BERLIN. CT — Berlin High School announced Friday that two of its seniors earned major honors for not only their athletic prowess, but also their work in the classroom.
BHS has selected seniors Ryan Lavender and Gabriella Santoro as its 2026 recipients of the Connecticut Association of Schools–Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CAS-CIAC) Scholar-Athlete Award, BHS Principal Katie Amenta announced Friday.
Each year, two seniors from member schools are chosen based on academic and athletic achievement, as well as character traits including integrity, self-discipline, and leadership.
Lavender and Santoro will represent Berlin High School at the CAS-CIAC Scholar-Athlete banquet scheduled for Sunday, May 3, at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville (Southington).
The CAS-CIAC Scholar-Athlete program recognizes students statewide who balance academic rigor with athletic achievement and community involvement.
Lavender, a varsity football captain, helped lead Berlin to the Class M state championship.
His honors include All-State and All-Conference selections, as well as recognition as Connecticut’s top linebacker by Sports Illustrated.
He also contributed to the team off the field, preparing weekly reports and assisting coaches during an injury in his junior year.
In addition to football, Lavender plays baseball and participates in several extracurricular activities, including Upbeat and Interact Club.
He helped launch the school’s Best Buddies chapter and has received multiple academic honors, including All-Academic Scholastic Athlete recognition and membership in the National Honor Society and Rho Kappa.
He also earned the Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish.
Lavender volunteers as a youth coach and assists with Berlin Little League clinics.
He plans to continue his baseball career at Polk State College in Florida before transferring to a four-year institution.
Santoro, a captain of the varsity girls soccer team, earned All-Conference, All-State, and All-Academic honors during her high school career.
She was named MVP of a senior all-star game and received the Berlin High School Coaches Award.
Academically, she maintained high honors throughout high school.
A member of the National Honor Society and the Berlin Upbeat program, Santoro has participated in fundraising efforts, volunteered at the Berlin Fair, and assisted with organizing school events.
She plans to attend the University of New England, where she will play Division III soccer.
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