Berlin HS Announces Top Members Of Class Of 2024

Berlin High School

BERLIN, CT — When members of Berlin High School's Class of 2024 turn their tassels on June 7, the class' top two graduates will turn their way to their next endeavors in life.

And on Tuesday, the school announced just who BHS' valedictorian and salutatorian are.

According to BHS, Addison Whiteside is the Class of 2024 valedictorian.

"Mature, thoughtful, intelligent, and 'the complete package' — these are a few of the
words used to describe Addison Whiteside," wrote BHS in a release Tuesday.

"Academically, Addy has challenged herself to a rigorous course load while maintaining honor roll status throughout her time at Berlin High School."

Gymnastics has been a large part of her life for the past 13 years.

She is also involved in several extracurricular activities including Class of 2024 Vice President, Student Director of the Writing Center, Upbeat, the Ryan T. Lee Memorial Club, and the Random Acts of Kindness Club.

Outside of school, she volunteers at the Meriden Humane Society and the Sacred Heart Church Berlin Fair food booth.

Several families in town call on Addy to provide childcare services and she loves babysitting younger children.

Meanwhile, the Ivy League is calling her as she will be attending Brown University in the fall, where she will be a member of the gymnastics team.

Meanwhile, BHS announced Patrick Kot was named salutatorian.

"During his Berlin High School tenure he has consistently achieved honor roll status during every quarter while challenging himself to a rigorous academic course load," wrote BHS.

"His favorite subject is math where he enjoys the logical aspect of the subject. He has attended Polish Language School every Saturday for 10 years, ultimately preparing him to obtain the Connecticut Seal of Biliteracy for the Polish language."

A soccer player, Kot is also involved in extracurricular activities including Upbeat, Wilderness Club, and Powerlifting Club.

As a member of the DECA Business Club he placed second in the state competition for the Business Law and Ethics category; as a co-founding member of the Mock Trial Club his team placed in the top eight in the state competition.

He is heavily involved as a troop leader in Polish Boy Scouts, planning meetings and trips as well as organizing fundraising and community service activities.

Kot also works at Suburban Ski and Bike.

Kot will attend the University of Connecticut and take part in the Honors Program, where he will study computer science, to work in software development or cybersecurity.