Congratulations to Bailey Catlin, daughter of Regina and Todd Catlin of Petersburgh, NY, the 2022 Valedictorian of Berlin High School.
Throughout her time as a Mountaineer, Bailey has taken one of the most rigorous college preparatory schedules that Berlin Central School can offer. This includes an accelerated track in math and science and honors courses in English and social studies.
Bailey graduates with a NYS Regents diploma with Advanced Designation, mastery in science and with honors. Bailey is a member of the National Honor Society, the New York State Science Honor Society and has been nominated by a committee of teachers for several academic scholarships and department keys.
Bailey’s time volunteering and engaging in community service is extensive. Outside the classroom, she has consistently been a role model to her peers. During her four years as class president and now also as a senior holding the office of student council president, Bailey is always advocating for her fellow Mountaineers.
Her participation on Berlin CSD’s Steering Committee, Participatory Budget Committee and school improvement SCEP Committee, to name a few, as well as her involvement in character education clubs like Super Troopers, promoting positivity both academically and socially, are testaments to Bailey’s focus and determination.
Bailey is a two-sport varsity athlete, competing in volleyball and softball, one of the few varsity team members to make the softball team as a 7th grader. This year Bailey set a new school career record of 500 softball strikeouts and by the end of the season had passed 600. Bailey was named to the Wasaren League Softball Section II All-Star team as a pitcher this year.
“Bailey epitomizes what it means to be a student athlete,” said Berlin Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Mr. Charles Paravella. “She performs at a high level, both on the field and in the classroom.”
“She not only tries to make herself better but lifts everyone up around her as well,” said Berlin-New Lebanon Softball and Volleyball Coach, Paul Slaver, who has been coaching Bailey in Berlin since 7th grade.
Those who have worked closely with Bailey throughout her time at Berlin point out her hard work, which balances all of her strengths with humility and modesty.
Bailey will be attending Saint Rose in Albany this fall where she will pursue a degree in Elementary/Special Education with a 7th–9th grade extension.
Bailey will also be playing for the Saint Rose Golden Knights softball team competing at a high level within the NorthEast-10 Conference.
“Perhaps what impresses me most about Bailey are her positive attitude, kindness and respect that she treats others with, while always demanding greatness from herself,” said Bailey’s Berlin High School Counselor, Mrs. Rachel Harrison.
Congratulations to Ashton Evans, son of Jennifer and Kevin Evans of Petersburgh, NY, the 2022 Salutatorian of Berlin High School.
From a young age, Ashton has always had a drive and eagerness to learn from a young age. His parents recall him knowing his numbers, shapes and colors in English and Spanish by 10 months old.
This year, as part of the Responding to Emergencies class, Ashton was part of a group of classmates who invited local fire department volunteers to talk to students about what volunteering means to them and their community in order to generate interest and understanding for what it takes to be a volunteer.
Ashton is a member of Science Olympiad, a competitive science and engineering team, and has been a part of the newly launched Berlin Coding team since it began last year. Ashton and his teammates competed this year in the 34th Annual Coding Contest sponsored by Siena College, placing 24th out of 46 teams in the region.
“Ashton is a dedicated and hard working person with a natural aptitude for engineering and math and is fiercely loyal to his friends and teammates,” said Berlin High School’s Technology Education teacher Ms. Dawn Wetmore, when reflecting on Ashton’s time in high school.
His determination was shown when he began playing basketball later in high school. Ashton was inspired by his teacher, Mr. Ellis, to join the basketball team. He received the Coaches Award thanks to his dedication and effort as a team member.
This year, during his first year on the BNL Track and Field squad, Ashton was a contributor to the team’s successes, excelling in the triple jump.
Ashton also enjoys mountain biking and playing video games.
Ashton graduates with a NYS Regents diploma with Advanced Designation, mastery in math and science and with honors. He is a member of the National Honor Society, the New York State Science Honor Society and has been nominated by a committee of teachers for several academic scholarships and department keys.
Ashton’s favorite classes in Berlin were Calculus and Chemistry, which align with his plans for the fall to attend Hudson Valley Community College and pursue a Liberal Arts major in Math and Science.
Congratulations again, from the Berlin CSD, to Bailey Catlin and Ashton Evans – we are so proud of you!