BCC Holds Pinning Ceremony for Nursing Graduates

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) held a traditional pinning ceremony for 40 graduates of the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program on Thursday, Jan. 16 at the Robert Boland Theatre on the main campus.  
 
The wearing of the school pin symbolizes the right to serve others, signifying the acceptance of the responsibilities of the practice of nursing and the educational preparation of the wearer. The ceremony is a nursing school tradition dating to the turn of the twentieth century. The gold center of the pin features the college seal, including the words "To travel hopefully."   
 
Five graduates received awards:  
 
Marcia Bailey received the Academic Excellence in Nursing Award, which is presented to the student who has the highest GPA within the ADN program and is given in acknowledgment of academic excellence in nursing. This award recognizes the student’s hard work and determination demonstrated in the pursuit of nursing knowledge.  
 
MacKenzie Muzzulin received the Clinical Excellence in Nursing Award, which is presented to a student who performs exemplary delivery of nursing skills in the clinical setting. This award recognizes the role of advocacy in nursing by promoting compassionate and holistic patient-centered care.  
 
Cortney Provenzano received the Professionalism in Nursing Award, which is presented to a student who is committed to high quality patient care, and who also serves as a role model for teamwork and collaboration. The award recognizes the importance of communication and critical thinking while promoting the positive image of nursing. 
 
Danna Toledo received the Berkshire Healthcare Systems Spirit of Caring Award, which is given to a graduating Associate Degree in Nursing student who best exemplifies the spirit of compassion. The recipient of this award is committed to clinical and service excellence, optimizes each patient interaction to its full potential, and shows caring and concern for patients and their families.  
 
Nodia Wright received the Bette B. Everson Memorial Nursing Award, which is given to the graduating Associate Degree in Nursing student who best exemplifies the personal characteristics of commitment, perseverance and professional growth. 
 
The ceremony honored the following Class of 2024 graduates: 
 
Connecticut 
 
Bloomfield: Symanther Grey 
 
Canaan: Marcos Irausquin 
 
Granby: Alysha Yard 
 
Norfolk: MacKenzie Muzzulin 
 
Suffield: Kristin Graeff 
 
 
Massachusetts 
 
Adams: Corrisa Regan 
 
Cheshire: Colleen McKearney 
 
Chicopee: Edwin Juma 
 
Clarksburg: Marcia Bailey, Aurie Delano, Carissa Hartman 
 
Dalton: Katie Higgins 
 
Great Barrington: Elizabeth Pevzner  
 
Hancock: Emily Condry  
 
Lanesboro: Tonya Burns, Jordan Rosier 
 
Lee: Alexandra Barnes, Alyssa Barnes, Michele Belliveau, Jennifer Donovan, Christina Tighe 
 
Lowell: Elizabeth Nazaire 
 
Pittsfield: Jaklyn Barbarotta, Bernice Cobbinah, Jocelyn Cote, Emily Greb, Rain Hajjar, Raisa Kachevsky, Elizabeth Kwaw, Madison Lamoureaux, Norah Moindi, Jennifer Phelps, Cortney Provenzano, Danna Toledo 
 
Shrewsbury: Stefan Stidsen 
 
Springfield: Auris Encarnacion, Frank Rogers, Nodia Wright 
 
West Springfield: Yuko Tasato 
 
Westfield: Leighan Toomey 
 
 
 

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Hinsdale OKs Police Department Audit After Fatal Shooting

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

HINSDALE, Mass. — The town has approved $25,000 for an administrative review of the police department, more than two months after police fatally shot 27-year-old Biagio Kauvil during a mental health crisis. 

Town Administrator Robert Graves said the shooting on Jan. 7 is not the only focus of the audit, and it will be several months before the Select Board receives a final report. 

During a special town meeting on March 11, an article appropriating $25,000 from free cash for an independent consultant to conduct a professional evaluation and audit of the Town's Police Department was approved. The audit includes a review of the department's policies, protocols, operations, and procedures, and concludes with a written report. 

"The Berkshire County District Attorney's Office and Massachusetts State Police are investigating the shooting, and we await their conclusions.  As we look to move forward, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, our insurance company (MIIA/Cabot Risk), and our legal counsel have recommended that the town hire an independent law enforcement consultant or firm to conduct a comprehensive administrative review of our police operation," Graves wrote in an email to iBerkshires on Friday. 

"This event is not their focus; they will assess the overall operation. We want a written assessment of our police operation's strengths and weaknesses to help Hinsdale make future changes and improvements." 

He said after completing the procurement process and signing a contract with a reputable consultant or business, it will most likely be several months before the Select Board receives the final report. 

"Still, it will help the town and police department move forward," Graves wrote. 

Last weekend, family and friends of Kauvil stood in Park Square asking for justice. A flier for the standout reads "Biagio was killed by police while experiencing a mental health crisis. Now, over seven weeks later, authorities have not yet provided any updates.

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