Berlin HS Names 2026 Valedictorian, Salutatorian

BERLIN, CT— Berlin High School's top two students for the Class of 2026 have been named, with their bright futures taking off after commencement later this month.

BHS has named Meghan Snyder valedictorian and Nina Welch salutatorian of the Class of 2026, recognizing two students whose "academic achievements, leadership, and community involvement distinguished them among their graduating classmates."

BHS Principal Katie Amenta announced the honors June 3.

Valedictorian Meghan Snyder

School officials described Snyder as an independent thinker whose intellectual curiosity and leadership have made a lasting impact on the Berlin High community.

During her time at Berlin High, Snyder participated in Madrigal Singers, chorus productions and theater programs both at school and through Meriden Youth Theater.

She is a member of the National Honor Society and Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society and was active in the school's Mock Trial program, competing on the varsity team before later serving as an adviser to younger students.

Snyder has also been heavily involved in Upbeat, serving as a Junior House Leader and later as one of the program's coordinators.

School officials highlighted Snyder's resilience following the death of her mother in 2021, noting her ability to excel academically while continuing to support those around her.

Outside of school, Snyder works at Illiano's in Meriden and for New Britain Parks and Recreation, where she serves as a lifeguard, swim instructor and assistant pool manager.

She also volunteers with school theater productions at Franklin and Hanover elementary schools in Meriden.

Snyder said students should take advantage of opportunities available to them during high school and explore activities that help them learn more about themselves.

Her favorite subject was AP/UConn Chemistry, a course she credited with deepening her interest in science.

This fall, Snyder will attend the University of Connecticut School of Nursing.

She plans to pursue a master's degree and become a nurse practitioner, to specialize in pediatric oncology.

Salutatorian Nina Welch

Welch was recognized for her academic accomplishments as well as her extensive leadership and service work.

Inspired by challenges faced by students in underfunded school districts, Welch founded Literacy for Life, a nonprofit organization focused on improving access to books and literacy resources.

The organization has donated more than 35,000 books to schools in New Britain, Hartford and New Haven.

In addition to leading Literacy for Life, Welch operates a book club at Northend Elementary School in New Britain.

At Berlin High, Welch participated in an independent anti-malarial research study in partnership with the University of Connecticut and founded the school's Science Tutoring Center to provide one-on-one academic support for students.

She also completed a summer internship with the Rouge Research Group at UConn, assisting with research involving therapeutic nucleic acids.

Welch served as captain of the varsity swim team and earned All-Conference honors twice.

She also participated in the Redcoat Band, Jazz Band and Model United Nations and is a member of both the National Honor Society and Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society.

Outside of school, she works as a swim instructor and lifeguard for the Meriden YMCA.

Welch encouraged younger students to focus on the broader perspective of their high school experience.

"In high school, every little thing seems consequential and world-ending," she said in remarks shared by the school, adding that relationships and memories often prove more meaningful than individual grades or assignments.

Welch said chemistry became her favorite subject after initially finding the coursework challenging as a freshman.

Her experiences in advanced chemistry classes inspired her to pursue chemical engineering.

She will attend the University of Connecticut Honors Program this fall to study chemical engineering and hopes to add a second major in management before pursuing an MBA in engineering management.

School officials said both Snyder and Welch exemplify the academic excellence, leadership and commitment to service that define the Berlin High School Class of 2026.