Two Berlin HS Seniors Honored For Leadership Skills

Berlin Public Schools

BERLIN, CT — Two Berlin High School seniors were recently honored for their leadership skills and commitment to their communities.

The Connecticut Association of Boards of Education Student Leadership Awards Program recognizes students who exhibit exemplary leadership skills, including a willingness to take on challenges, ability to make difficult decisions and work with others, and a willingness to commit to a project.

Berlin High School recently announced that seniors Max Ding and Anousha Hashim have been selected as this year’s recipients.

Max Ding

BHS officials described Ding as "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," wrote the school.

Ding 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.

He participated in a month-long fellowship at the University of Connecticut’s Institute of Materials Science analyzing the kinetics of synthesizing polymers using a dichloromethane setting and analyzing the properties of the films created.

Ding also takes part in several 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.

Ding 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.

In addition, he volunteers as a classroom assistant at Willard Elementary School, the Berlin Peck Memorial Library, and at the Chinese Language School of Greater Hartford.

Athletically, Ding has been playing baseball for the past 12 years, currently serving as a 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 and has qualified for the state championship in shot put and the 4x200 meter relay multiple times.

While Ding 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.

Anousha Hashim

BHS officials said Hashim "is an outstanding student leader whose unwavering dedication to academics, extracurricular involvement, and community service distinguishes her among her peers."

She recently took part in five weeks of research at UConn Health, where she explored the roles various genes may play in osteosarcoma tumorigenesis through immunohistochemistry.

Hashim 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.

Her 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 Berlin Board of Education student representative, amplifying student voices and bridging the gap between the student body and the 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, Hashim provides guidance to fellow students,
helping them strengthen their communication skills.

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 Hashiim 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.

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

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