Two seniors from each member high school are selected annually to represent their school as the Connecticut Association of Schools – Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CAS-CIAC) Scholar-Athletes. Selection criteria include exemplary academic and athletic careers; personal standards and achievements that are a model to others; and high levels of integrity, self-discipline, and courage. Berlin High School is proud to announce that this year’s Scholar-Athlete Award recipients are Julia Palmese and Logan Szczesniak. Both Julia and Logan are exemplary students and athletes who maintain a healthy, productive balance between academic and extracurricular activities so that they can put their best efforts into all of their commitments. Julia and Logan were recognized as the Berlin High Scholar-Athletes at the annual banquet held
at the Aqua Turf on Sunday, May 5.

Julia Palmese is an exceptional student, challenging herself in the classroom and pushing the boundaries of her intellectual capabilities. She consistently achieves outstanding grades while maintaining a rigorous academic course load. Julia is also an exemplary three season student-athlete, participating in indoor track, outdoor track, and soccer where she also served as team captain. Whether on the field or on the track, she approaches competition with a strong work ethic, sportsmanship, and a commitment to excellence. Her leadership and teamwork skills have had a positive impact on her peers and have made her a respected and admired member of her teams. She has earned several accolades including soccer All Conference All Academic and All State; a varsity letter for soccer, indoor track, and outdoor track; and the BHS Indoor Track and Field Coach’s Award. Julia is also involved in several clubs and extracurricular activities including Weightlifting Club, Upbeat, the Ryan T. Lee Foundation Club, Medical Club, and Unified Theater, showcasing her passion for making a positive impact both in and outside of the classroom. Julia consistently goes out of her way to support peers and contribute to the betterment of our school and community as evidenced by the many hours of community service she has contributed at Berlin High, Feeding Connecticut, Camp Eagle Wing, and St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Julia plans to attend Saint Michael’s College in the fall where she will play soccer.

Logan Szczesniak has dedicated years of hard work to become the student athlete that he is today. As a member of the BHS golf and swim and dive teams, Logan has received many accolades including All Conference All Academic, All State, All Conference, and recently this year, Academic All American. He has served as team captain of both the men’s swim and dive team and the men’s golf team and assists with Unified Track & Field. As a swimmer he has earned the Breakout Performer Award, the High-Point award, and has qualified for the state open. He holds the BHS record in the 200 yard freestyle relay, 100 yard breaststroke, 200 yard individual medley, and 200 yard medley relay. He has received the BHS Coach’s Award, is the 2023-2024 Class S state champion in the 100 yard breaststroke, and came in fourth in the 2023-2024 state open in the 100 yard breaststroke. Logan’s dedication to his community is also impressive. He is a member of the Interact Club, Upbeat, the Wilderness Club, the Ryan T. Lee Foundation Club, serves as Director of Fundraising in the BHS DECA, and he has been inducted into the BHS chapter of the National Honor Society where he serves as treasurer. Outside of Berlin High Logan is a member of Wreaths Across America and Scoops for Troops. Logan’s unwavering dedication to balancing education, sports, leadership, and community service reflects his exceptional character, maturity, and selfless spirit. Logan embodies the true spirit of leadership, inspiring and influencing others through his actions and serving as an outstanding role model throughout our school community. After graduating from Berlin High Logan plans to attend Bryant University where he will study finance and continue to swim.