Materials Science analyzing the kinetics of synthesizing polymers using a
dichloromethane setting and analyzing the properties of the films created.

Max has a knack for balancing a rigorous academic schedule with an array of extracurricular activities
including medical club, weightlifting club, and Madrigal Singers. He is a member of the BHS math team
and Senior House Leader of Willard House in the Upbeat program. He was recently seen performing on
stage in the role of the Wizard in this year’s Berlin High production of the Wizard of Oz musical. He
volunteers as a classroom assistant at Willard Elementary School, at the Berlin Peck Memorial Library,
and at the Chinese Language School of Greater Hartford.

Athletically, Max has been playing baseball for the past 12 years, currently serving as pitcher and
outfielder on the BHS varsity team. He is also a four-year varsity indoor track member, being elected
captain for the past two years. Max has qualified for the state championship in shot put and the 4x200
meter relay multiple times.

While Max has not yet committed to a college or university following graduation from Berlin High, he
plans to study either bioengineering/biomedical engineering, biochemistry, or molecular biology with
plans to be an orthopedic surgeon or biomedical engineer in the future. Max’s combination of intelligence,
leadership, and kindness along with his unwavering commitment to excellence make him a deserving
recipient of the CABE Student Leadership Award.

Anousha Hashim
Anousha is an outstanding student leader whose unwavering dedication to academics, extracurricular
involvement, and community service distinguishes her among her peers. Academically, she has
consistently pursued an ambitious and rigorous course load, demonstrating intellectual curiosity and a passion for learning. Her commitment to scientific inquiry led her to conduct five weeks of research at
UConn Health, where she explored the roles various genes may play in osteosarcoma tumorigenesis
through immunohistochemistry. In recognition of her academic excellence, she has earned the
Connecticut Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish and holds membership in both the National Honor Society and
the Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society.

Anousha’s leadership extends beyond the classroom, where she has made a profound impact on both the
school and broader community. For the past two years she has served as the Board of Education student
representative, amplifying student voices and bridging the gap between the student body and district
leadership. Amongst many clubs, she is an active member of Berlin High School’s Model UN club and
leads the school’s HOSA chapter as president, fostering a passion for global affairs and healthcare among
her peers. Additionally, as a writing center tutor, Anousha provides valuable guidance to fellow students,
helping them strengthen their communication skills.

Her dedication to service is equally remarkable. Anousha has been an active member of her mosque
community throughout her life, where she currently serves as the President of the Muslim Youth
Association of Connecticut. Throughout the four years she has held this role, she has organized
fundraisers, coordinated volunteer efforts, and spearheaded initiatives that uplift the community and
promote social responsibility.

While Anousha has not yet committed to a college or university, she plans to pursue a major in biology or
psychology with a focus on physician assistant and dental studies. Her exceptional combination of
intelligence, compassion, and leadership makes her a deserving recipient of the CABE Student Leadership
Award.