On May 3, 2020, the CIAC hosted a virtual ceremony on Fox 61 honoring Zaida Cotto and Abedin Abedini, and all the 2020 CIAC Scholar Athletes. The project was spearheaded by John Holt, and hosted by 4-Time Connecticut Sportscaster of the Year, Bob Picozzi.

Since 1984, this event has been held at the AquaTurf in Plantsville. Students from around the state were honored at this prestigious event.

This year, obviously, that wasn’t possible. But through the efforts of Holt, with the cooperation of principals, athletic directors, and the students themselves, they managed to have the event anyway.

The event began with a moving montage featuring the athletes themselves, sharing “stay safe, stay home” messages. The students were honored by keynote speeches from Connecticut Basketball Legend Rebecca Lobo and MLB veteran and 1987 CIAC Scholar Athlete Brad Ausmus.

Weaver High School’s Olivia Deleon-Gaston was featured in an on-air interview with Holt, representing scholar-athletes across the state.

There were many touching moments during this event, and we’re incredibly proud of the leadership Zaida Cotto and Abedin Abedini bring to Bulkeley High School, on the field and in the classroom.

Zaida Cotto and Abedin Abedini have just been named 2020 Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) Scholar Athletes. These brilliant students were selected based on their accomplishments on the field and in the classroom. To earn this honor, a student must be a leader on the field and maintain a GPA at or above 3.5.

Zaida Cotto has been a member of the Girls’ Volleyball Team for two years, and has earned two varsity letters. In addition, she has been on the cheerleading squad. Cotto maintains a high GPA and takes multiple Advanced Placement classes.

Abedin Abedini has been a member of the Boys’ Soccer Team for the past 4 years, and has earned four varsity letters in that time. Abedin also made the CCC All-Conference Team and played in the CHSCA All-Star Senior Game.  He is also a strong leader on the Boys’ Volleyball Team for the past three years, and was likely to assume a leadership role had the season not been cut short. He is a top student in the class, and maintains multiple Advance Placement and college-level courses.

Abedini and Cotto represent the Best of Bulkeley, and we’re very proud of their accomplishments.

Having scored 30 points in a big win over Bristol Central, Stevenson was nominated for Courant Athlete of the Week!