Berlin High School in Berlin, Connecticut, has announced that seniors Ryan Lavender and Gabriella Santoro have been selected as the 2026 recipients of the Connecticut Association of Schools–Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CAS-CIAC) Scholar-Athlete Award. This prestigious award recognizes students who excel academically and athletically while demonstrating integrity, self-discipline, and leadership. Lavender, a captain of the varsity football team, led his team to a Class M state championship and has received multiple accolades, including All-State and All-Conference honors. He is also involved in various extracurricular activities and plans to pursue baseball at Polk State College in Florida. Santoro, captain of the varsity girls soccer team, has achieved All-Conference, All-State, and All-Academic honors, while maintaining high academic performance. She will attend the University of New England to continue her soccer career. Both students will be honored at a banquet on May 3 at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville, Connecticut.