Drury Students Bring Musical 'Zombie Prom' To Life

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass.—Drury Stage Company will present the musical "Zombie Prom" at the Drury Performing Arts Center (DPAC) with three performances.
 
The production is led by students in various roles, including acting, technical work, costuming, set building, and stage management. Community members, school, and district personnel are providing mentorship and guidance.
 
According to a press release, "Zombie Prom" is a zany and heartfelt musical set in a 1950s high school where teen love and radioactive mishaps collide.
 
"This fast-paced show is musically challenging," said Leslie Appleget, District Arts and Communications Coordinator, also serving as production manager and producer of Zombie Prom. "Our students have risen to the challenge with remarkable dedication, commitment, and talent."
 
Performances are scheduled for:
  • Friday, April 11, at 7 PM
  • Saturday, April 12, at 2 PM and 7 PM
Ticket prices are $5 for students and senior citizens, and $10 for adults. Tickets will be available at the door. Proceeds will support future Drury Stage Company productions.
 
"I am so proud of our students," Stephanie Kopala, Drury High School principal said. "They are leading with determination and heart, demonstrating the true spirit of our Portrait of a Graduate competencies as responsible individuals, compassionate collaborators, and lifelong learners to create a memorable performance."
 
For the second year running, Drury Stage Company has partnered with the district’s 21st Century Afterschool Program to present performances in both the fall and spring semesters.
 
"Without strong, unwavering student leadership this production would have been difficult to achieve," Director of 21st Century Programs Annie Pecor said. "When student voice is met with dedicated educators elevating student ownership, magic happens."
 
While Zombie Prom contains content suitable for young adult audiences, attendees are encouraged to consider the maturity level of children elementary-age and younger before bringing them to the show. The production is appropriate for high school-aged students and older, but may not be suitable for younger audiences.
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Clarksburg Students Write in Support of Rural School Aid

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff

Mason Langenback calculated that Clarksburg would get almost $1 million if the $60 million was allocated equally.
CLARKSBURG, Mass. — Eighth-graders at Clarksburg School took a lesson in civic advocacy this week, researching school funding and writing letters to Beacon Hill that call for fully funding rural school aid. 
 
The students focused on the hardships for small rural schools and their importance to the community — that they struggle with limited funding and teacher shortages, but offer safe and supportive spaces for learning and are a hub for community connections.
 
"They all address the main issue, the funding for rural schools, and how there's a gap, and there's the $4 million gap this year, and then it's about the $40 million next year, and that rural schools need that equitable funding," said social studies teacher Mark Karhan.
 
A rural schools report in 2022 found smaller school districts cost from nearly 17 percent to 23 percent more to operate, and recommended "at least" $60 million be appropriated annually for rural school aid. 
 
Gov. Maura Healey has filed for more Chapter 70 school aid, but that often is little help to small rural schools with declining or static enrollment. For fiscal 2027, she's budgeted $20 million for rural schools, up from around $13 million this year but still far below the hoped for $60 million. 
 
Karhan said the class was broken into four groups and the students were provided a submission letter from Rural Schools Advocacy. The students used the first paragraph, which laid out the funding facts, and then did research and wrote their own letters. 
 
They will submit those with a school picture to the governor. 
 
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