Berlin High Scholar-Athletes Excel In Classroom And In Competition

Berlin High School

BERLIN, CT — Two Berlin High School seniors recently garnered honors that show they excel on the athletic field and in athletic competition.

According to BHS, this year’s Scholar-Athlete Award recipients are Julia Palmese and Logan Szczesniak.

Two seniors from each member high school are selected annually to represent their school as 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.

"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," wrote BHS in a statement.

They were recognized as the Berlin High Scholar-Athletes at the annual banquet held at the Aqua Turf in Plantsville last Sunday, May 5.

Julia Palmese

Palmese consistently achieves outstanding grades while maintaining a rigorous academic course load and is also a 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," wrote BHS.

"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 honors; a varsity letter for soccer, indoor track, and outdoor track; and the BHS Indoor Track and Field Coach’s Award.

Palmese is also involved in several clubs and extracurricular activities including Weightlifting Club, Upbeat, the Ryan T. Lee Foundation Club, Medical Club, and Unified Theater.

Logan Szczesniak

Szczesniak is a member of the BHS golf and swim and dive teams and 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, and 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.

Szczesniak 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.

Szczesniak’s dedication to his community is also impressive as 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," wrote BHS.