Lillian vonSchilgen
2026 Valedictorian Berlin High School
Binghamton University
Exploratory
Berlin High School proudly recognizes Lillian vonSchilgen of Berlin, daughter of Curt vonSchilgen and Christy Stevens, as the Valedictorian for the Class of 2026.
Lillian’s success is rooted in her exceptional academic ability and her relentless pursuit of growth. According to Berlin High School Counselor Ms. Savanna Caldwell, “Having taken every honors course we offer, Lillian is eager for any opportunity to broaden her understanding, reflect on new ideas, and conquer challenges in any subject area.”
Her engagement and leadership are evident both inside and outside the classroom. Ms. Caldwell continues, “From the way she engages in classroom discussions to assuming leadership roles during group projects, Lillian consistently includes others while ensuring she is garnering the most from her classroom experience.”
Lillian also demonstrates this leadership as President of her class. As a member of the Character Education Club, Super Troopers, she promotes positive messaging and uses her knack for bringing a smile or laugh to others, shining in the Super Trooper Character Education videos.
Lillian’s senior year highlights include starring in the Dramateers one-act production, Man Under Her Bed, in the fall, and being a dynamic member of the Berlin High School band’s saxophone section.
Driven by a desire to give back and build her community, Lillian is a very active member of her community and school district.
This year as part of the Civic Seal of Readiness pilot program at BMHS, Lillian founded “Berlin Nerds 4 Birds,” a community group that hosts informational gatherings and events focused on how to positively impact your local environment as a community.
Lillian volunteers at nearly every school event and assists the art department, which has provided her space to foster her creativity.
Lillian consistently demonstrates her support for those around her, through kind words or helping others wherever needed.
Lillian is a dedicated scholar, artist, leader, and Mountaineer role model. Binghamton University is gaining an outstanding, community-minded individual, and we look forward with great anticipation to her future achievements.
Congratulations, Lillian!
Valentina Popov
2026 Salutatorian Berlin High School
Queens College, City University of New York
Accounting
Berlin High School proudly names Valentina Popov, a resident of Petersburgh and the daughter of Oleg and Anna Popov, as the Salutatorian for the Class of 2026.
Valentina has consistently pursued one of the most demanding college preparatory schedules offered at Berlin High School. According to Berlin High School Counselor Ms. Savanna Caldwell, “The curriculum she has chosen for herself throughout high school has always been rigorous, and pushing herself is how she thrives.”
Ms. Caldwell further notes, “Valentina has a determination to find success in all that she does. Her diligent work ethic has always come naturally, according to her family, and she has shown remarkable drive from a young age.”
Valentina’s passion for the arts provides a valuable balance to her rigorous academic pursuits. She is a dedicated and integral member of the music program, where she showcases her dynamic abilities on the trumpet and as a vocalist in the high school chorus and chamber choir. As a leader in her trumpet section, she plays in the high school band, jazz band, and frequently with the pit band for school musicals.
Additionally, Valentina challenges her intellect as a competing member of the Berlin Masterminds team.
Valentina’s positive influence extends beyond the classroom; she is an exceptionally kind and thoughtful individual. Her family, friends, and teachers consistently speak to her caring nature, and her peers view her as a role model for achievement.
Demonstrating her commitment to civic engagement, Valentina took a leadership role in the “Seniors for Seniors” Civic Seal project. Valentina and her friends set out to bridge generational gaps by assisting local elderly citizens with various tasks, such as yard work, while fostering strong connections. The New York State Education Department recognized this project as an outstanding example of students developing into informed, engaged, and active citizens.
As Valentina pushes herself, she also takes the time to self-reflect to see how she can grow personally as well as academically.
Though she is currently undecided on her specific path and college, Valentina will be attending college in the fall. Her determination, combined with her ability to balance academics and the arts, ensures she will be an extraordinary asset wherever her future takes her.
Congratulations, Valentina!
(l-r) BHS School Counselor Ms. Savannah Caldwell, BCSD Superintendent Ken Rizzo, 2026 Valedictorian, Lillian vonSchilgen, and BMHS Principal Mr. David Bernsley.
(l-r) BHS School Counselor Ms. Savannah Caldwell, BCSD Superintendent Ken Rizzo, 2026 Salutatorian, Valentina Popov, and BMHS Principal Mr. David Bernsley.
